We will not regret the past or want to close the door on it. Even if we once wished to shut the door on our past, the Promises assure us we no longer need to wish to shut or shut the door on it, as acceptance and healing become possible. We will understand the word serenity. The Promises also help improve mental health and well being, supporting recovery on multiple levels. No matter how far down the scale we go, we’ll see how our experience can benefit others. As we grow, we develop interest in our fellows and begin to lose interest in selfish behaviors, focusing more on helping others. Sometimes called the Promises of Step 9 of AA, the statements are technically part of Step 9, which it seeks to amend. Making amends is a crucial part of this process, fostering healing and transformation.
The Seventh Promise marks an interesting point in the relationship between the 12 Promises and the 12 Rewards. Some key points are that the Promises serve as guidance and motivation for recovery, offering a roadmap for personal growth. Although promises are described in the AA program (and are usually read at most AA meetings), they can generally be extended to other 12-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous. The twelve steps and AA principles are foundational to the Promises, supporting lasting change.
The Ninth Step Promises are presented as aloud readings at the end of AA meetings, usually before the closing prayer. Attending AA meetings and the support of AA members play a vital role in helping individuals work toward these Promises. The Big Book mentions that the 12 Promises “are being fulfilled among us, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. These are not AA promises guaranteed for everyone, but are realized through ongoing effort and by practicing AA promises living in daily life.
If you would like to learn more about Promises in AA or access a PDF version of the Promises, contact your local AA meeting representative. The alcoholics anonymous big book is the primary source for the Promises and their context in recovery. The AA program is based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, which are described, along with the Promises, in the AA Big Book. The program is designed to help individuals overcome addiction and stay sober as they progress through the steps. As you read the following, remember that these promises can come true if you only continue to nurture your recovery. Working the Promises leads to positive changes, emotional and spiritual growth, and ultimately a fulfilling life.
When people place the 12 Rewards to the 12 Promises in this way, they often combine the Third Promise and the Fourth Promise. This transformation is marked by the ability to lose interest in selfish pursuits, gain interest in others, and shift from focusing on selfish things to things and gain interest in helping others. The process involves losing interest in selfish things and selfish things and gain a new perspective.
Below, we will briefly review each of the 12 Promises and provide links to articles with more information on each of them. These extravagant promises offer hope to those in recovery, inspiring continued effort and belief in change.
But as we continue to work toward the 12 Promises, this line of defeatist thinking begins to dissipate. Feelings of uselessness and self pity, including self pity itself, are replaced by hope and self pity will disappear as part of the transformation.
Originally published in 1939, the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous details the 12 Promises, which provide inspiration and hope to members working on their recovery. As the Promises are realized, upon life will change, and situations that used to baffle us become manageable as we learn to handle situations with new tools.
AA’s 12 pledges are one of the cornerstones of the organization, helping countless people over the years recognize, accept and recover from alcohol addiction, one day at a time. The Promises also address economic insecurity, assuring that economic insecurity will leave and insecurity will leave us, resulting in less fear and greater confidence in the future.
Alcoholics Anonymous Pledges are useful because they provide people on the path to recovery and continued sobriety with a promise of hope. The Promises positively impact mental health and well being, and as seeking will slip away, self seeking and self seeking will slip, individuals experience greater peace and connection with others. When a person first enters an AA or NA meeting, they are likely to do so because they feel they have no other options.
The Importance of Higher Power in Recovery
One of the most significant aspects of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program is the concept of a Higher Power. While some may initially associate this with religious beliefs, AA encourages each individual to define their own Higher Power in a way that resonates personally—whether that’s a spiritual presence, the collective strength of the AA community, or an inner sense of guidance. This flexibility allows everyone on their recovery journey to find comfort and support, regardless of their background or beliefs.
The role of a Higher Power is deeply intertwined with the AA Promises. For example, the promise that “we will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves” speaks to the transformative power that comes from trusting in something greater than oneself. This realization often marks a turning point in recovery, where individuals begin to experience personal growth, emotional stability, and a new sense of hope. By opening up to the idea of a Higher Power, many find that they can comprehend the word serenity and start to know true peace, even in the midst of life’s challenges.
Developing a relationship with a Higher Power is encouraged through practices such as prayer, meditation, and self-reflection. These practices not only foster spiritual growth but also help individuals gain emotional stability and resilience. As members continue to attend AA meetings and engage with the AA community, they often find that their whole attitude and outlook upon life begin to change. The support and inspiration drawn from a Higher Power can help individuals stay motivated, make amends for past behaviors, and remain committed to the principles of the AA program.
The comfort and guidance provided by a Higher Power are especially valuable during difficult times. The AA Promises assure members that they will “comprehend the word serenity and know peace,” highlighting the sense of calm and security that can come from spiritual connection. This serenity is not just a fleeting feeling but a lasting foundation for recovery, helping individuals handle situations that used to baffle them and maintain lasting sobriety.
Ultimately, embracing the concept of a Higher Power is a vital part of achieving the AA Promises and building a fulfilling, sober life. By trusting in a Higher Power—however one chooses to define it—individuals can experience greater peace, personal growth, and a renewed sense of purpose. This spiritual foundation is what helps so many in the AA community find lasting recovery and a new freedom from alcohol addiction.