The Tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous Sobriety Chips Explained
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) started as an informal fellowship and society in Akron, Ohio, in 1935. It has since evolved into a worldwide community. According to the AA website, AA has over 123,000 groups, a presence in 180 countries, and over two million members.
Many AA members celebrate their achievements toward an alcohol-free life with Alcoholics Anonymous sobriety chips. The chips may be small, but the power behind their history and meanings packs a punch.
Join the Token Shop team as we explore the tradition behind these chips and their roles in AA members' journey to recovery.
History of Alcoholics Anonymous Sobriety Chips
According to Pinellas County Intergroup, the tradition of handing out Alcoholics Anonymous sobriety chips is attributable to an AA group in Elmira, New York. According to the newsletter, the group started the practice in 1947.
However, carrying something that reminds one of their sobriety started before that. Per the newsletter, it began with Clarence H. Snyder, the founder of Cleveland's AA Group No. 3, whose last drink was on February 11, 1938. Apparently, since his last drink, he carried a silver dollar that he turned into a medallion to remind himself of his sobriety.
Another key player in the history of AA sobriety chips is Sister Ignatia. She's the nun who helped Dr. Bob, AA's founder, get the hospitalization program for St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, OH. According to the AA newsletter, she was the first-ever person to give out medallions to AA members.
The Role of AA Sobriety Chips
Today, the tradition of giving AA sobriety chips is to celebrate a person's milestones in overcoming addiction to alcohol. It's a way to provide tangible sobriety support to individuals doing their best to satisfy the principles of recovery, including the self-discipline to stay sober.
When someone looks at their AA chip (or chips), it reminds them of their previous achievements. It can then encourage them to push through with the positive changes they're doing.
As members receive and collect chips, they'll likely feel loved, supported, and motivated, letting them experience spiritual growth in sobriety. They can find inner peace and comfort as their mementos remind them they're not alone and have comrades who'll support them throughout their journey to recovery.
Each AA chip also has a specific meaning based on its color. For example, a white chip given to new AA members symbolizes the first step to committing to sobriety. A silver chip is a 24-hour milestone, a dark blue one is for six months, and a bronze one is for a full year of sobriety.
Celebrate Wins With AA Sobriety Chips
Alcoholics Anonymous sobriety chips, while not mandatory, can be powerful tools in one's fight against alcohol. Their presence alone can give people confidence and courage to continue their journey to a healthier, sober life.
So, if you, a loved one, or a friend is celebrating a sobriety milestone, consider the power behind AA chips.
Since 2010, the Token Shop has sourced and shipped high-quality recovery and sobriety chips, tokens, and medallions. Explore our selection today and remind yourself or your loved one that they're not alone in traversing the road to recovery.