9th Step Promises: Experiencing True Freedom in Recovery

The 9th step promises in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous detail the deep transformations in emotional and spiritual health you can expect in recovery when you work diligently (and painstakingly) on cleaning up the wreckage of your past.

The promises found in the other steps have a different nature completely than the new happiness and freedom found by humbling ourselves to take this vital step. Some will have occasional inspiration gradually while many with even a willingness to do this step as outlined will have a sudden and profound amazement that changes their whole attitude toward life and the people in it.

Understanding the 9th Step Promises

The 9th Step Promises are an outline of what you will experience when taking this vital step in the recovery process. Although the step 9 promises are clearly defined and outlined, marking substantial enhancements in both emotional and spiritual fitness, it is often difficult to truly put into words the personal experience each of us have.

These promises of AA transcend more than just sobriety from alcohol and drugs, they indicate a shift towards a richer and more profound transformation within one’s life. They are especially significant as they introduce us to a new dimension of existence that cultivates joy, serenity, and purpose for those on the path of recovery.

In the Big Book, they are outlined as follows:

“If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are halfway 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 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.”

Recovered On Purpose helps people work through the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, providing guidance and resources to support their recovery journey.

Detailed Breakdown of the 9th Step Promises

Embarking on the 9th step heralds a significant transformation in both emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Those dedicated to their recovery process are assured these step 9 promises, which bring about extraordinary freedom and joy while having a real spiritual experience.

It is essential to grasp every nuance of the ninth-step promises of aa. Each assurance offers a substantial transition in our existence, from acquiring new freedom and happiness to overcoming feelings of uselessness and self-pity.

A deeper dive into these “extravagant promises” demonstrates their reality unfolding within our journey of recovery, doing the work, and experiencing certain spiritual beliefs coming true.

New Freedom and Happiness

The journey of the amends process gives a promise of experiencing a new freedom and a new happiness. New is defined as not existing before, made, introduced or discovered recently. This means you can only have this experience through this step and you have never had it before.

People working this amends step begin to feel a sense of true liberty and joy in their sobriety as they give the things they are not in control of to God and taking care of the things they are in control of by cleaning up the wreckage of their past and not causing more harm in the present.

This newfound state of freedom and happiness comes from the acceptance of the past being in the past and doing what we can in the present. When we take such a position, when we go on such an errand as to take responsibility for our lives and do what we need to to clean up our relationships, even our enemies will often live at peace with us and be proud of the work we are doing.

No Regrets About the Past

Embracing our history without remorse or shame about the things we have done is the essence of step 9 while doing what is in our control to clean it up. This acceptance plays a crucial role in maintaining sobriety, as harboring regret can foster self-loathing and may trigger a return to old habits.

By acknowledging our past, we learn to forgive ourselves, which nurtures personal development and fosters momentum towards positive progress. The more we think about the past, the more we are doomed to repeat ourselves and go back to it. Making amends makes it possible for us to live in the present, focusing on building the life of our dreams in recovery.

Comprehending Serenity and Knowing Peace

Advancing through the 9th step amends process cultivates a profound appreciation for serenity and enhances our sense of well-being and security. As we navigate recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, these promises allow us to comprehend the word serenity by doing the things we are in control of (cleaning up the past with amends) and allowing our Higher Power to take control of the things we are not in control of (the way people react and our future).

In this journey, we not only grasp the true meaning of the word serenity, but we experience it inside of our soul while we also see loneliness disappear as we nurture our overall wellness. When we know peace, it is not just knowing the definition, in the context of the AA promises, it is about getting truly acquainted with the experience of peace.

Using Past Experiences to Benefit Others

No matter how far down the scale we have gone, a new power flow will come over us at some point in this step, and we will suddenly realize everything we have been through in our addiction is our greatest superpower to help others. You can watch my TEDx Talk about Relapse Prevention and using the stories from our pasts to help others.

Recovered On Purpose helps people in addiction recovery share their personal recovery stories effectively, carrying the AA message to those still suffering.

Sharing personal recovery stories contributes to our own healing while helping others feel like they are not alone in their suffering. The effect of the 9th step promises on relationships is a common testimony, promoting stronger bonds. Leveraging previous experiences for the advantage of others not only heightens our concern for their well-being, but also strengthens communal support. Our whole attitude will change and on such a footing, we will be ready to live long and happy in recovery bringing others with us.

