Are you ready for the AA International Conference in Detroit this year? This conference only happens every five years, so you don't want to miss it.

From hearing others' stories to seeing the beautiful city of Detroit, there are so many things to experience in and out of the big meetings.

If you've never attended an AA conference before, keep reading to find out more about what you can expect so you know how to plan your weekend.

If you're planning on heading to Detroit for the 2020 International AA Convention, congratulations on your success. Beating any addiction can be more challenging than most people know.

However, despite any relapses, backward steps, or other negative issues along the way, here you are. As you probably know, these conventions are only held every 5 years. Take advantage of this opportunity and escape to Detroit for a while to celebrate your sobriety.

While you're there, however, be sure to enjoy yourself with the best restaurants the city has to offer. Keep reading for our top five suggestions.

It's almost time for the 2020 International AA Convention in July! As you prepare to attend this amazing convention, you'll want to be prepared to enjoy your time in Detroit. The best way to ensure you make the most out of this trip is to know a few sober activities that you can take part in while there.

Receive your recovery chips and tokens, and then head over to a few awesome Detroit activities. Not sure where to begin? Continue reading below for our list of 5 awesome things to do in Detroit that are fun and sober!

Over 14.4 million adults suffer from alcohol use disorder each year. But they aren't the only ones who are suffering.

Family members and friends of those who have alcoholism also experience pain and suffering. There's Alcoholics Anonymous for alcoholics, but what is there for loved ones?

There's Al-Anon.

It's estimated that there are over 2 million members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in over 180 countries around the world.

If you've ever wondered about how to become an AA sponsor, you've come to the right place. We gathered everything you need to know about this role that's essential to the success of many members of AA.

Keep reading to learn more about AA sponsorship and to see if it's right for you.

The 12-step program has been around for almost 100 years. In fact, the first AA meeting took place in 1935, three years before Alcoholics Anonymous became the official name of the organization. AA was publicly founded in 1938 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, two men who struggled with alcoholism themselves.

Keep reading for a breakdown of what to expect at your first AA meeting.

One of the hardest parts about getting sober is losing out on the social aspects of drinking. But more and more people are figuring out how to go to the bar without getting drunk.

That's in part thanks to sober bars. When you go to a sober bar, you're getting the same environment minus all the alcohol. You're drinking mocktails instead of cocktails. 

Things are going great on your date. The chemistry is there, you're laughing, you have plenty in common. Then they drop the bomb: they are an alcoholic who's gotten sober. 

Is this a dealbreaker? Maybe, maybe not. Dating a recovering alcoholic can present some problems, but it's not an insurmountable hurdle. 

Is someone you know approaching a sobriety milestone? You may want to congratulate them on their achievement, but what's the best way to do that? You'll want to encourage them while remaining sensitive to the subject.

If you're not sure how to do that, here are a few tips on what to say to someone on their sobriety anniversary.

In the past few years, Americans have paid a lot of attention to the opioid epidemic -- with good reason. It causes thousands of tragic deaths each year.

However, even as we shine a spotlight on dangerous narcotics, it's important to remember other substances can be just as deadly. Take alcohol; each year in the U.S., some 88,000 people die directly or indirectly due to alcohol consumption.

One in eight American adults, or 12.7% of our country's population, have an alcohol use disorder. Alcoholism doesn't only affect the person holding the bottle, though. If you're living with an alcoholic, chances are, you've felt the strain yourself. 

Loving an alcoholic isn't always easy. While they can benefit from your support, your health and happiness matter too.

Find the balance with these five tips on how to live with an alcoholic. These tips can make your life a little easier.

There's no doubt about it- getting sober is hard work. For many people, it improves relationships, health and it can put you back on track with your career. There are so many positives to getting sober that the negatives aren't often talked about. 

If you think you need to give up alcohol, or you're currently taking part in a sobriety program, here are some of the things that you may not know.

If you have made the powerful and life-changing decision to quit drinking, then congratulations are in order. These first few days sober will be the beginning of a happier, healthier, and longer life.

However, the first few days can also be the most challenging for any struggling alcoholic. Immediately after you stop drinking is when your body will feel the most severe symptoms and withdrawal effects.

The decision to get sober is a defining moment in an addict's life. But staying sober isn't easy. No matter how far into recovery someone is, they face temptation and their demons every day of their lives.

