AA promises are rewards that people can reap from the 12 steps of recovery. Just like the 12 steps are a guide to sobriety, the 12 promises are a way to motivate members to stay sober and work on their recovery each day. Our men’s rehab in Colorado is a welcoming place that’s helped many get onto the road to recovery. With our alumni program, we stay with you on the lifelong journey.
Here you can learn more about the 12 AA promises and how Spero Recovery Center helps get people back on their feet and onto the path toward sobriety.
What are the 12 Promises in AA?
The promises of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are a set of positive outcomes that are described in Chapter 6 of the Big Book, which is the primary text of AA. These promises are often shared within AA meetings as a source of encouragement and hope for individuals in recovery. They describe the transformative changes that individuals may experience as they work through the 12-step program of AA, including newfound freedom, peace of mind, improved relationships, and spiritual growth.
The AA promises are based on the collective experiences of AA members who have found sobriety and fulfillment through the program, and they serve as a testament to the potential for healing and renewal that AA offers to those struggling with addiction.
Here are the 12 Promises of AA:
- New Freedom & Happiness: Experience a newfound sense of liberation and joy in life as you embark on the journey of recovery.
- Embrace the Past: Rather than dwelling on regrets, learn from past experiences and keep the door open for growth and transformation.
- Find Serenity: Understand and embrace the concept of serenity, finding peace amidst life’s ups and downs.
- Inner Peace: Discover a sense of calm and tranquility within yourself, regardless of external circumstances.
- Benefit Others: Even in your darkest moments, recognize how your experiences can offer hope and support to others on their paths to recovery.
- Overcome Self-Pity: Shed feelings of worthlessness and self-pity, making space for self-compassion and empowerment.
- Embrace Community: Shift focus from self-centered pursuits to genuine connection and empathy for others in the recovery community.
- Release Self-Interest: Let go of selfish desires and motivations, allowing room for selflessness and altruism.
- Change in Perspective: Experience a profound shift in attitude and outlook on life, seeing the world with newfound clarity and optimism.
- Freedom from Fear: Break free from the grip of fear and insecurity, gaining confidence and stability in your interactions with others and your financial situation.
- Navigate Challenges: Develop intuitive skills and resilience to face challenges head-on, finding solutions where once there were only obstacles.
- Divine Intervention: Realize the presence of a higher power guiding your journey, providing strength and support when you need it most, even in moments of doubt or difficulty.
What is the Origin of the AA Promises?
The AA Promises originated in the second edition of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1955, initially known as the “Nine Promises.” They were conceived as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those embarking on the journey of recovery. Evolving, these promises expanded to twelve statements, offering a comprehensive roadmap to a brighter future.
These affirmations were born out of a recognition within the AA community of the profound need for encouragement and positive reinforcement. Many individuals grappling with addiction face overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and despair. The AA promises serve as a guiding light, illuminating the path toward transformation and renewal, and instilling faith in the possibility of a fulfilling life free from the grip of addiction.
How to Apply AA Promises to Your Life
Living the promises of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in daily life involves integrating key principles and practices into one’s routine to foster personal growth, sobriety, and well-being. Here are some ways individuals can apply the promises of AA to their everyday lives:
Start each day by expressing gratitude for the blessings in your life, no matter how small. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply reflecting on things to be thankful for can shift your focus from negativity to positivity.
Incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful walking into your daily routine. Mindfulness helps you stay present in the moment, reduce stress, and cultivate inner peace.
Look for opportunities to give back and serve others in your community. Whether it’s volunteering at a local charity, helping a friend in need, or simply offering a kind word to a stranger, acts of service foster a sense of purpose and connection.
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 and relaxation. Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally lays the foundation for overall well-being.
Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and fellow AA members who understand your journey and provide encouragement and accountability. Lean on your support system during challenging times and share your successes and struggles openly and honestly.
Embrace a growth mindset by viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and personal growth. Set realistic goals for yourself and take consistent steps towards achieving them, celebrating your progress along the way.
Cultivate trust in a higher power or spiritual belief system that aligns with your values and provides comfort and guidance in times of uncertainty. Surrender control over outcomes and trust that things will unfold as they are meant to.
By incorporating these practices into daily life, individuals can align themselves with the promises of AA, experiencing greater peace, fulfillment, and sobriety on their journey of recovery.
What is the Most Popular AA Slogan?
AA has many sayings, or slogans, that help motivate members to stick to their sobriety. One popular slogan is, “One day at a time.” This slogan reminds those on a recovery journey that maintaining sobriety is a choice every day and each day you can make more progress. Here are some other phrases that people find helpful:
- Easy Does It
- Let Go and Let God
- Progress, Not Perfection
- This Too Shall Pass
- Keep Coming Back
- It Works if You Work It
- Surrender to Win
- Gratitude is the Attitude
Where Can You Learn the Promises of AA?
At Spero Recovery, men seeking residential treatment have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Through comprehensive 12-step immersion, individuals can learn and embody the principles and promises of AA as outlined in the “big book.”
Spero’s residential program provides a supportive and structured environment where men can engage in regular “big book” study sessions and read and learn from the AA book. These sessions offer invaluable insights and guidance, helping individuals deepen their understanding of the promises of AA and integrate them into their recovery journey. The sessions include a focus on the AA promises, so members can learn and start to live by the promises. With a focus on holistic healing and spiritual growth, Spero Recovery empowers men to embrace a life of sobriety, fulfillment, and purpose. Call us today to learn how we can help you or a loved one overcome addiction.