Disappearance of The Feeling of Uselessness and Self-Pity

Adhering to the 9th Step Promises leads to a dissipation of feelings of uselessness and self-pity. Through service, these negative emotions are converted into a commitment to helping others, thus elevating one’s sense of self-worth. As recovery progresses, an increase in self-worth accompanies the reduction in sensations of worthlessness and indulgence in self-pity.

Shift from Selfishness to Empathy

Spiritual development transitions our focus from being self-absorbed to having an authentic concern for the well-being of others. This growth engenders a willingness to undertake actions that benefit others instead of pursuing selfish gains. By aiding those around us, we nurture a sense of purpose and satisfaction, which in turn reduces sensations of worthlessness and self-pity. It is important to remember that indulging in selfish acts can impede our spiritual progress.

Diminished Self-Seeking

As we shift our attention away from self-centeredness and towards the community, there is a noticeable decrease in self-seeking behavior. By focusing on communal support rather than individual gains, not only does this foster peer solidarity, but it also strengthens relationships and enriches the process of recovery.

Changing Attitudes and Outlooks

Embracing fresh perspectives and taking personal accountability becomes standard practice. Our whole manner and perspective undergo a transformation, nurturing positivity and a sense of duty. This alteration bolsters our link to a greater mission, encouraging a life devoid of addiction.

Relief from Fear and Economic Insecurity

Embracing sobriety not only dispels fears surrounding social interactions, but also enhances financial stability, mitigating economic insecurity. The transformative power of the 9th Step is highlighted by its ability to ease daily challenges through the alleviation of concerns regarding both interpersonal relations and fiscal uncertainty.

Intuitive Problem-Solving

Our capacity to take on responsibilities improves with sobriety. Situations that previously perplexed us are now addressed with intuitive ease, demonstrating the efficacy of the 9th Step Promises in bestowing this problem-solving skill.

Realization of God’s Role

Embracing the 9th step leads to an awareness of the role a higher power plays in our recovery, as we learn that entrusting our lives to this greater force can profoundly shape our path toward healing. This acknowledgment unveils transformations within us—alterations unattainable on our own—and underscores the spiritual principles inherent in embracing the 9th Step.

The Importance of the 9th Step Promises

Alcoholics Anonymous lays out twelve promises that offer those in recovery a sense of hope and the prospect of attaining peace. They mark the beginning of an altered existence, one that pivots from self-centeredness towards a life with greater consideration for others. The importance placed on repairing broken bonds and owning up to previous wrongs is underscored by these AA promises.

Committing to the 9th Step Promises can often result in profound improvements within an individual’s journey toward sobriety. This path emphasizes humility and the readiness to rectify past mistakes, promoting personal development. These step promises highlight the need for persistent effort in their realization, which paves the way for lasting trustworthiness and alleviates apprehension related to making amends.

Personal Experiences with the 9th Step Promises

I remember when I was going through my ninth step amends and began feeling the promises in my life almost immediately after beginning. There were a few I was a bit afraid to make, but after getting some of the easier ones out of the way, I lost the fear of facing people for the things I had done in the past I was unable to change.

Once I began sponsoring others, I started to really witness the 9th step promises as they are intended because it is much easier for us to see the promises changing someone else’s life than our own. I recently watched a sponsee go from being afraid of facing his boss to make an amends because of what might happen to him, to making the amends with his boss and having his whole outlook upon life changed and he has a new attitude about wanting to give everything in his life the very best effort he possibly can.

You never know exactly how the promises of aa will show up in your life while doing the amends, but they always show up for those who are painstaking about this phase of their development.

Stories of Transformation Through The AA Promises

Volunteering or making charitable donations are forms of indirect amends that can be particularly effective when direct contact is not possible with someone you harmed in the past. This could be a grandfather that passed away, or an old friend, colleague, or relationship that is unwilling to meet with you for the amends; a not-so-uncommon occurrence for people like us.

When we begin engaging in both direct and indirect amends, it becomes a way of life to treat others and the world around us like this personal transformations that are at the heart of one’s recovery journey. Committing to living amends fosters personal development and beneficially influences those in our surroundings.

Lessons Learned

Reflecting on one’s path to recovery ensures a sense of inner peace. The process of observing the recuperation in people and providing support is a priceless element within the voyage to sobriety. By sharing one’s own tales of overcoming addiction, it allows for a shared connection and supports others in their struggles.

Engaging closely with other alcoholics reveals an effective safeguard against relapse into drinking habits.

