The journey of recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is often described as a transformative process marked by profound personal change and spiritual awakening. Central to this journey is the 9th Step, which involves making direct amends to those who have been harmed by one’s alcoholism. In this step, the promises—hopeful visions of life renewed—are said to come true. However, these promises are not immediate; they result from careful preparation and sustained effort. Understanding why this preparation is essential and its role in realizing the promises sheds light on the profound impact the 9th Step can have on a person’s life.
Why Preparation for the 9th Step is Essential
The 9th Step requires an individual to confront the harm they have caused during their addiction and to take responsibility for it. This task is not only emotionally challenging but also spiritually demanding. The earlier steps in the Twelve Step program are designed to prepare individuals for this moment.
- Steps 1 through 3 focus on surrendering to a higher power and acknowledging one’s inability to control one’s drinking. These steps lay the foundation for humility and openness, which are essential for making sincere amends.
- Steps 4 and 5 involve taking a moral inventory and admitting wrongs, which help individuals clarify the nature of the harm they have caused. With this clarity, making meaningful amends in the 9th Step is possible.
- Steps 6 and 7 continue this process by encouraging individuals to ask for their character defects to be removed, fostering a spirit of willingness and growth.
- Finally, Step 8 involves making a list of all persons harmed and becoming willing to make amends to them. This step is crucial because it involves identifying those who were hurt and cultivating the willingness to face them and make things right. This willingness is often born out of the work done in the earlier steps and is essential for the 9th Step to be effective. Without this willingness, attempts at making amends might be half-hearted or avoided altogether.
Jumping directly to the 9th Step without this groundwork would undermine the process, leading to insincere or incomplete amends. Worse, it could result in making amends in a way that causes further harm rather than healing. The careful preparation through the earlier steps builds the emotional and spiritual resilience needed to face the difficult task of making amends, ensuring that the process is effective and transformative.
Working Toward the Promises as a Real Result of Doing the Work
The promises of the 9th Step are often cited as the rewards of recovery—a vision of a life filled with peace, freedom, and a renewed sense of purpose. However, these promises are not simply handed out upon completion of the 9th Step; they are the result of the sustained work of the previous steps. The promises are described in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous as a set of profound changes that occur as a direct result of making amends.
These changes include a sense of freedom and peace, reduced fear and anxiety, improved relationships, and a new outlook on life. These are not abstract concepts; they are the tangible outcomes of the spiritual work done in the Twelve Step process. Working toward these promises means engaging fully with each step, understanding that the benefits of the 9th Step are deeply connected to the integrity and thoroughness of the work done in Steps 1 through 8.
Focusing on the Benefits of the Promises
The promises offer a compelling vision of what life in recovery can be like. For many, these promises are a source of hope and motivation, especially during the challenging early days of sobriety. The benefits of these promises are both emotional and spiritual.
Emotionally, individuals often experience a profound sense of relief and freedom as they let go of the guilt, shame, and resentment that have burdened them. This sense of peace allows them to live in the present, no longer haunted by the past.
Spiritually, the promises signal a deepening relationship with a higher power and a sense of purpose that transcends the immediate concerns of daily life. This spiritual awakening is central to the Twelve Step program and is often described as the ultimate goal of recovery.
Improved relationships are another key benefit of the promises. Addiction often leaves a trail of broken relationships and damaged trust. The 9th Step allows individuals to repair these relationships, rebuild trust, and foster connections based on honesty and integrity. This restoration of relationships is not just about making things right with others; it’s about healing the individual’s sense of self-worth and belonging.
Benefits include:
A Sense of Freedom and Peace
- As individuals make amends, they often experience a profound sense of relief from the guilt, shame, and resentment that they have carried. This process lifts a heavy emotional burden, allowing them to feel free from the weight of their past actions. The inner turmoil that once dominated their lives begins to fade, replaced by a sense of peace and serenity.
No Fear of Financial Insecurity
- Financial insecurity is a common fear among those in recovery, especially if their addiction has led to poor financial decisions. The promises suggest that as individuals work through the Steps, they will develop a greater trust in their higher power and the process itself. This trust reduces anxiety about money and finances. Over time, they find themselves better able to manage their financial affairs with less fear and more confidence.
Improved Relationships
- Addiction often damages relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. The 9th Step involves making direct amends, which can lead to healing these relationships. As individuals take responsibility for their actions and sincerely apologize, they can rebuild trust and repair the emotional damage caused. New relationships may also form based on the principles of honesty, integrity, and mutual respect, which are fostered through the recovery process.
New Outlook on Life
- The promises indicate that individuals will develop a fresh perspective on life. This new outlook is characterized by a sense of purpose and meaning that was likely absent during active addiction. The transformation includes a shift in priorities, where material concerns and selfish desires are replaced by spiritual growth, service to others, and a focus on personal development. This positive change in perspective often leads to a more fulfilling and joyful life.
Less Fear of the Future
- Fear of the unknown, particularly the future, is common among those struggling with addiction. The promises assure that their fears will diminish as individuals continue to work the program. By cultivating faith in a higher power and living by the principles of the Twelve Steps, they become less anxious about what lies ahead. This reduction in fear allows them to approach life with more confidence, trust, and hope.
Increased Self-Esteem
- Making amends and living according to the Twelve Steps naturally increases self-esteem. As individuals successfully navigate situations that once seemed overwhelming, they gain confidence in their abilities and judgment. This newfound self-respect comes from knowing they live an honest, responsible life. The positive changes they see in themselves and their relationships reinforce their self-worth, leading to a more stable and positive self-image.
How Long It Takes to Realize the Promises
The timeline for realizing the promises varies from person to person. Some may begin to see changes relatively quickly after completing the 9th Step, while the promises may take longer to manifest for others. It is important to remember that recovery is a process, not an event. The promises result from ongoing spiritual growth and continued engagement with the Twelve Steps.
For some, the promises may begin to appear within weeks or months of making amends. For others, it may take years of continued work and spiritual development. The key is persistence and patience, trusting that the process will bear fruit in time.
What Happens When the Promises Don’t Seem to Be Coming True?
It’s not uncommon for individuals to feel discouraged if they don’t see the promises coming true as quickly as they hoped. If not addressed, this can lead to frustration, doubt, and even relapse. However, it’s important to recognize that the absence of the promises doesn’t mean failure. Instead, it may indicate that more work is needed on the earlier steps or that patience and continued effort are required.
In these moments, it’s crucial to seek support from a sponsor or fellow members of the recovery community. They can provide guidance, encouragement, and perspective, reminding individuals that the promises are a long-term goal and that the recovery process is ongoing.
What Happens After the Promises Start Coming True?
When the promises begin to manifest, it marks a significant turning point in recovery. Individuals often describe this as a moment of profound transformation, where the benefits of sobriety become not just theoretical but deeply felt. This experience can reinforce their commitment to the Twelve Step program, motivating them to continue their spiritual growth and service to others.
As the promises continue to unfold, individuals often find that their lives take on new meaning and purpose. They may become more involved in helping others in recovery, sharing their experiences, and offering support to those just starting their journey. This shift from self-centeredness to service is key to the spiritual awakening described in the Twelve Steps.
Not a Quick Fix!
The 9th Step promises are powerful but not a quick fix. They result from sustained effort, spiritual growth, and a deep commitment to the principles of the Twelve Step program. By understanding the importance of preparation, focusing on the promises’ benefits, and remaining patient in the process, individuals in recovery can experience the profound transformation that these promises represent. Whether the promises come quickly or slowly, they offer a vision of hope and healing that is central to the journey of recovery.