AA Promises: What Are They and How Do They Apply In Recovery?

Overview of The AA Promises

The idea of AA promises refers to the positive outcomes described in The Big Book, the Alcoholics Anonymous core curriculum. These promises detail the experience of what it feels like after making amends and accomplishing the first nine steps. 

What Are The AA Promises? 

The promises outlined in The Big Book paint a picture of success and healing for those actively navigating the 12 steps and pursuing lasting recovery. They show the frame-worthy “after” photo of taking action and committing to meaningful change. 

They’re not promises like those that come with a manufacturer’s guarantee; rather, they’re “truisms”—things that are usually true for most people when you follow the prescribed process, in this case, the 12 steps. 

In chapter 5 of The Big Book, we see that these promises are a result of both surrender and control. Surrendering to the structured and effective process and control over personal participation and commitment. The chapter says this, “Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program…”[1] 

The Promises of AA

The AA Promises or Ninth Step Promises are found in Chapter 6 of The Big Book (p. 83-84), where it states the following:[2]

“If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are halfway through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity, and we will know peace. 

No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations that used to baffle us. 

We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us — sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them.” 

There’s so much to unpack here; let’s break them all down, one by one. 

More Freedom Now

Eliminating substances from your life and creating new, healthy habits releases you from the bondage of addiction. Now, you’re free to pursue other interests and hobbies and live life to your fullest potential. You can finally experience what it feels like to be unburdened and to see nothing but options open to you.

Greater Happiness In The Future

You no longer have to artificially manufacture the fleeting sensation of empty happiness with substances. You can experience the deep and liberating joy of true happiness of a life well-lived, of success and healing, of productivity and accomplishment. These are all natural by-products of the sober journey.

Less Regret Over The Past

You’ve intentionally taken the time to learn from the patterns and events of the past. Rather than a crippling regret, you can use your past to leverage a better future in pursuit of personal growth, spiritual growth, and lasting transformation.

Find Serenity and Experience Peace

It’s difficult for anyone to find serenity and inner peace in most adults’ rapid-fire day-to-day lives. It’s so much harder for someone battling alcohol or substance use. As you achieve sobriety and each day gets easier, you can experience a sense of deep, sustaining tranquility that isn’t wiped out by external influences or circumstances,

Offer Hope To Others

There’s a moral to every story, including yours. Even the darkest parts of your story can give insight, hope, and guidance to others who are just starting their own recovery journey. Throughout the later steps of the 12-step program, you begin to recognize how your experiences and recovery journey can positively impact others.

No More Self Pity

One of the primary emotions of someone battling drug or alcohol addiction is worthlessness. This often translates to self-pity and self-degradation that can leave scars that last a lifetime. As you cultivate mindfulness and positive coping skills, you make space for confidence, self-compassion, and acceptance, pushing self-pity out of the equation.

Lose Interest In Selfish Things

A key characteristic of someone struggling with alcohol or substance use disorder is acute selfishness. As you gain perspective and change thinking patterns and habits, you increase your interest in the well-being and success of others in a healthy way.

Self-Seeking Will Slip Away

Now that you’re no longer motivated by selfish desires, you are more invested in your community, your family, and the mark you want to leave on the world. This newfound selflessness is a valuable asset in your sober life.

A New Attitude

When every moment of the day is not spent thinking of, using, or acquiring alcohol or substances, the perspective you have on life shifts radically. You see the world in a whole new light, with clarity and a renewed sense of purpose that spurs you toward further success in every area of life.

Less Fear of People, Finances, and Everything

Many choices made in the fog of addiction and mental health challenges are based on fear. Without those chains holding you back and limiting your potential, you gain confidence instead of insecurity, stability instead of chaos, and hope instead of fear. This attitude shift will impact every aspect of your life in a positive way.

Confidence To Navigate Challenges

Addiction treatment and AA programs are more than just a step-by-step process for lasting sobriety. They are a systematic framework for building positive coping skills, cultivating resilience, building emotional stability, and learning strategies for living life in a healthy way.

A Recognition of Divine Intervention

A core tenet of the AA philosophy is a recognition of God or a higher power aiding one in the process of addiction recovery. There are so many ways in which we are Our Own Worst Enemy and where we create or ignore obstacles in our way.  By acknowledging Divine intervention, we recognize that strength and clarity often arrive when we need it most from somewhere outside of ourselves. 

How Do The AA Principles and Promises Apply In Recovery?

The promises of Alcoholics Anonymous are outcomes of the intention and action taken as part of AA meetings, support groups, completing the twelve steps, and staying true to the greater recovery process. Living out the reality of the promises in daily life offers fresh opportunities for growth and success.

Applying the promises in recovery requires you to believe the promises, invest time and energy into completing the steps, reflect on the desired outcome or the promises, be accountable to other AA members and leaders, practice a patient and steady commitment to sobriety, and maintain a consistent connection to support and treatment. Integrating outpatient treatment, the teachings of the AA Big Book, and peer support can transform intention into action and activate a spiritual awakening that supports your recovery journey.

Commit To Seeing The AA Promises Come To Life

These promises can be true for you and your loved one with the right support. You can overcome addiction and systematically build a fulfilling life through the AA community and make meaningful, positive changes every day. Reach out for support today to learn more.