When you complete each of the 12 steps in the program of recovery, you will see these promises come true. 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. The 12 steps are referred to in the big book, on page 58, where it is written, rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed out path. Big book page 5, line 1 step 5failure to make confession. Remember though, these promises only apply to alcoholics working the steps. The 147 promises of the big book of alcoholics anonymous.
Our goal is to study the steps as a friendly, focused group, and work them as the authors of the big book described. 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. The big book is clearwe do this to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to god and our fellow man. Many of us have heard of the ninth step promises from page 8384 of the big book of alcoholics anonymous. The tremendous fact for every one of us is that we have discovered a common solution.
The big book describes the results of taking steps 1 9 by the ninth step promises. I would enter upon a new relationship with my creator, that i. Alcoholism12 step support how many promises are there. These promises are only a few that appear in the big book of alcoholics anonymous. Aa promises alcoholics anonymous lionrock recovery. Our origins are the students of the big book group, which has met in woodland hills, california since december of 1985. However, as noted in the big book, this decision has little effect unless you, at once, start on your written step 4 inventory. We are told in the big book that it is not enough just to get sober. 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. First written in 1939, the 4th edition was published in 2001. The big book is one of the bestselling books of all times 30 million copies sold. In order for this to happen we must go directly into steps 10, 11 and 12 while doing step 9. One difference is that the big book prayer includes. The promises alcoholics anonymous of colorado springs.
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. The big book bunch 12 step workbook we are the big book bunch group of alcoholics anonymous. The 12th step isnt a single step, rather it is the cumulative of all the prior steps that make up our design for living. Great events will come to pass for you and countless others p. 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. Links to more information about responsibility and the 9th step. It is full of much timeless and practical wisdom and is the first standard and some would say the only standard text of a. Step 10 promises and we have ceased fighting anything or anyoneeven alcohol.
We admitted that we were powerless over alcohol that our lives had become unmanageable. These last three steps keep us current and help us to continue to solidify the foundation of our recovery. There are, however, additional promises in the big book. The most satisfactory years of your existence lie ahead. 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. Made direct amends to such people whenever possible. The 12 promises of aa are presented as part of working step 9, which involves making amends. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of god as we understood him.
The 12 steps is the solution for alcoholic addiction referred to in chapter 2, of the book, alcoholics anonymous, titled there is a solution. It originated the twelvestep program now used widely among addictions outside alcohol. We may stop causing any more harm because we are no longer drinking, but that is not the same as repairing the damage we have already caused. The big book is alcoholics anonymouss primary text. However, each step has promises associated with it. Chapter 6 into action of the big book contains the 9th step promises which describes the 12 step program of alcoholics anonymous.
Is it clear that no human power can relieve my compulsive overeating. As noted in the big book, the wording of the step 3 prayer is optional. Following the subsequent extensive growth of twelve step programs for other addictive and dysfunctional behaviors, many additional books were written and recordings and videos were produced. While not formally called the promises, each step offers its own promise as to what the individual working it can receive.
To read a pdf version of the fourth edition of alcoholics anonymous. Some of the promises are directly associated with completion of a step. Home read the big book and twelve steps and twelve traditions. 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. The nineth step promises big book alcoholics anonymous. If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will.
Is it clear that god can and will relieve my compulsive overeating if i seek god. The 10th step promises alcoholics anonymous district 12. This steps by the big book workbook is for those who are willing to grow along spiritual lines 60. When and how we see the promises unfold depends on us, the action we are willing to take, and how we are living life in recovery. There exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful. The story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism. Here are the 12 steps we took, which are suggested as a program of recovery the 12 steps are found on pages 5960, alcoholics anonymous, the big book the 12 steps are referred to in the big book, on page 58, where it is written, rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed out path the 12 steps is the solution for alcoholic addiction referred to in chapter. On the next page is a modified 3rd step prayer which i recommend.
We react sanely and normally, and we will find that this has happened automatically. Promise in big book alcoholics anonymous, 12 steps and 12. Alcoholics anonymous is often referred to as a 12 step program, and aa is the basis for many other 12 step programs that have been established. The promises of recovery are found all through the big book. The tenth step promises are available for everyone who works for them. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. The 9 th step promises are read at just about every single aa meeting. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. The big book describes the results of taking steps 19 by the ninth step promises. To show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book. We continue to take inventory as in step four and continue to make amends if we harm anyone as in steps eight and nine.
Is it clear to me that i am a compulsive overeater and cannot manage my own life. The following is a list ofapproximately 150 promises that i compiled from the first edition of the big book. Twelvestep guide to using the alcoholics anonymous big. Big book study walking through the big book of alcoholics anonymous with chris s. The sbbb study guide is for those in recovery from the disease of addiction who wish to work the 12 steps by the big book, alcoholics anonymous. 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 promises as given to us in the big book can be both prayer and meditation. Almost always we want to go further and admit other defects that have made us hard to live with. This is the blue print of the 12 step recovery programs.
The 9th step promises women of grace, dignity, and sobriety. 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. Once we have taken this step, withholding nothing, we are delighted. The first book written to cover the 12 step program was titled alcoholics anonymous, affectionately known as the big book by program members. Specifically, they only apply to those whove reached the ninth step. From appendix ii of alcoholics anonymous, page 567 4th edition the terms spiritual experience and spiritual awakening are used many times in this book which, upon careful reading, shows that the personality change sufficient to bring about recovery from alcoholism has manifested itself among us in many different forms. These last three steps keep us current and help us to. Big book page 16, line 12 step 3failure to maintain the decision. A big book checklist of promises what step are you on. For them, we hope these pages will prove so convincing that no further authentication will be necessary. These 12 steps are outlined in chapter 5, how it works, of the big book. A twelve step workbook al kohallek goes stepping contents title page preface 3 an eye i witness account 4 useful information 6 introducing step one 9 six essential characteristics 10 step one questions 11 step two questions i am grateful for supplement list page 14 step three questions 15 introduction to step four 16. Jun, 2007 if we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. The promises of recovery are not just those found after step 9.
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. Dear friends in recovery dawn continues her series on the promises from the aa big book with promise 2. Emotional in big book alcoholics anonymous, 12 steps and. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. 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. If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. Making amends is more than an apology, from hazelden.
We admitted we were powerless over alcohol that our lives had become unmanageable. 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. Twelvestep guide to using the alcoholics anonymous big book. Certainly he must stay sober, butwe feel a man is unthinking when he says sobriety is enough. By taking step 9 we have moved into the recovery phase of our life. Big book of alcoholics anonymous 11th step meditation. The steps helped each of the cofounders of aa in their own recovery from alcoholism and have continued to help countless. Steps by the big book step 9 steps by the big book.
It originated the twelvestep program now used widely among addictions outside. The ninth step promises are a section of the big book where recovering alcoholics are promised certain things. When a person begins their 12 step journey in alcoholics anonymous, it is with the hope that their life will change for the better as a direct result. Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. We have a spiritual awakening and a new beginning of sane living of the spiritual principles that are the 12 steps. 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.