Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an established organization that has helped people recover from alcohol addiction for decades. While the AA 12 Steps are the organization’s best-known tool, there are several crucial aspects of AA that help people stay on the path of sobriety.

The 12 Promises of AA, or the AA Promises, are a pillar of the organization and act as “mile markers” to stay resolute in sobriety. Learn more about the AA Promises and how they help in recovery.

What Are the 12 Promises of AA?

The 12 Steps of AA are well known and touted as methods to stay sober. The AA Promises are part of the 12 Steps. They may be known as the “AA 9th Step Promises” and deal with making amends.

The 12 AA Promises offer a list of things to look forward to in recovery. They’re found in the “Big Book,” the official guide to Alcoholics Anonymous, in Chapter 6: “Into Action” on pages 83-84.[1] They’re presented as out-loud readings at the end of AA meetings, typically before the closing prayer.

Here are the 12 AA Promises:[2]

• Promise 1: We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.
• Promise 2: We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
• Promise 3: We will comprehend the word serenity.
• Promise 4: We will know peace.
• Promise 5: No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.
• Promise 6: The feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.
• Promise 7: We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.
• Promise 8: Self-seeking will slip away.
• Promise 9: Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.
• Promise 10: Fear of people and economic insecurity will leave us.
• Promise 11: We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.
• Promise 12: We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.

How to Interpret the 12 AA Promises

People in recovery often begin to see positive changes in their lives as they work through the 9th Step, which is making amends. This includes a shift in attitude and perception, including feelings of freedom and happiness, new perspectives, acceptance of self and others, and a renewed purpose or direction in life.

In doing so, people restore their hope and faith, learn to be selfless, and experience less fear or stress. They also earn redemption for their past behaviors while they are struggling with addiction and gain a fresh start.

The “Big Book” refers to the AA Promises as “being fulfilled among us – sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly.”[3] Some members experience the Promises early, while others venture into them gradually. Most importantly, the 12 Promises can be as unique as the individual experiences and may come to different people at different times.

After the promises, the book says, “If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are halfway through.”[4]

How Do the AA Promises Help in Recovery?

AA is built on four sources of guidance:

• Attending AA meetings and gaining mentorship from other members who have practiced the 12 Steps and applied the AA principles to their lives.
• Gaining guidance from the program, the “Big Book,” the 12 Steps, and their instructions.
• Establishing a relationship with a Higher Power, in whatever form, and trusting in its wisdom.
• Creating a hopeful vision of the future and finding the inner will to realize it.

The fourth source, the self, is why the Promises are so important. They describe the possible future if you commit to recovery and assure you it can be the outcome. The 12 Promises promise hope and redemption.

Combined with the other tools of AA, people can free themselves from the cycle of addiction, cravings, and the need to control while gaining feelings of gratitude, meaning, and purpose.

Each AA Promise provides inspiration and a path forward, particularly for people new to recovery. That’s why they’re included in the 9th Step, or making amends, to instill feelings of purpose and discourage regret.

Where Did the AA Promises Come From?

The AA Promises originated in the second edition of Alcoholics Anonymous’s “Big Book” in 1955. Originally, there were nine Promises, but they’ve evolved to include 12 statements that provide a roadmap to the future.

As the AA community grew and evolved, there was a recognized need for encouragement and positive reinforcement. Many people struggling with addiction face overwhelming feelings of hopelessness. The AA Promises can be transformative, instilling faith in the possibility of a full life without substances.

How to Use AA Promises

Living according to the pillars of AA involves integrating the key principles into your routine. Here are some ways you can apply the promises:

• Practice gratitude for life’s blessings, no matter how small, to shift from negativity to positivity.
• Cultivate mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing to stay in the moment and reduce stress.
• Serve others and give back to your community with volunteering or other acts of service, even just offering kind words to a stranger.
• Prioritize self-care by nourishing your body, mind, and spirit. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that bring you joy.
• Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and members who understand your struggle and provide accountability and encouragement.
• Stay committed to growth and view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth with realistic goals and efforts.
• Trust in a higher power or belief system that aligns with your values and provides comfort and guidance.

Getting Help for Addiction

While the pillars of AA and the 12 Promises can be incredibly helpful in recovery from addiction, they’re not enough to overcome addiction on their own. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, a comprehensive addiction treatment program is necessary to build a strong foundation and skills for long-term sobriety.