AA Promises: What are They and What’s Their Role in Addiction Recovery

AA Promises: What are They and What’s Their Role in Addiction Recovery

AA promises are a set of rewards that people can achieve if they follow through with the Alcoholics Anonymous Program [1]. They are discussed in the “Big Book”, which details the Alcoholics Anonymous program for addiction treatment and recovery.

While the “Big Book” does not formally list out all of the Alcoholics Anonymous promises, many people turn to Chapter 6 of the AA Big Book and interpret a passage from it as one that refers to the promises of AA. From that, the AA promises were born.

Many people think of the promises of Alcoholics Anonymous as sources of encouragement for people as they work through the 12-step program of AA. While on their recovery journey, people can experience personal and spiritual growth, a healthier lifestyle, and a new outlook on life.What are the AA Promises?

AA promises give people hope and motivation as they go through their alcohol addiction treatment program. The promises show them the positive changes that await them once they achieve sobriety. Once they realize what is possible through the alcoholic anonymous promises, the hope is that they will want to see those promises fulfilled and avoid substance use. 

What is the Origin of the AA Promises?

The Alcoholics Anonymous promises were not written by someone who doesn’t know about the struggles of alcohol addiction. They are based on the collective experiences of AA members who have gone through the program and achieved sobriety. Since they come from the experiences of those deep in the trenches of alcohol addiction, many people look to them because they’re the real deal.

The AA promises originated in the second edition of the “Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous” in 1955 [2]. It was first known as the “Nine Promises”. They eventually evolved into 12 statements that provided a roadmap for people going through treatment.

The 12 Promises of AA

When people talk about AA promises, they are referring to these 12 statements [3]:

1. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.

This promise relates to the joy that comes with living a sober life.

2. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.

Acceptance and forgiveness are the pillars of this promise and are vital during treatment.

3. We will comprehend the word serenity.

This means that through recovery, people experience inner calm and a newfound peace.

4. We will know the peace.

This promise refers to the sense of calm that comes with embracing sobriety.

5. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experiences can benefit others.

Here, we’re talking about the power of personal experiences and how they can be used to help others in similar situations.

6. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.

This promise focuses on the shift in perspective that occurs during recovery to a more positive outlook on life.

7. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.

Through this promise, people learn how to incorporate the needs of the community into their lives.

8. Self-seeking will slip away.

This promise addresses the tendency of people to become more focused on others and less self-centered.

9. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.

The focus here is on the transformative powers of treatment so people can develop a new perspective.

10. Fear of people and of economic security will leave us.

A shift in mindset occurs during recovery that allows people to become less socially anxious and worried about money.

11. We will intuitively know how to handle situations that used to baffle us.

This promise focuses on the deeper understanding that people will achieve, which will help them better deal with their problems.

12. We will suddenly realize that a higher power is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.

This final promise refers to the realization people get that their recovery is not only based on their efforts, but also on the help of a higher power.

How Do AA Promises Affect Health or Recovery?

The AA promises can have a vital role in health and recovery from a substance use disorder because they provide hope of what is possible. There are many benefits to mental health and emotional well-being.

Mental Health Benefits

When people embrace the AA promises, they learn to focus on positivity and what’s possible when they’re sober. This can help them become more optimistic about their lives. Studies show that when people are positive, it can help to reduce anxiety and stress [4]. 

The promises encourage people to focus on self-improvement in daily life and to take one thing at a time. It also pushes them to take responsibility for their actions. This can help people improve their self-esteem and have a more positive self-image. If someone has greater self-esteem and a positive self-image, they are less likely to want to harm themselves by abusing alcohol. 

Improved Emotional Stability

When people embrace the Alcoholics Anonymous promises, they can give people a greater sense of purpose as they strive for personal growth. When you have something to strive for, it has a positive impact on your overall well-being.

In turn, this gives people greater emotional stability and can improve their overall emotional well-being.

This greater sense of emotional well-being can help to strengthen personal relationships that addiction may have negatively impacted. It can increase a person’s level of empathy, which can help them to feel more connected to others.

What are the Implications of Alcoholics Anonymous’ Promises?

Treatment Implications

The AA promises can have a positive impact on treatment because they can provide the positive spin on life that’s been missing. When people are dealing with an alcohol addiction, life can seem pretty grim. The promises give new hope for the fulfilling life sobriety can bring. They give people hope that they’ve lost and may have never thought could return.

The effects AA promises can have on addiction can mean the difference between staying on track and relapsing. Knowing that there is something better out there can help people want to remain sober. The promises of AA can give people the clarity they need to stay the course.

Spiritual Implications

While Alcoholics Anonymous is not a religious organization, there are many references to a higher power that can help with recovery [4]. While that can be God for some, it can mean something else to another person. 

Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder, Bill W., acknowledged in a 1965 writing that there are atheists and agnostics in AA [5]. He also said that there are people of every race, religion, and culture in AA. With that said, the AA promises encourage people to find their higher power, whatever that may mean for them. By acknowledging that people can get help from a higher power, they may also be able to spark spiritual growth that can help in their recovery.

How to Apply AA Promises in Daily Life

By applying the AA promises in daily life, people can begin to make amends for these wrongs and see what life still has to offer them. These are just some ways AA promises can be used in daily life.

• Shift from negativity to positivity by practicing gratitude for everything in life.
• Make self-care a priority so that you are healthy and ready to face life’s obstacles.
• Surround yourself with positive people, including support groups, family, and friends who believe in you.
• Trust that there is a higher power to guide you in your journey.
• Practice mindfulness to reduce stress and remain in the moment.

Doing these things can help realize the AA promises and the positive impact they can have on the recovery process.

Seek Help for Substance or Alcohol Addiction

If you or a loved one is dealing with alcohol addiction, seeking help is the first step. Taking early action can promote a healthy lifestyle for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About AA Promises