Advice for Newcomers

Individuals who are new to overcoming addiction will discover an exhilarating sense of freedom and joy. By embracing their history without remorse, they pave the way for self-compassion and developmental strides forward. This progress is marked by a decline in feelings of uselessness and self-pity, which in turn boosts their sense of self-value.

As these individuals adjust their perspectives, positive changes become second nature, allowing them to face life with newfound lucidity and assurance.

Making Amends: A Path to Fulfilling the 9th Step Promises

The ninth step emphasizes the importance of accepting one’s history to aid in the recuperation of others. When engaging in making amends, individuals often discover that being transparent and susceptible can catalyze unforeseen therapeutic experiences. There are typically three ways to make amends: directly addressing those harmed, making indirect amends when direct ones aren’t possible or appropriate, and adopting a lifestyle that embodies living amends.

By acknowledging past actions, we gain strength to support our peers within the recovery community. The process of making direct or other forms of amends is an ongoing path towards self-improvement which necessitates both diligence and a dedicated pursuit of personal growth.

Direct Amends – AA Promises

Taking responsibility for previous actions and facing those you’ve hurt is at the core of making direct amends. This may involve arranging meetings, initiating phone calls, sending emails, or utilizing various other forms of communication. While fear of retaliation or rejection might make this process anxiety-inducing, it builds bravery and greatly enhances both interpersonal relationships and emotional well-being.

When embarking on this process, do so with deliberate care to ensure that your actions reflect genuine sincerity and are clearly defined. Accept the path ahead without apprehension about instant results.

Indirect Amends – 9th Step Promises

When it is not feasible or suitable to make direct contact with the person who has been hurt, making indirect amends becomes necessary. This might happen in situations where reaching out to the affected party cannot be done, or if permanent damage makes reconciliation unattainable.

Engaging in activities such as volunteering, charitable contributions, and assisting others are ways through which one can make meaningful reparations for previous wrongdoings. Such actions not only aid in personal recovery, but also significantly enhance the well-being of others.

Living Amends – Ninth Step Promises

Ongoing lifestyle adjustments and a dedication to steering clear of previous harmful actions are at the heart of living amends. This path toward continual improvement underscores the need for patience and receptiveness, showcasing how making beneficial life decisions consistently is crucial.

The process of living amends not only fosters individual development but also exerts a favorable influence on our immediate circle, aiding in overcoming addiction as we strive to face life successfully.

Summary About The 9th Step Promises

The 9th Step Promises are not mere declarations. They serve as a navigational tool leading to an existence characterized by liberation, joy, and tranquility. Engaging earnestly with Alcoholics Anonymous’ twelve steps brings these vows into actualization, eliciting significant transformations in our lives. Whether it’s uncovering freedom and joy or honing an instinct for tackling problems and discovering a profound direction in life, these pledges shepherd us toward a richly rewarding existence.

To fully realize the benefits of the 9th Step Promises, dedication, modesty, and readiness to atone for previous misdeeds. This process is not only self-beneficial, but also aids in mending others around us. Navigating through recovery may present its hurdles. Under the guidance of these step promises, we find ourselves equipped to attain inner peace, enhanced well-being, and intentional living. Allow these assurances to motivate your continued pursuit towards healing with confidence and resolute willpower.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 9th Step Promises

What are the AA promises?

The AA promises are a set of spiritual and emotional transformations that occur as a result of doing amends in Step 9 of the 12 Steps. They describe the freedom, peace, and happiness that come from making amends, overcoming fears, and living by spiritual principles.

What page are the 9th Step Promises on?

The 9th Step Promises are found in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous on pages 83-84. They describe the profound changes that occur when we are “painstaking about this phase of our development,” referring to the process of making amends.

What is the difference between apologizing and making amends?

An apology is saying “I’m sorry,” but making amends is taking action to right the wrong. Amends in AA involve directly addressing harm caused, asking what we can do to make it right, changing our behaviors, and restoring trust where possible, rather than just expressing regret. We make amends without expectations of others.

What does “self-seeking will slip away” mean?

This phrase from the 9th Step Promises means that as we progress in recovery, we naturally become less focused on selfish desires. Instead, we begin to genuinely care about and prioritize the well-being of others. Our entire outlook on life changes, and we have a true desire to help others.

What does “a new freedom and a new happiness” feel like?

This promise describes the relief of no longer being controlled by addiction, guilt, or fear. It’s the joy of living with integrity, free from shame, and experiencing genuine connection, gratitude, and peace in sobriety. The word “new” means exactly that—never felt before.