Anything that can help ease this process is a welcome addition during that journey. Keep reading to learn why Alcoholics Anonymous medallions help addicts stay clean and sober.

Alcoholics Anonymous began in 1939. Today, there are over 2 million successfully recovering members of Alcoholics Anonymous in more than 180 countries.

You might have heard of the 12 steps of AA, but have you heard about AA tokens?

Read on to learn what these are, how they are earned and their significance

Did you know that there are studies out there that link the qualities of successful people with people who also suffer from substance abuse disorder? Think about celebrities for a minute. They are usually risk-takers, have a good work ethic, and a strong desire to be successful. When all this is mixed with being in the public eye, it can lead to disaster. 

AA sobriety chips signal an end and a beginning of sorts. It's the end of the chemically-dependent person. It's also the renewal of their hope.

Here Are 5 Things You Can Do With Your AA Coin To Help You Stay Sober

Yet, a coin doesn't quite capture the true meaning of the work it takes to stay sober sometimes. How could a coin possibly symbolize the tough nights you spent wondering if you would be drunk come the morning? 

Here Are 10 Tips On How To Stay Sober During Tough Times

According to research, helping other alcoholics is a good strategy for maintaining sobriety. So much so that 40% of those who aided in other's sobriety saw greater success in their own sobriety journey.

5 Tips On How to Get Sober and Change Your Life

Over 25 million Americans have an addiction. While this includes illicit drugs and prescription medications, alcohol is a continuing problem for many addicts. In fact, one in eight American adults is now considered an alcoholic. 

Did you know that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americas dedicate approximately 1% of their spending on alcohol? That's a hefty chunk of our paychecks. It pays off in many ways to choose sobriety during the holidays.

6 Myths About Alcohol and Alcoholism That Need to Disappear

6 Myths About Alcohol and Alcoholism That Need to Disappear

Whether you have a loved one who is recovering from alcoholism or a recovering addict yourself, the fact remains that myths and stereotypes about alcohol can be very damaging. Here are 6 myths about alcohol and alcoholism that need to be put to rest now.

Alcohol is legal for those above 21 years old in the United States. But its legal status doesn't mean that it isn't abused or addictive. In fact, it's a huge problem in our country: over 15 million people struggle with some sort of alcohol use disorder.

Even though alcohol abuse is quite prevalent in our society, certain myths about alcohol and misconceptions about alcoholics persist. We're going to go over 6 of the most common myths that people still believe about alcohol and alcohol abuse. This will help you understand the truth about drinking and addiction.

What to Expect in the First Years of Alcohol Addiction Recovery

What to Expect in the First Years of Alcohol Addiction Recovery

Getting over your alcohol addiction can be a tough road ahead, but being prepared can help soothe the journey somewhat. Read more to learn what you can expect in the first years of alcohol addiction recovery and become informed today.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, it's estimated that there are over 15 million people over the age of 18 with alcohol use disorder.

That number is high, but you're no longer a statistic. You've realized that you have a problem with alcohol, and now you're doing what you can to get sober.

Some people have struggled with alcoholism for months. For others, it may be years or even decades. Sobriety can be intimidating, but when you know what to expect it can be less scary.

Do you want to know what to expect in the first years of your recovery? Read on to learn more.

What to Do When You Relapse on Alcohol

Relapse is a difficult part of recovery that many people have to deal with, but you shouldn'tt let it diminish how far you have come. Read more to learn more on what to do when you relapse on alcohol so you can get back on track in no time.

Overcoming alcohol addiction is a challenge which needs commitment and time. Studies show that approximately 40 to 60 percent of people treated for substance abuse are likely to have a relapse. If you have ever had to overcome an addiction, you know how difficult it is to resist the urge to backslide.

A slip is a momentary lapse which causes regret to the victim soon after the action. It can occur when a person experiences something which distracts his/her focus temporarily. Relapse describes a person who manages a sober life for quite some time only to resume to old habits eventually.

Falling back is not equivalent to ultimate failure. Knowing what to do when you relapse is what matters. The bottom line is that the victim has expressed the urge to quit drinking.

Keep on reading to learn more!

5 Tips to Help Reduce Alcohol Cravings

Recovering from alcoholism is a constant uphill battle that takes a lot of strength to overcome. Here are 5 tips you can use to help you on your road of recovery to reduce alcohol cravings in a fast and healthy way.

