Document Overview
The "Promises" of Alcoholics Anonymous appear on pages 83 and 84 of the Big Book, immediately following the instructions for making amends in Step 9. They describe the tangible emotional, psychological, and spiritual shifts experienced as a result of honest recovery work.
The Text of the Ninth Step Promises
If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through.
- We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.
- We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
- We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.
- No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.
- That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.
- We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.
- Self-seeking will slip away.
- Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.
- Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us.
- We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.
- We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.
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.
📄 Print Specifications
Clean, elegant layout on 8.5 × 11 inch paper. Widely read at the conclusion of recovery meetings, anniversary celebrations, and homegroup gatherings.
📥 Download Printable AA Promises PDF (Free)The Meaning of the Promises in Daily Sobriety
In active alcoholism, individuals frequently experience chronic anxiety, isolation, financial distress, and pervasive remorse. The Promises provide concrete hope that recovery transforms internal experience:
"We Will Not Regret the Past..."
Rather than feeling burdened by past mistakes, members find that sharing past hardships helps newcomers overcome shame and discover hope. Hard experiences become the primary tool for helping others.
"Fear of People and Economic Insecurity Will Leave Us"
As honesty replaces deception and amends rebuild damaged relationships, the constant fear of consequences subsides, replaced by practical serenity and self-worth.