Remember though, these promises only apply to alcoholics working the steps. This is the blue print of the 12 step recovery programs. Chapter 6 into action of the big book contains the 9th step promises which describes the 12 step program of alcoholics anonymous. The promises of recovery are found all through the big book. The promises are from pages 8384 of the big book and cover the promises of what will happen when we diligently work the steps of the 12 step program. We were having trouble with personal relationships, we couldnt control our emotional natures, we were a prey to misery and depression, we couldnt make a living, we had a feeling of uselessness, we were full of fear, we were unhappy, we couldnt seem to. The big book promises all of them, so far friends of bill w. At some point in our sobriety, we begin to believe in the promises of sobriety laid out in the big book of alcoholics anonymous. We have begun to learn tolerance, patience and good will toward all men, even our enemies, for we look on the them as sick people. Step five admitted to god, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. First written in 1939, the 4th edition was published in 2001. The ninth step promises are a section of the big book where recovering. Its core treatment philosophy is based on a personal improvement plan that is outlined in 12 specific action steps. But scarcely any step is more necessary to longtime sobri.
Our goal is to study the steps as a friendly, focused group, and work them as the authors of the big book described. The big book promises all of them, so far many of us have heard of the ninth step promises from page 8384 of the big book of alcoholics anonymous. The big book has given me that comfort and the push to. To many people, they represent the promises of aa, and so many would be surprised to know that each of the 12 steps has a promise associated with them. The ninth step promises these promises begin to occur once we start working our step nine amends page 8384 from the book, alcoholics anonymous if we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. Being all powerful, he provided what we needed, if we kept close to him and performed his work well. Its words and interpretations are left up to the reader to use as they choose. The 164 and more book, ebook, and web site are all concordances which display passages from the big book alcoholics anonymous, the twelve steps and twelve traditions, and the a. I try to bring goodness where previously i had brought discord and destruction. When it comes to ego defl ation, few steps are harder to take than five. Big book of alcoholics anonymous 11th step meditation.
Alcoholics anonymous aa is a group therapy program for people suffering from alcoholism. Some of the promises are directly associated with completion of a step. There exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful. The big book of alcoholics anonymous includes 12 promises of sobriety that. The aa promises are found on pages 8384 of chapter 6, into action in alcoholics anonymous, also known as the big book written by bill wilson and dr. The alcoholics anonymous twelve steps and twelve traditions book states. However, each step has promises associated with it. It is the basic text of the fellowship of alcoholics anonymous, and has helped large numbers of alcoholic men and women, young and old, recover as of december 2009, 30,664,881 copies of the big book have been sold or otherwise distributed source aa gso ny. When practicing the third step we discover the spaciousness for a variety of positive and useful beliefs about a higher power. There are, however, additional promises in the big book. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
In reality the promises werent limited to just material things, and there are in fact specific promises related to each of the 12 steps. While not formally called the promises, each step offers its own promise as to what the individual working it can receive. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. Almost always we want to go further and admit other defects that have made us.
Reprinted from the big book of alcoholics anonymous with permission of a. Lastly, i would like to share that the promises written in the aa big book move me to want to make those amends to which i resist. When a person begins their 12step journey in alcoholics anonymous, it is with the hope that their life will change for the better as a direct result. The text of this document, original manuscript, was left just as it originally appeared in 1938. Aa promises alcoholics anonymous lionrock recovery.
I find time to do and say things that would help heal the damage that i have done. You may find the complete text on the official web site of alcoholics anonymous on this page you can discover what this book tells about. These last three steps keep us current and help us to continue to solidify the foundation of our recovery. Many times in twelve step support meetings we will hear the promises read.
The 12 promises of aa are presented as part of working step 9, which involves making amends. The aamazingtabs enable you to reference the steps, prayers, promises and much more at a glance. You may reproduce materials of the big book bunch, provided. The wisdom from the big book isnt limited to 10 quotes. These are the promises that come true as a result of working the ninth step.
If we are painstaking about this phase of our development we will be amazed before we are halfway through. Aa promises the aa big book 12step promises of recovery. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. When the addict actually brings about in a physical way some sort of reparation for past behavior there is an inner imprint, which is made in the psyche of the addict. Included is all material from inside the front cover through page 164, plus appendices i traditions and ii spiritual experience. Made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way. Great events will come to pass for you and countless others p. The promises from pages 8384 of the big book of alcoholics anonymous if we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are halfway through. The ninth step promises can be found through pages 8384 in the big book of alcoholics anonymous. The 9th step promises women of grace, dignity, and sobriety. I would enter upon a new relationship with my creator, that i would have the.
This imprint is the beginning of the addicts return to who they really are. The 9th step promises of alcoholics anonymous wayside house. These promises are only a few that appear in the big book of alcoholics anonymous. The big book is clearwe do this to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to god and our fellow man. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. We make a decision to admit the possible existence of an underlying force behind the totality of things, and that the realm of the spirit is pretty darn big, roomy and all inclusive. The purpose of step 9 of alcoholics anonymous is to take action and apologize to those you have harmed with your drinking. Promise in big book alcoholics anonymous, 12 steps and 12. On page 52 in the big book is a passage that some refer to as the antipromises. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. G ood judgment, a careful sense of timing, courage, and prudencethese are the qualities we shall need when we take step nine.
Big book workbook is for those who are willing to grow along spiritual lines 60. If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. Sorting and rendering passages in the proprietary format of the 164 and more concordance does not in any way imply affiliation with or endorsement by either alcoholics. A we will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution. Aa step 9 of the 12 steps is a call for recovering alcoholics to make amends. Were entirely ready to have god remove all these defects of character. The whole point of recovery, is to not only regain the self that was lost to addiction, but to redefine yourself and the kind of life you are leading. Step nine made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. I heard early in program that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. When you complete each of the 12 steps in the program of recovery, you will see these promises come true.
The most satisfactory years of your existence lie ahead. This step will provide you with peace of mind, relief and liberation from the chains of regret. The 10th step promises recovery from a hopeless state. The promises of aas big book hazelden betty ford foundation. We provide this study guide based on personal experience to help those following aas 12 steps as outlined in the original big book, alcoholics anonymous aa. Many aa meetings close with the promises, and early on i was very confused about the exact nature of the promises that aa members all seemed so familiar with. The following is a list ofapproximately 150 promises that i compiled from the first edition of the big book.
There is comfort in knowing you arent alone, that what youre feeling isnt unusual, and that there is a solution. We wish to make the 12 steps of alcoholics anonymous part of our. Established on such a footing we became less and less interested in ourselves, our little plans and designs. The tenth step promises are available for everyone who works for them. Alcoholics anonymous is a 12step program that, if worked thoroughly and honestly, will be a significant asset toward your recovery. The ninth step promises are a section of the big book where recovering alcoholics are promised certain things. Many of us have heard of the ninth step promises from page 8384 of the big book of alcoholics anonymous. The 9 th step promises are read at just about every single aa meeting. The 147 promises of the big book of alcoholics anonymous. The promises alcoholics anonymous of colorado springs.
The big book bunch to be able to twelfth step ourselves. A we are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. Five pages of printed tabs that include the 12 steps and principles. The promises of recovery are not just those found after step 9. Much like the ninth step promises, the tenth step promises are a section of the big book where recovering alcoholics are promised peace and recovery from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. Download pamphlets and handouts to use in big book group sessions our workbook companion to alcoholics anonymous 12 steps of recovery from alcoholism and addiction is called steps by the big book. After we have made the list of people we have harmed. This was the version of the big book distributed to friends and colleagues of aas founders before the first edition was printed. Breaking down step three of aa alcoholics anonymous.
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