There are millions of people suffering from alcoholism. Of those millions, only a tiny fraction will choose to go sober and maintain their sobriety.

One of the things that make alcohol so hard to kick is the changes it makes to your brain. If you have been a heavy drinker for years, some of those changes could be permanent.

Here, we give you 5 tips to help reduce alcohol cravings so over time it can become less of a struggle to stay sober. Even better, these are all completely natural and dietary based changes you can make today to lessen your cravings and keep you on the road to recovery.

No matter how far along you are on your path to recovery, it's vital to set aside time to focus on yourself and reclaiming your self-esteem.

Addiction can strip us of our sense of self-worth. When we feel bad about ourselves seeking outside help and trying to better our lives may not feel like a battle worth fighting.

It is for this reason that rebuilding your self-esteem is a vital part of the recovery process.

Unsure of how to take back your sense of self-confidence and respect?

Here are eight tips to help you begin rebuilding self esteem as you continue working toward your recovery from addiction.

Have you recently made the decision to stop drinking? Perhaps you've already detoxed from alcohol and are ready for recovery.

In either case, the road to recovery isn't easy. 40% of alcoholics eventually abstain from alcohol completely or become low-risk drinkers.

Relapse is common in the first year of recovery. It also occurs in some individuals after the first year and even after the third or fifth years.

There are, however, ways you can avoid relapse and make long-term recovery a reality. By understanding the alcohol recovery timeline, you can prepare yourself to defy the odds.

In this article, we'll explore 7 things that happen to your body during alcohol recovery. That way, you know what to expect in the days, months, and years ahead!

1. Acute Withdrawal

The time it takes for your body to flush away the last of the alcohol generally takes about a week to 10 days. The first 72 hours after your last drink, however, are crucial.

The first 72 hours is often the most difficult period. As the alcohol leaves your system, you may develop adverse physical side effects caused by acute alcohol withdrawal. Acute alcohol withdrawal is often the first thing that happens along the alcohol recovery timeline.

The symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Shakiness/tremors
• Sweating
• Appetite loss
• Irritability
• Fatigue

These symptoms are most prevalent in the first 72 hours. They can last anywhere from a week to a month depending on the severity of a person's alcoholism. Those who drank heavily for months and years are more likely to develop acute alcohol withdrawal.

How to Cope with Withdrawal

It's important to stay hydrated during this time. Drinking lots of water and electrolyte beverages, such as Pedialyte, will prevent dehydration. They can also soothe some of the symptoms of withdrawal, like nausea and sweating.

Reaching out for support also helps. You need a support system of positive people who will encourage you to keep going. These should be people who will help you cope with withdrawal, not enable you.

In serious acute alcohol withdrawal, rapid heart rate, seizures, and hallucinations can occur. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.

2. Post-Acute Withdrawal

For some people, detox starts the first hour since their last drink. Acute alcohol withdrawal can last up to two weeks. It's often this amount of time it takes for your body to detox from alcohol completely.

If you've made it through detox, you've overcome the hardest part. Next in the alcohol recovery timeline are the psychological effects of post-acute withdrawal.

During post-acute withdrawal, you may experience some (or all) of the following symptoms:

• Lower energy
• Sleep disturbances
• Nightmares
• Anxiety and depression
• Aggression
• Decreased libido
• Memory problems

You may also experience alcohol cravings as your brain and the central nervous system adjusts to the changes.

How to Cope with Post-Acute Alcohol Withdrawal

During this time, it's imperative that you seek counseling and medical attention. Not only so you cope better with the symptoms of post-acute alcohol withdrawal. Therapy can also help you develop coping mechanisms to deal with alcohol cravings.

In the first month after quitting drinking, your liver function starts to improve as the liver fat decreases. You'll start to feel better physically and will likely start to lose belly fat.

Don't disrupt the progress you've already made once you get through acute withdrawal. Reach out to help so you can conquer post-acute withdrawal, as well.

3. Anhedonia

You may also experience something known as anhedonia. Anhedonia is a loss of interest and pleasure. It often develops during the first weeks and months of the alcohol recovery timeline.

Anhedonia often develops during the transition from frequent alcohol usage to abstinence. They'll often withdraw socially or experience general malice and difficulty socializing.

