The 12 Promises of Alcoholics Anonymous

The 12 promises of Alcoholics Anonymous are presented in Chapter 6 of the Big Book of AA titled “Into Action.” The person committed to recovery believes: “We would go to any lengths for victory over alcohol.” The chapter continues the tenets of the 12-step program by explaining the necessity of following up with a fearless moral self-inventory by making amends to people harmed through our alcohol addiction.

As part of the process of righting the wrongs committed in addiction, the promises motivate us to continue the difficult process of changing our lifestyle to demonstrate that the amends are genuine and not just another empty apology.

What are the 12 Promises in AA?

The 12 promises are featured in The Big Book of AA. They are the following:

“If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are halfway through.”

The forgiveness given to us by others often surprises and liberates us.

“We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.”

Being forgiven is not the goal of making amends. However, knowing that we have done everything we can to right our wrongs gives us a sense of release from the guilt and shame built up by our addictions.

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

By admitting and embracing our flaws, we are able to completely integrate our identity as recovering alcoholics and release the shame that has haunted us in our addiction.

“We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.”

In stark contrast to the chaos of addiction, serenity and peace are the results of fully accepting ourselves for who we are, regardless of other’s opinions.

“No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.”

As we recover from a terrible disease, we want to help others to also recover and are willing to reach back into the darkness to guide others to the light of life without alcohol.

“That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.”

Recovery gives our life a new purpose and meaning.

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

Slowly or suddenly, we begin to realize we are not the center of the universe, and that others are an important part of our life.

“Self-seeking will slip away.”

We are relieved that we are not God, and we do not have to be in control of everything.

“Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.”

Everything is different moving forward in life. Old habits, acquaintances, and desires pass away, and new hope is born.

“Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us.”

While it may take some time, external parts of our lives will also recover from the damage from our addictions.

“We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.”

I will see the world with new eyes, knowing that I do not have to react the way I used to.

“We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.”

In surrendering to a higher power, we know that we are not alone and that help is only an ask away.

What is the origin of the AA promises?

The Big Book of AA was written in 1939 and featured the stories of people who have recovered from alcoholism. In 1955, a second edition was printed and included the AA promises.

Written in the form of affirmations, the promises in the 12 Step program act as motivation and inspiration for you to work through the difficult phases of changing your lifestyle from one of addiction to recovery. As part of a peer support system, these promises help sponsors support sponsees as they progress through the 12 steps.

How to Apply the AA Promises?

Applying the promises of AA is first and foremost done through practicing the 12 steps. One practice includes keeping a gratitude journal that focuses on the positive outcomes of sobriety.

Another practice is making sure self-care is a priority without becoming self absorbed or self seeking. The 12 steps spell out other methods, such as meditation, prayer, mindfulness, intentionality, and remaining committed to self improvement. Overall, the promises are fulfilled by surrendering to a higher power.

Why are the AA Promises Important?

The 12 promises of AA cannot be separated from working the 12 Steps. The Big Book of AA states, “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.”

Some may question the spiritual aspect of recovery. While the 12 step program is non-denominational, the concept of a higher power is central to recovery.

Chapter 4 in The Big Book of AA is titled “We Agnostics” to emphasize that the program is not a religion, but a process for accepting a lack of power over alcoholism and the need for something greater than ourselves to help overcome our addiction.

The promises of AA’s big bookare an integral part of how positive reinforcement supports the process of becoming and staying sober through a spiritual surrender. They help motivate and support the difficult process of keeping on track throughout your recovery.

The promises remind us that we are worth the struggle, others are worth the effort to help, and, instead of the chaos of our addiction, we find peace.

Where can I find information about Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 promises?

The following websites can provide additional information on the Alcoholics Anonymous program, the 12 promises, and where to find meetings.

What are the Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction?

Evidence suggests that the longer a person stays in treatment, the greater the outcome of long term sobriety. Treatment step down follows this pattern along with 12 step peer support groups and medication assisted treatment (MAT), which may be ongoing throughout the treatment process.

Withdrawal and stabilization, often called detox, can take 3 to 5 days. This can be managed in either an outpatient or inpatient setting, depending on the severity of symptoms and individual needs. The appropriateness and safety of each approach should be determined by your doctor or healthcare professional.

Inpatient residential lasts 25 to 30 days in group and individual sessions.

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) consist of 1 to 2 weeks of groups lasting between 4 and 6 hours per day.

Intensive outpatient program (IOP) lasts 9 to 12 hours per week for 10 to 12 weeks in group settings.

Outpatient and aftercare (OP) can consist of up to 3 hours per week in follow up visits. Each session can be in an individual or group format. For individuals on long term medication assisted treatment (MAT), these programs provide ongoing support and medication management as part of their recovery plan.