Some Information You Should Know on How AA Coins and Medallions Were Used for Recovery
Even if this is not a part of AA, the coin system or what they call the chip system has been used throughout the country and also in different parts of the world for this matter to be able to celebrate those milestones made by the alcoholics on their recovery. Various medallions are utilized to signify and show the periods of abstinence from alcohol. These special tokens are usually similar to the size of a chip in poker and they are also offered to those in recovery by home group, spiritual mentors and sponsors or their friends and members of the family. Such is used for celebrating the achievements made and to remind the receiver about the daily commitment for their recovery.
Even if it is not possible to point out the accurate beginning of the coin system but it is believed that this started in the year 1942 when AA was carried to Indianapolis in the 1940s and the reference was actually made to give out tokens or chips. Also, there are those who used the medallions. With the acceptance of the medallions, the newly recovering alcoholics were displaying their commitment. Also, they keep in mind that when they like or they are tempted to drink, then they must return the medallion prior to drinking.
For such individuals, it is not the coins and the medallions which keep them sober. What is really important is the meaning which is carried by the tokens. With those people in recovery, they get to receive special tokens for a month, two and so on. The tokens, medallions, chips or aa coins have such sense of pride because of fulfilling their commitment to recovery. Often, a simple look at the special token can provide the motivation to continue to stay abstinent though they like to drink.
Today, it is quite common for the AA groups to offer aa medallions or a token to the members who have achieved something o their road to recovery. Moreover, there are many options which are given to the recovering alcoholics such as the keychains, coffee mugs, wristbands, glass pocket gems and others which are becoming more popular. Also, there is a tale of group that offers a bullet for the recovering alcoholic person to carry around so that if one thinks of drinking, then such person can have a bullet handy and get an easier way out.