Someone is likely to develop anhedonia if they have depression or anxiety. They're also more prone to anhedonia if they've recently experienced trauma or have a history of abuse or neglect.

How to Cope with Anhedonia

Here are some ideas on how to deal with anhedonia:

• Joining a gym or a sports team
• Practicing yoga or meditation
• Cooking new and healthier meals
• Taking up a new hobby, like knitting or painting

Some doctors may prescribe antidepressants to recovering alcoholics who are experiencing anhedonia.

It's important that you stay busy and find new activities you can enjoy that don't revolve around drinking. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is not only helpful for staying sober. It can give you an opportunity to socialize and connect with others who know what you're going through.

4. Sobriety

The first weeks and months of recovery are physically the hardest.

After about a month or so, your body will no longer go through withdrawal. However, the road to recovery doesn't end there. The coming months and years are often the most difficult - emotionally and mentally.

Social events or certain people or places can trigger cravings. Stressful events or trauma can also trigger one's desire to start drinking again. Often times, these kinds of cravings can feel more physical than they do mental.

For as long as you stay sober, it's important that you keep working on your coping mechanisms. That way, should you experience triggering events, you'll be able to abstain from alcohol rather than giving in.

It's also good to keep reminding yourself of why you wanted to get sober. You can write reminders down in the form of inspiring quotes or as a list of goals or reasons.

Understanding the Alcohol Recovery Timeline

Recovering from alcohol addiction is a big accomplishment. It's physically and emotionally challenging, and you've made the decision to recover, you should feel proud of yourself.

You'll need reminders along the road of recovery to keep you moving forward. AA coins can mark each milestone you accomplish in recovery and can keep track of your progress.

Keep reminding yourself of why you wanted to get sober. For ideas, contact us at The Token Shop today!

Get Ahead in Your Treatment: The Benefits of Alcohol Recovery

The Benefits of Alcohol Recovery

Quitting your alcohol addiction is difficult at the beginning. But after years of alcohol recovery, you'll begin to feel a lot better. Here are the benefits of recovery.

There are so many different withdrawal symptoms that people are forced to deal with when they make the decision to quit using alcohol.

Some of those symptoms include restlessness, agitation, nausea, anxiety, headache, seizures, and more. In some cases, people may even need to get medical help to detox from alcohol safely.

But over time, alcohol recovery can work wonders for your body, your mind, and your life as a whole. Before long, you'll feel better than you've ever felt before and be glad you made the decision to walk away from alcohol.

Here are some of the many benefits that come along with alcohol recovery.

You'll Look Younger

You might not necessarily realize it since you look at yourself in the mirror every day. But there's a good chance alcohol use has made you look older.

Alcohol can dehydrate your skin and cause it to lose its elasticity, which can make your skin sag. That alone will make you look older than you really are.

When you're on the road to alcohol recovery, the collagen levels in your skin will slowly return to normal. That will make you look better than you have in years.

You'll Save a Lot of Money

A six-pack of beer, a bottle of wine, or even a liter of hard alcohol doesn't cost a fortune. You can usually get your hands on your drink of choice for less than $10 if you're willing to drink the most affordable option.

But if you drink every single day, that can obviously add up over the course of a month. You could be spending hundreds of dollars every month and thousands of dollars every year while drinking without even recognizing it.

When you go through alcohol recovery, you'll save all that money and see a real difference when you check your bank account. Many people are surprised by how much they were spending on alcohol.

You'll Form More Meaningful Connections With People

Most people turn into social butterflies when they use alcohol. They don't have any problem holding a conversation with a total stranger in a bar.

But when you meet new people while under the influence of alcohol, you're unlikely to form any real bonds with them. You might run into them the very next day and completely forget what you talked to them about just 24 hours prior.

You might not be quite as social when you're not drinking. But you can rest assured knowing you'll create better connections with other people when you're sober.

You'll Shed Pounds

Alcohol is loaded with tons and tons of calories. Even low-calorie beers and wines still have lots of empty calories that your body won't really be able to use. Your body will also treat alcohol as though it's sugar and store it in the form of fat.

Over time, all those calories can take a toll on a person and cause them to gain a lot of weight. It's not uncommon for someone who is addicted to alcohol to have at least 10 extra pounds packed on their frame.

The moment you make the decision to stop drinking, your body will start to shed some of the extra weight that it's been carrying around. You could lose 10, 15, or even 20 pounds or more without much effort on your part.

