There are certain accomplishments in life that are underappreciated. Most people don't know how difficult it is to complete a marathon or build furniture from scratch so they downplay these achievements.

Addiction is an illness that doesn't just affect its victim. It wreaks havoc on everyone who loves that victim as well. That's why when your loved one is succeeding in their recovery, it's cause for celebration. Show them how proud you are with these fantastic ideas for recovery gifts.

Many AA meetings around the United States and the world have a tradition of recognizing different lengths of sobriety by handing out sobriety chips or medallions. At the beginning or the end of the meeting, depending on local customs, someone will stand and hand out plastic chips for each month of sobriety in the first year.

What are AA coins? How are they special in the journey toward sobriety, and what do they stand for? Click here to learn all about them.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has a solid 80 years of history. Starting with Bill W. back in 1934 and continuing to this day. This fellowship of alcoholics helping other alcoholics gives us the 12-step model of recovery as we know it today.

6 Amazing Gifts for Recovering Alcoholics

6 Amazing Gifts for Recovering Alcoholics

Heartfelt and meaningful gifts are a great way to show that you care and support your loved ones no matter what. Here are 6 amazing gifts for recovering alcoholics that are a beautiful way to show your support!

Realizing someone close to you is an alcoholic is one of the hardest things in life to face. But, imagine how much harder addiction is for the person who is struggling with it.

He or she needs your support as they work to recover, and even after they've reached sobriety, too.

One way you can show your loved one you still care is to give them a gift to celebrate their recovery. You may choose to do this as you're picking them up from rehab or as they reach important milestones in their sobriety - like being 1 year or 10 years clean.

You can also buy gifts for recovering alcoholics just because. If you're not sure what to buy, though, check out the list of suggestions below.

Recovering from alcohol is no easy feat. If you're in recovery, how do you remind yourself how far you have come? Is there anything that can make you stop and realize your progress?

The answer is yes. If you are a recovering alcoholic, AA chips can be a lifesaver, and give you pause before you consider drinking again. Read on to discover the benefits of having these valuable little tokens.

AA Chips Are More Than Just a Prize

If you have a drinking problem, you have likely gone through Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as AA. This is a group that can easily be found in towns and cities all over the country.

Research has shown that participating in AA benefits you if you are having a difficult time getting alcohol out of your life. Since you are spending time with other people who are trying to accomplish the same goal, it removes the need to drink in a social setting.

One of the benefits of joining AA is the opportunity to pursue your sober journey. Through each step that you make, you are given AA chips, which remind you of how far you have come.

Mark Every Step of Your Journey

The first step of your journey begins with putting down the alcohol and starting a new life. The chips celebrate each sober movement you make. This helps provide you the encouragement you need to continue your promise to yourself.

When you first start out, you might not feel strong enough to stop drinking. By looking at your first chip, you will be able to see the promise you made to yourself. This provides you with the strength to carry on.

Grow Your Confidence as Your Chips Track Your Sobriety

As you continue on the path of sobriety, your collection of AA chips will expand. The chips are offered in this order during the first year:

• 24 hours
• 1 month
• 2 months
• 3 months
• 6 months
• 9 months

Each chip is a different color. After you have made it through a year, you receive a chip to commemorate this passage.

Another chip is given at 18 months. Although some folks do not keep attending AA meetings after a year, you will be acknowledged through continuous chips for each year of sobriety if you decide to keep going.

A Helpful Reminder to Carry Everywhere You Go

AA meetings work for many people, which means that regardless of how severe your alcoholism is, taking part in group meetings can benefit you. You will learn more about yourself and discover other like-minded people who have made the same commitment to quitting alcohol for good.

More than just helpful reminders of how far along you are in the journey, AA chips can be used to provide you with positive affirmations. Daily reflections are a primary component of AA. If you find yourself walking past a bar or another area where you might be tempted to give in to alcohol, these offer help.

These chips are used in addition to the ones that celebrate your steps to take control of your life again. Use them when you need a boost in confidence. If you are having a difficult time with family, work, or other pressures from life, reading the positive message on why you should continue to stay sober will leave you hopeful and provide courage.

Personalized Options Can Make It Meaningful for You

Your chips give you the chance to have more than the months in recovery or a positive message. Personalized AA chips can be made unique to your situation, giving you a solid reason to quit.

You can make the chips meaningful when you engrave these on the back of them:

• The date you quit
• The person you got sober for
• The person who is sponsoring you
• A positive quote that means something to you

Quitting and using a physical reminder of why you want to stay sober gives you the chance to remind yourself why you are doing this. Having a reason that is personal can be more meaningful and useful as you try to stay sober.

Offer Inspiration to Someone You Love in AA

If you are the friend or a family member of someone in AA, you want to help them on their journey. You may find yourself confused, not knowing what to do, or how to offer assistance.

One of the best ways to show your support is by purchasing a chip for the person you care about. They might not earn them at their AA meetings, so giving them something to be proud of can help.

The Token Shop also offers:

• Books
• Recovery bracelets
• Plaques
• Pens

Having alternative reminders can be useful, especially if you or the person you care about find them more helpful than the chips.

Continuing on Your Path of Sobriety and Growing

If you are part of AA or have thought about joining one, see how easy it is to find a group that can offer you the recovery and friendship you are looking for. You will learn about yourself, and see how it is possible to maintain a new life as a sober individual.

By using AA chips, you can experience firsthand the benefits of having a sober lifestyle and feel proud of yourself when you realize how far you've come. Sobriety is not easy, but feeling healthy and in control of your life is worth it.

Get Started Today

Come visit us at our online store, and see how you can find AA chips that will help you. Pick ones that will represent your months of sobriety. You can also select special chips that leave you with a positive message or special date that means something to you.

Make sobriety your priority and get your special chips that will aid you along the way.

It can be tough to find thoughtful gifts for loved ones at the best of times.

But it can be extra challenging when your loved one is recovering from alcoholism. It's common for people to be so concerned about giving a present that doesn't trigger relapse that they freeze and do nothing.

This is especially true if you want to give your loved one something to acknowledge their recovery and all they've overcome. Giving a recovery gift is a beautiful gesture.

So, instead of shying away from giving a gift to celebrate a recovery milestone, embrace the opportunity. The key is to remain thoughtful of what helps your loved one manage stress.

To get you on the right track, here are 10 ideas for recovery gifts.

The work you've performed so far is an accomplishment to be wholeheartedly proud of. And some members of Alcoholics Anonymous wear that pride, literally, by donning recovery jewelry.