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.

The journey of being sober is one that requires significant effort and dedication to your mission. Another important part of the journey is an understanding of why you're on the journey to begin with.

The holidays can be particularly stressful for the newly sober. As the social events pick up, you may be in need of some tips to remember your ultimate goal.

Read on to learn more about how to stay sober through the holidays and be your best self.

AA Coins: What They Are and How They Help in the Recovery Journey

AA Coins: What Are They And How Do They Help In The Journey Toward Recovery

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.

Today's AA groups don't look the same as the groups Bill W. in the beginning. AA grew and changed over the years. Lessons learned and successes celebrated allowed this recovery organization to evolve.

One of the ways that AA members empower each other to succeed is through the gift of AA coins. These little tokens hold big significance in the fight for sobriety.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at what AA coins are and how they help with recovery.

What Are Some Fun Ways to Celebrate Sobriety?

What Are Some Fun Ways to Celebrate Sobriety?

Celebrating your sobriety is something every recovering addict should have fun with! Read more to learn some fun ways you can celebrate your sobriety milestones and get planning today!

Is your one-year anniversary of being sober coming up? Congratulations! It's time to plan your sobriety celebration.

This isn't any old birthday celebration. Your sobriety anniversary is a monumental date that shows how far you've come. You've worked hard for this celebration.

Not sure how to plan this special event? There are tons of options to suit how you want to spend the day. Keep reading for some awesome ways to celebrate sobriety.

5 Fun Sober Activities for a Friday Night out

5 Fun Sober Activities for a Friday Night out

Friday nights out don't have to revolve around the bar scene to be fun! Here are 5 super fun sober activities you can enjoy with your friends that are sure to be a hit!

When the weekend rolls around, it seems everywhere you look there are people drinking. If you're recovering from an alcohol addiction, weekends can seem challenging.

Staying sober doesn't mean you have to give up your social life. It may appear that there aren't many fun social events without alcohol. But, there are actually lots of things you can do without alcohol ever coming into the equation.

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.

Alcohol and Mental Health: 4 Co-Occurring Disorders You May Encounter

4 Co-Occurring Disorders You May Encounter

Dealing with alcoholism is already tough as it is, but it becomes a whole different game when co-occurring disorders become involved. Here are 4 co-occurring disorders you or a loved one may encounter on their road to recovery.

Alcohol addiction often accompanies additional underlying mental and anxiety disorders or co-occurring disorders.

A 1990 survey reported 53% of people with substance addiction had a co-occurring disorder.

It's not uncommon to seek treatment for alcohol and mental health simultaneously.

However, co-occurring disorders often go undiagnosed and so can be difficult to manage.

Alcohol and mental health affect each other, as many people with undiagnosed disorders self-medicate with alcohol and other substances to manage their symptoms.

Here's how to tell if you or a loved one has a co-occurring disorder and how to get help.

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.