AA – Twelve Promises of Alcoholics Anonymous

The Twelve Promises of Alcoholics Anonymous describe the concrete psychological, emotional, and behavioural changes an individual can expect after completing the first nine steps.

The Twelve Promises originate in Chapter 6, “Into Action,” of the *Big Book*, following Step 9.

4 Primary Functions

The four primary functions of The Promises within the recovery framework of Alcoholics Anonymous include:

  1. Establishing Recovery Benchmarks: Providing verifiable internal and external indicators (such as freedom from obsessive thinking and economic anxiety) to assess progress and personal stabilization.
  2. Psychological Shift and Emotional Regulation: Describing the transition away from remorse, resentment, and fear toward mental peace, emotional stability, and self-acceptance.
  3. Reorientation of Motivation: Shifting focus from self-centred fear and isolation toward constructive social engagement, usefulness to others, and restored interpersonal relationships.
  4. Providing Proof of Efficacy: Offering pragmatic assurance to newcomers that continuous sobriety and structural life changes are attainable through disciplined adherence to the programme.

The Twelve Promises of Alcoholics Anonymous

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

Explore Alcoholics Anonymous and Twelve Step Programs

Explore Alcoholics Anonymous and Twelve Step Programs

Twelve Promises -Alcoholics Anonymous - AA - reconnecting with spirit with richard edward ward - richardedwardward.com

Explore with Richard

"I am practical and expect miracles, when I just take the first step forward every day."
-Richard Edward Ward
Thank You For Your Support
If the articles, recordings, podcasts, or other resources on richardedwardward.com have been helpful to you, here are the ways that you can support the work of Reconnecting With Spirit:
Blessings.
Thank you for your support. Please visit often.
Richard
Copyright © 1981 to 2026 by Richard Edward Ward. All rights reserved.

Shop on Amazon to find what you need

Scroll to Top