Recovery and alcohol withdrawal can be the most challenging phase anyone could ever go through. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups support people dealing with a relapse or alcohol recovery with AA chips after a period of abstinence.
AA chips (coins, medallions, or tokens) are coin-like objects awarded to people in alcohol recovery programs to mark strategic sobriety milestones. These coins or chips come in various colors and are made of different materials, including bronze, plastic, and aluminum. The type or color of AA chips given to recovering persons depends on the milestone they have reached.
While issuing or collecting AA chips is not a requirement for AA groups or individuals, they are ceremonial additions that have become part of the culture over time. In this guide, we will discuss the various AA chip color schemes and their significance while revealing their profound symbolism and useful tips to use them for a speedy rehabilitation.
AA Chip Colors and Significance
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AA chip colors may slightly vary depending on the group or design. Modern AA chips are more fashionable, a step away from traditional plain coins. Yet, they all have certain physical attributes that make them recognizable to AA members regardless of color or design.
- White (or Silver). A 24-hour milestone chip for newcomers or those rededicating themselves to the sobriety process.
- Red. A 30-day coin, marking the first successful month of sobriety.
- Yellow (or Gold). This chip is awarded after 60 days or 2 months of sobriety.
- Green. It is a chip that marks 3 months or 90 days of being sober.
- Blue. Recovering alcoholics get this coin to mark half a year or 6 months of staying away from alcohol.
- Purple. You receive this coin after 9 months of staying sober.
- Bronze (medallion). This is for people who have successfully been sober for at least one year. Some groups engrave special encouraging words or numerals for each year.
What AA Chips Symbolize?
- A Visible Reminder and Celebration of Progress
An AA chip is not a decorative ornament: it is a constant reminder of your progress. Collecting one after a milestone can be as thrilling as winning a sports medal. It is a celebration worth enjoying and a testament to your attitude in accomplishing the seemingly impossible. You can mark this milestone with a date night with a loved one or dinner with family and friends.
- Symbol of Accountability
AA facilitators present a new chip to recipients in front of the entire group. This public display of appreciation is a way of celebrating and supporting them. However, it can be a two-edged sword. Receiving a new chip in front of people who support and look up to you can evoke a sense of responsibility and accountability.
- Encouragement for New Recovering Alcoholics
The AA community is like a family where people depend on each other for support, advice, and inspiration. Besides working on yourself, being a member of an AA group can change someone else’s life. Seeing you collect a new chip and hearing your testimony after a difficult time may encourage new recovering addicts. It helps them to understand that they can also reach similar milestones.
Best Ways to Use AA Chips in Recovery
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Recent studies on AA groups prove that they can help combat depression, and giving out chips is one of their main traditions. You can incorporate AA chips into everyday living to improve your chances of long-term success with these tips.
- Always Keep One in Your Pocket or Purse
When the temptation gets intense, you will need more than a mental reminder to keep you going. Carrying an AA chip with you gives you something tangible to hold on to. Looking at it or holding it in your hand can evoke positive and encouraging emotions that help you get through the day.
Since these chips bear the Serenity Prayer on the back, having them helps you reinforce your commitment to the process. You can turn it over and recite the Serenity Prayer whenever you need a little jolt of motivation.
- Put Them Where You Can See Them
Knowing how challenging reaching each milestone can be, you need a daily reminder of what you have conquered and achieved. That is why placing your chips where you can see them daily works. They remind you of your strengths and ability to overcome the next challenge.
So, take them out of your drawer or the closet and place them on your makeup table or next to your bedside lamp. That way, you can see them before bed and when you wake up. That may be enough motivation to get through another 24 hours of resisting the urge for a pint.
- Buy Yours
Facilitators in a recovery program typically reward individuals making progress with chips after every milestone. Carrying your AA token around can benefit you immensely, yet many don’t for fear of losing it. Fortunately, having an extra pair allows you to keep one in your pocket whenever you go out without the fear of losing it.
With an extra pair, encouraging others on their journey with a chip won’t be a difficult decision, knowing that you have another. It is convenient and practical for you and those you intend to inspire.
Conclusion
AA chips can be a powerful tool in the hands of a recovering alcohol addict. Each color or material tells a story of success, resilience, and sacrifice. Every milestone you celebrate is a tangible reminder of your journey and a charge to be more accountable. Your journey can also inspire younger or new AA members on their separate journeys.
AA chips do more than help you count days to sobriety. You can take advantage of their significance in accelerating your recovery and encouraging wholesome, newly cultivated habits and routines. You don’t have to rush it; survive the first 24 hours, and it can get easier.
