Tips for The Average Joe
A Quick Guide to Sobriety Chips and Its Importance in Recovery
Members of 12-step programs get the chance to receive small, round-shaped tokens that go by the name of sobriety chips or tokens. Alcoholics Anonymous and other sobriety groups are popular for using these sobriety chips. Using these tokens is most common for people who are part of this program to reward them for the great things they have achieved in the program. Getting a sobriety chip is very satisfying and a source of achievement or people going through recovery. These tokens ensure that the person in recovery is motivated to change their lifestyle for the better. For those who are part of a 12-step program, getting a good understanding of sobriety chips can help you get through your struggles in life.
The use of sobriety chips started in the year 1942 in Indianapolis. In Maine of the same year, the Portland group used color-coded poker chips to mark the sobriety of a person. After this group started using these tokens, a lot of 12-step groups followed them by using sobriety chips in their programs. Using these sobriety chips is like using challenge coins that mark every milestone that the person accomplishes.
The primary reason for using these sobriety chips is to help people stay motivated while in recovery and as they go through the sails of life free from the control of addictive substances. These tokens give the recovering addict a reminder of the struggles they have been through and what successes they have achieved. Despite the fact that ever sobriety chip has a general meaning to the recovering addict, receiving one as part of your achievement may be more special to you. When you receive a white sobriety chip, for instance, this means 1 day or 24 hours. You get this chip on the first day of the program. This also serves as a reminder to recovering addicts that they have hope for being successful in recovering from their addiction and staying sober. People who relapse also get a white sobriety chip. It implies that they are back to being sober and on their first day.
Recovering addicts receive sobriety chips to mark a milestone of their life as they recover or become sober. Joining an alcohol treatment program or any 12-step program, for that matter, will mean that you will receive these sobriety chips. With red, gold, and emerald green colored sobriety chips, you are sober for a month, two months, and three months, respectively. On the other hand, if you remain sober for four, five, and six months, you will get the gold, red, and blue sobriety chips, respectively.
Taking the first step is vital to start your journey to recovery as an addict. As you go through your recovery by being a part of any 12-step program, every achievement you make means you will get these sobriety chips. Some programs also use recovery medallions aside from chips.