It's one of the benefits of alcohol recovery that people welcome the most. They feel so much better when they aren't overweight.

You'll Make Your Heart Healthier

Alcohol is not good for your heart at all. When you take in too much alcohol every day, you can develop everything from high blood pressure to an increased risk of heart disease.

As soon as you stop drinking, your heart will begin to get healthier and healthier over the months and years.

You'll Have Time for New Hobbies

Outside of wasting a lot of money on alcohol, you're also wasting a lot of time on it. People often spend hours and hours at a time drinking beer, wine, and other forms of alcohol.

Think of the things you could be doing with all that time! You could be playing a sport, reading more, or even just hanging out with your friends and playing video games.

Alcohol recovery gives you your precious time back and lets you spend it on something more productive than drinking.

You'll Sleep Better at Night

Those who drink alcohol regularly often have a hard time sleeping at night.

Some people can't fall asleep for hours, while others fall asleep right away only to wake up over and over again throughout the course of the night. And then, there are those dreaded bathroom trips that follow a night of drinking alcohol.

When alcohol is removed from the equation, all those nightmare scenarios stop. You can sleep better at night and get a more restful sleep so that you feel refreshed in the morning.

You'll Improve Your Self-Esteem

Most people who drink alcohol all the time don't feel very good about themselves. They lose confidence in their abilities and often drink even more to try and regain the confidence they've lost.

You'll see a spike in your self-esteem when you put down the bottle forever. Part of that will be because you've demonstrated the willpower to live a life without alcohol. But part of it will also be because your mind will be thinking more clearly than it has in years.

Continue Down the Road to Alcohol Recovery and Reap the Benefits

Putting yourself on the road to alcohol recovery and maintaining your sobriety at all costs isn't easy. You'll encounter trials and tribulations that will make you want to go back to drinking again.

But by sticking with it and taking the recovery process seriously, you can reap the rewards that come along with it. You can also add AA coins to your collection to prove just how far you've come.

Take a blog at our blog to learn tips and techniques for overcoming an addiction to alcohol today.

The holiday season is officially over, which means that a new year is upon us. And with a new year comes new resolutions. One of the most popular seems to be maintaining sobriety.

Alcoholism is an extremely serious disease that affects millions of people every day. In addition to tearing apart families and social circles, it can cause liver and brain damage and in extreme cases, may be fatal.

Sobriety is tough enough on its own, but it gets even harder when you start to realize that temptation is practically everywhere.

Keep your mind and body sharp by knowing what to expect. Here are six easy tips on maintaining sobriety in 2018.

1. Maintaining Sobriety Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

When it comes to sobriety, there's a common saying that sobriety is a marathon, not a sprint. It may not be the newest phrase on earth, but it's certainly poignant.

Sobriety isn't something that can be accomplished in a set number of days. Even with the help of a 12 step program, you'll face temptations all the time.

Instead, it's important that you approach your sobriety as a journey of sorts. Like anything worth doing in life, it's going to take time and plenty of effort.

If you're just beginning your sober journey, expect a rough beginning. Depending on the severity of your addiction, you may experience nausea, profuse sweating, and sudden outbursts.

For your safety, consult a physician before quitting cold turkey. Your body gets used to certain chemicals and substances, and depriving your system of those substances suddenly puts your body in a state of shock.

Be safe and be patient. Sobriety may be tough, but you're tougher.

2. Grow Your Support System

During your initial days of sobriety staying away from alcohol can feel daunting. You may feel alone and like no one understands. But the truth is you have tons of people around you who love and support you no matter what.

Psychologists suggest that having a strong support system in place is a great way to stay sober and those who have a strong circle of friends and family are likelier to stay sober than those who walk their path alone.

There will be days where maintaining sobriety feels almost impossible. It's precisely during these dark days that you'll need to turn to your loved ones. It's a good idea to surround yourself with sober individuals, or at least individuals that won't pressure you into drinking.

3. Remind Yourself Why You're Quitting

Everyone has their own personal reasons for maintaining sobriety. It may be for your own health, for your family, relationship, or even your career.

Whatever your reason, physically writing out your reasons for quitting is a great, cathartic exercise. Grab a piece of a paper and a pencil and find a quiet area.
Take a few moments to reflect on your life. What is it that made you choose to quit?

