Working a 12-step program offers so much more than a life without drugs or alcohol. Here, we share 12 more Promises and Rewards to expect from 12-step recovery.
Originally published in 1939, the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous details the 12 Promises, which provide inspiration and hope for the members working on their recovery. Though the promises are outlined in the AA program (and typically read at most AA meetings), they can generally be extended to other 12-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous.
The 12 Rewards, which further elaborate upon the benefits of 12-step recovery, were later presented at the 1985 AA International Convention in Montreal, Canada. The Rewards were originally written by Ann C. of Niles, Ohio whose sobriety date was April 1,1948.
The 12 Promises and 12 Rewards
Promise # 1: We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.
Reward # 1: Hope instead of desperation
Promise #2: We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
Reward #2: Faith instead of despair
Promise #3: We will comprehend the word serenity.
Reward #3: Courage instead of fear
Promise #4: We will know peace.
Reward #4: Peace of mind instead of confusion
Promise #5: No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.
Reward #5: Self-respect instead of self-contempt
Promise #6: That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.
Reward #6: Self-confidence instead of helplessness
Promise #7: We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.
Reward #7: The respect of others instead of their pity and contempt
Promise #8: Self-seeking will slip away.
Reward #8: A clean conscience instead of a sense of guilt
Promise #9: Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.
Reward #9: Real friendships instead of loneliness
Promise #10: Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us.
Reward #10: A clean pattern of life instead of a purposeless existence
Promise #11: We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.
Reward #11: The love and understanding of our families instead of their doubts and fears
Promise #12: We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.
Reward #12: The freedom of a happy life instead of the bondage of an alcoholic obsession
This statement follows the 12 Promises outlined in the Big Book of AA:
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.
If you need support in achieving sobriety, First Step Recovery can help. Contact us today at 330.369.8022.
