Skip to main content

Recovery

AA Promises: What They Are and How They Bring Hope in Recovery

Written By

Amanda Stevens, BS

Key Points

  • The 12 AA Promises describe the emotional and spiritual rewards of working through recovery
  • These promises reflect real progress as people commit to sobriety
  • The promises are not quick fixes—they unfold over time with honesty and effort
  • Many people find hope and motivation by seeing these changes take shape

The AA Promises are a collection of hopeful messages found in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. They describe the emotional and spiritual growth that many people experience as they work through the addiction recovery process, especially after completing Step 9.[1]

These promises aren’t just words on a page; for many, they reflect real changes that come with sobriety, healing, and personal growth.

At meetings, the promises are often read aloud to remind people, especially those who are new, that recovery isn’t just about giving something up; it’s about embracing a new way of life. It’s about gaining something back.

Where the Promises of AA Come From

  • The promises appear in the Big Book just after Step 9, which involves making amends by AA members.
  • They aren’t rules or expectations—they’re descriptions of the good that can come from honest, consistent recovery work.
  • Many AA groups read them regularly to inspire people who are struggling and to celebrate the progress that’s possible.

What Is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a global fellowship of those who share their experiences, strength, and hope with one another to stay sober and help others recover from alcohol addiction.

It was founded in the 1930s and is based on a 12-step program that guides people through personal growth, accountability, and spiritual reflection.[2]

How It Works

Professionals don’t run AA—it’s a peer-based support group.

People come together at meetings to discuss their struggles and share their experiences of staying sober. There’s no cost to join, and it’s open to anyone who wants to stop drinking. The 12 steps are the heart of the program. They involve things like admitting the problem, making amends, helping others, and building a relationship with a higher power (whatever that means to each person). It’s a personal journey, and everyone moves through the steps at their own pace.

Why It Matters

AA gives people structure, support, and connection. Many find that hearing from others who’ve been through the same thing helps them feel less alone.

The program also encourages daily reflection, self-honesty, and long-term accountability—tools that can support lasting recovery and inner peace.[3]

Breaking Down the 12 Promises of Alcoholics Anonymous

aa promisesThe AA Promises describe the positive shifts that can occur as someone progresses in recovery and works toward a fulfilling life and wellbeing. They don’t all come at once, and they’re not guarantees—but many people say these changes show up slowly as they stay committed to the work.

Below is a breakdown of each promise, along with examples of how it can be applied in daily life.

Promise What It Can Mean in Real Life
1. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. You start to feel free from the weight of addiction and the emotions that once held you down. Joy becomes possible again.
2. We will not regret the past or wish to shut the door on it. You begin to accept your past for what it is—and even use it to help others—without being buried in shame or feelings of worthlessness.
3. We will understand the word serenity, and we will know peace. That constant fear or panic begins to quiet. You may not feel peaceful all the time, but moments of calmness start to emerge.
4. Regardless of how far down the scale we have progressed, we will see how our experience can benefit others. You realize that even your lowest points can have purpose, especially when they help someone else feel less alone.
5. Those feelings of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. Instead of feeling stuck or like you don’t matter, you begin to see your worth.
6. We’ll lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. You start thinking less about what you can get and more about how you can show up for others.
7. Self-seeking will slip away. The urge to manipulate or control things for one’s benefit fades as one grows in honesty and connection.
8. Our entire attitude and outlook upon life will change. The way you see yourself, others, and the world starts to shift, usually for the better.
9. Fear of people and also economic insecurity will leave us. You become more confident in relationships and less worried about survival. Stability feels possible.
10. We will intuitively know how to best handle situations that used to baffle us. Problem-solving gets easier. Instead of reacting in fear, you start trusting your gut and staying calm.
11. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves. You begin to sense something bigger than you is guiding the process, whether you call it God, recovery, or something else.
12. Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us—sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. These changes are real. They take time, but they happen—often when you least expect it.

How Do the Promises Show Progress in Sobriety?

The 12 Promises found in the AA Big Book aren’t just feel-good phrases—they point to real, meaningful changes that unfold during recovery. They show progress not just in staying alcohol-free, but in how someone begins to think differently, feel more grounded, and live with greater purpose.

These changes don’t usually happen overnight. They tend to build slowly, emerging gradually as a person continues to show up for themselves and do the work required to heal.