There's no right or wrong answer. Write down whatever you think is important enough to get you to stop drinking.

Then, once you've finished, fold up the paper and keep it in a drawer or private area. When you're feeling tempted to drink, open up the list and remind yourself once again what you're fighting for.

4. Give Yourself a Physical Reminder

It's nice to have a piece of paper to turn to, but plenty of people would rather have a physical reminder of their sobriety. For those that want a reminder to stay strong at all times, we'd suggest picking up an affirmation chip.

With tons of different options, there's sure to be an affirmation chip that's right for you. These trinkets offer both comfort and accountability.

Imagine having one of those days where everything seems to be going wrong.

Work is tough, you didn't get enough sleep last night, and you overhear your coworkers talking about grabbing drinks after work. You want to partake, but then you remember that helpful little coin in your pocket.

One day at a time, it says. Suddenly, you're reminded why it may not be such a great idea to head to the bar tonight. And just like that, your token of sobriety keeps your temptation in check.

5. Learn Your Triggers

Alcoholism in and of itself is often a symptom of something else. There's always a reason why someone turns to the bottle. Understanding what it is that makes you drink is a great way to keep yourself in check.

Determining your triggers may not be something you can accomplish on your own. Don't be afraid to reach out and talk to a mental health professional or a trusted confidante at your local AA meeting.

There are plenty of people out there who would love to help you get to the bottom of your addiction, and the sooner you understand what attracts you to alcohol, the sooner you can understand how to fix it and what to avoid.

6. Be Vocal About Maintaining Sobriety

Sobriety is never something that should be hidden or looked down upon, even by those who actively imbibe. It takes immense personal strength and fortitude to quit self-destructive behaviors.

Yet so many addicts find it tough to talk about maintaining sobriety as if there's a stigma. But vocalizing one's sobriety is a fantastic way to inspire yourself and others.

Don't be afraid to share your story with those around you. Sobriety is, after all, a journey that no one can take alone.

Reach out to others around you. Consider sponsoring a newly recovering addict at your local AA meeting, or just share your own story with friends.

Your desire to maintain sobriety has the capacity to affect everyone around you for the better. Imagine how much of a difference you can make by letting others know why you're staying sober.

Maintaining Sobriety is Tough, Let Us Help

Truth be told, there's no easy way to stay sober. But you have what it takes. Stay strong, and don't be afraid to share your journey with the world. You never know who you may inspire.

Don't forget to pick up your personal token to help you maintain sobriety. Get in touch or browse our shop to find the perfect recovery gift.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a support group where people go to get and stay sober. The idea is while detoxing, going through the steps, and staying on the wagon can be tough, no one should have to do it alone.

Along with allusions to a Higher Power and the 12 Step Process, the word, "sponsor" tends to come up quite a bit. If you've gone through the steps yourself, chances are you have your own sponsor, a person you can call when you're struggling.

Maybe you'd like to give back by helping a new member. If that's the case, here is a little more information on how to be a good sponsor.

Where Did the Idea of Sponsorship Come From?

The concept of the sponsor dates back to the very inception of Alcoholics Anonymous.

AA began in 1935 when founding members, Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson got together. After Wilson was sober for a few months, he began to search for another alcoholic who had dealt with a similar problem and found a confidante in Dr. Smith, who also struggled with staying sober.

The founders discovered that one of the key benefits of being involved in the organization was having someone to learn on, and the two men helped each other maintain their sobriety.

The model of AA relies on alcoholics helping other alcoholics--and a sponsor is an individual who is in recovery available in a mentor capacity to someone who wishes to achieve long-term sobriety themselves.

You Need to Have at Least a Year Of Sobriety Under Your Belt

A sponsor should function as something of a sobriety guide to new members. As such, you'll need to have gone through the steps yourself and be living a clean and sober lifestyle.

Sponsorship is Beneficial for Both Parties

Aside from being just a flat out, kind thing to do, becoming a sponsor is a really great way to maintain your sobriety. A study from Brown University's psychology department found that people who choose to be sponsors are less likely to relapse in the year after their initial treatment.

How to Be a Good Sponsor--AA Sponsor Guide

Impatient? Angry? Well, you might not be ready to be a sponsor. Addiction is a recurring disease and relapse is a possibility no one is immune to. With that in mind, the sponsor needs to be understanding and ready to help with the difficult times that inevitably come up during the recovery process.

