Every recovering alcoholic understands the mental and physical challenge of staying sober from day one to full recovery. That’s why every milestone reached deserves celebration.
As a tradition, sobriety groups issue sobriety tokens or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) coins to mark every significant step to sobriety. AA coins are not given; they are earned. They’re not just collectible items; each represents a step closer to a fulfilling future.
If you’re battling alcoholism or are worried about a loved one, this article can be helpful. It’s time to learn what AA coins are, how to earn them and the best ways to celebrate them on the path to sobriety.
How to Earn AA Coins?
Earning AA coins can significantly boost morale and serve as a reward for your commitment to the process.
That said, AA coins come in various colors, which represent different milestones. Here’s what they mean and how recovering alcoholics earn their coins.
- White: This is the only AA coin not earned. It is given at the start to signify one’s commitment to the process.
- Silver: Recipients earn this after being sober for up to 24 hours.
- Red: It is given to two categories of people: those sober for 30 days and 8 months.
- Gold: People earn it by being alcohol-free for 2 and 10 months, respectively.
- Green: This coin goes to those sober for 3 and 11 months.
- Purple: Recovering alcoholics get this coin on the fourth month of sobriety and the ninth.
- Pink: The recipient must be sober for 5 months to earn this coin.
- Dark Blue: It symbolizes 6 months of sobriety.
- Copper: It marks the seventh consecutive month of being alcohol-free.
- Bronze: When you’ve managed to stay sober for a year, you earn the bronze coin.
How to Celebrate Recovery Milestones?
1. Take a Road Trip
A road trip has many positive benefits for the physical and mental state of mind. It can suppress anxiety since it moves you away from an environment that might be stressful. Taking a road trip can be a perfect way to celebrate.
It connects you to nature and exposes you to new experiences. You can take pictures with your newly acquired AA coin at various stops. The pictures and experiences at many stops may come in handy in the future. Each time you visit those stops, it reminds you of your journey to sobriety and how far you’ve come.
2. Join an AA Coin Celebration
If you’re out of ideas on acknowledging your AA coins, join one provided by your AA group. Since these celebrations are already pre-organized, you only have to show up and have a good time. You’ll also be sure that protocols will be in place to ensure the celebrations are tailored to the needs of recovering alcoholics.
Unlike other celebratory events, this is the type you’ll participate in, knowing others won’t judge you. Having people with similar experiences celebrating together is also an avenue for networking. You’ll soon meet people who can be instrumental in restarting your life after recovery. You also save money and time that go into planning an event.
3. Volunteer
The journey to sobriety involves self-reflection, gratitude, and a willingness to help others. There aren’t many better ways to give back to society than volunteering. Consider volunteering as a way of celebrating your big achievement.
It can be a “getaway” from the emotional rollercoaster that comes with recovery. It helps to reintegrate into society. AA members can give back to society with their skills and experience in many ways. For example, working in state parks can be a good start. Recovering alcoholics can help with the cleaning and maintenance of the scene.
Meanwhile, crowded spaces might be too much of a psychological burden for some. Thus, working with animals would be a better alternative. AA members can work in zoos or animal shelters, caring, feeding, and helping animals deliver young ones.
Also, food banks and shelters need the help of volunteers to help cook, serve, and distribute meals. Volunteering for these projects is gratifying and can produce a sense of purpose.
4. Share Your Progress with Loved Ones
While alcoholism may primarily affect the user physically and psychologically, they’re not the only ones who suffer. Those close to them endure lots of hurt as well. Alcoholism can sever family ties, destroy friendships, and ruin work relationships.
Thus, when someone achieves sobriety, loved ones celebrate. That’s why the best way to celebrate sobriety might be to share your progress. It brings relief to loved ones and encourages them to continue their support.
During the celebration, make them aware of your struggles. Knowing how difficult the transformation was for you would make them appreciate your efforts more. More importantly, the reveal should be an opportunity to show gratitude. Thank your loved ones for their support, and then look forward to rebuilding severed ties.
Final Thoughts
The journey to a lifetime of freedom from alcohol addiction starts with earning a special coin. The challenge of acquiring AA coins makes celebrating them worthwhile. It’s a testament to their sacrifice, hard work, and self-control during this difficult period.
From volunteering to taking a road trip, there are many unique ways to celebrate each milestone. More importantly, celebrate in the most meaningful way while you remain focused on the journey ahead. Although many AA groups hand out sobriety tokens for significant milestones, some don’t. If you want the psychological benefits of earning these coins, you may switch to sobriety groups that uphold this tradition.