Progress, Not Perfection

  • The promises aren’t about being flawless or having everything figured out.
  • They’re instead about moving forward with a sense of purpose—one small change, one honest moment, one day at a time.
  • Some promises may appear early in recovery, such as feeling a little more hopeful or sleeping better. Others might take longer to appear, such as rebuilding trust with loved ones or finding genuine peace.

What matters most is the direction you’re heading, not how fast you’re going.

Milestones That Matter

  • Each promise can be viewed as a milestone—a signpost that indicates growth is occurring.
  • That might look like being able to face hard emotions without shutting down, or noticing that your first thought isn’t to run or lie.
  • These moments, big or small, can be incredibly motivating. Many people in recovery use the promises to reflect on how far they’ve come, especially in group settings or when working the steps with a sponsor.

They’re a reminder that change is possible—and already happening, even when it doesn’t feel obvious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the AA promises

The 12 AA Promises are a series of hopeful statements that appear in the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, specifically in the section following Step 9 of the AA principles.

These promises serve as a roadmap that describes the emotional, spiritual, and practical benefits many people begin to notice as they work through the 12 Steps. They discuss topics such as finding peace, letting go of fear, and living with purpose—milestones that signify personal growth and healing. The promises are often read aloud at AA meetings to remind people of the positive change recovery can bring.

Not exactly. The promises aren’t guaranteed outcomes, but many people who stay committed to recovery report experiencing these changes over time. They’re based on shared experiences within the AA community. Some people experience small shifts early in their sobriety, such as sleeping better or feeling more hopeful. Others notice deeper changes later, like rebuilding relationships or letting go of regret. The promises are often described as unfolding “sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly,” depending on the person and their path.

There’s no set timeline. Some people begin to notice certain promises within their first few months of sobriety, especially feelings of relief, clarity, or emotional stability. Others may take longer to experience deeper changes, such as forgiveness, spiritual growth, or long-term peace. The process is highly individual.

What matters most is consistency: showing up, staying honest, and continuing to work the program. Over time, those efforts tend to build on themselves, and that’s when the promises often start to take root.

The promises are traditionally associated with the 9th step, which involves making amends. That said, many people report feeling aspects of the promises earlier in their recovery, such as greater peace of mind or reduced fear, simply by taking small steps forward. Others find that working all 12 steps creates the deepest and most lasting changes.

While you don’t have to “complete” everything perfectly, staying engaged in the process is key. The more honest and open you are, the more these changes tend to unfold.

Yes. While the promises originate from the AA program, the principles behind them—such as honesty, accountability, service, and spiritual growth—can be meaningful for anyone in recovery.

You don’t have to be in a 12-step group to experience more peace, repair relationships, or cultivate self-awareness. However, AA provides a structure and community that many find helpful in reaching those milestones.

This is something you often hear in meetings. It usually means someone has started to experience some of the positive changes described in the AA Promises—for example, being able to sleep through the night, feeling more at ease in their skin, or facing challenges without turning to alcohol. It’s a way of acknowledging growth and encouraging others that real transformation is possible, even if it’s a slow process.

That’s okay—and it’s common. Recovery from a substance use disorder isn’t always a straight line. Some days are harder than others, and some people struggle with feeling stuck. The promises aren’t about perfection or speed—they’re about progress.

If you’re feeling discouraged, talking to a sponsor, sharing at meetings, or revisiting the steps can help. Sometimes, others will notice changes in you before you even see them in yourself.

The Ikon Recovery Editorial Guidelines

Creating premium quality resources and delivering high-value educational content is a responsibility we take seriously. In today’s fast-paced online world, there’s no shortage of content available, and every topic under the sun has been covered. However, not all content is created equal or with the same conscientious attention to detail and accuracy.

Editorial & Medical Review Guidelines

Sources

[1] Kelly, J. F., Humphreys, K., & Ferri, M. (2020). Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs for alcohol use disorder. Cochrane Library. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd012880.pub2

[2] Donovan, D. M., Ingalsbe, M. H., Benbow, J., & Daley, D. C. (2013). 12-Step Interventions and Mutual Support Programs for Substance Use Disorders: An Overview. Social Work in Public Health, 28(3–4), 313–332. https://doi.org/10.1080/19371918.2013.774663

[3] New research affirms the effectiveness of AA and other 12-Step programs in treating alcohol use disorder. (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/new-research-affirms-effectiveness-of-aa-and-other