Some other things that will contribute to sponsorship success:

You're Well-Adjusted to the Sober Life

You know how hard it is to get clean, and have that insight to offer your sponsee. Ideally, you have a few years of sobriety under your belt and can demonstrate that this change has made a positive impact on your life. If you have a poor attitude toward sobriety and all its trappings, you run the risk of passing that along to your sponsee.

You Shouldn't Sponsor Someone You Want to Date

A sponsor is meant to be a trustworthy party, if you have feelings for someone in AA, it is not wise to sponsor that person. If your motives extend beyond helping a fellow alcoholic, you run the risk of doing more harm than good. Ideally, it's smart to pick someone who is a gender you're not attracted to.

Be Prepared to Listen More than You Talk

As a sponsor, your duty is to listen and encourage a newcomer's integration into the group. While you're not a therapist, your role is to listen and answer questions about sobriety and share what worked for you. You're more of a shoulder to lean on than a resource for treatment methods or counseling.

You Met Your Sponsee At a Meeting

The benefit of Alcoholics Anonymous is its anonymity. It's out of bounds to offer your sponsorship at a bar or a social gathering. Instead, turn your efforts to members who are already attending meetings.

You Have the Time to Share

Issues with substance abuse don't exactly stick to a regular schedule. You must be able to pick up the phone at any given time or return text messages within a short period. With that in mind, make sure your work and family obligations

You Can Relate to the Person

Your role as a sponsor is to be someone your sponsee trusts and feels comfortable confiding in. If there's no connection, it's going to be hard to reinforce sobriety best practices or come through in a time of need.

Keep Your Expectations Clear

Communication is key as an AA sponsor. Be upfront with sponsees about what they can expect from you and what you expect in return.

Sponsees may be concerned about being dropped by a sponsor, which can lead to feelings of abandonment. On top of trying to stay sober, the fear of being rejected only makes things more challenging.

If you have certain criteria you need your sponsee to meet, it's imperative to tell them right away. Some sponsors prefer to be called at a regular time each day, while others are available if needed.

AA Gifts and Tokens

In the end, there's no one way to be a sponsor. Each sponsor-sponsee relationship will be different. Still, you should look for someone to sponsor that has a similar set of values.

Some sponsors may check in all the time and provide reading assignments, while others approach this relationship as a casual and supportive friendship.

Now that you've got a sense of how to be a good sponsor, it's time to put the above steps into practice. Between the listening skills, your patience, your understanding, you've got this.

At The Token Shop, we get the recovery process and know that things aren't always easy. For that reason, we make a number of tokens and recovery-related gifts. If you have a sponsee, show them you care. Take a look through our collection and see if anything catches your eye.

Relapse.

For those struggling with addiction, an alcohol relapse is an unfortunate part of the journey. But it happens. Probably a lot more than you think.

How you choose to handle an alcohol relapse can have two different outcomes:

1. It can set the stage for continued, and possibly better, recovery;
2. It can spiral into complete, life-controlling addiction once again.

If you, or someone you care about, has suffered from a relapse, don't walk around believing it's the end of the world. It is possible to master sober living....

If you've got or are on the cusp of earning your 365-day token, congratulations! 

Hitting the one year sober milestone is something to be proud of. The first twelve months of sobriety can be very difficult, but what should you expect in the aftermath?

Well, for one, your odds of staying sober improve dramatically. An eight-year study showed that less than half of those who achieved a year of sobriety relapsed. That number continued to tumble as time went on...

As the spring turns to summer, social events begin to take precedence in our lives.

We'll get to cherish time with loved ones and friends while creating brand new memories.

But for many in recovery, social events are synonymous with stress. But being sober doesn't need to be equated with being a shut-in. In fact, going out and being social can be beneficial to your mental well-being!

Many alcoholics and drug addicts you have stopped using multiple times. In fact, some of us quit every day. 

Only to start again the next morning. 

Too many people confuse recovery from drug and alcohol addiction as a plan to stop drinking and doing drugs. 

In fact, it is much different than stopping. 

And one of the essential parts of recovery is a relapse prevention plan. 

Creating a relapse prevention plan is like constructing a safety net for your sobriety. In the best of circumstances, you don't ever need a safety net. 

But if you ever do get in a life-threatening situation, you'll be glad it's there.