Why Use AA Tokens?

The Alcoholics Anonymous or AA tokens are basically some kind of coins or chips that are used by groups, given to individuals to celebrate their clean time and in order to help eliminate their drinking problem. Many addicts of alcohol normally find it very difficult to maintain any length of sobriety because alcoholism is a habit / disease that has become a part of their daily lives. One of the most effective ways in which individuals are able to successfully overcome their bad drinking habit is through the use of the AA tokens. This is because the individual has to earn his tokens through their own efforts to stay sober. This has been proven to help most alcoholics and addicts avoid relapse. Most newcomers often feel very isolated and alone and that whatever they do is wrong. Their self esteem and confidence levels are at an all-time low. However, when they are issued with a tokens as a reward for their efforts, the group cheers for them and they feel appreciated, loved and accepted. This encourages them to fight the addiction harder and harder, to start working the Twelve Steps and get a Sponsor as they try strive to achieve their next sobriety token.

We can then say with confidence that the AA token, chip, or coin system works as a motivator for any alcoholic in recovery in the sense that they now have tangible goals to achieve, getting that next coin. By doing this they are being motivated and are unintentionally fighting the intangible urge to drink

The use of the sobriety tokens and coins is a physical way for an alcoholic to see, touch and feel their progress. The idea of the AA tokens is one of reward and encouragement. Encouragement to fight the good fight, to do the next right thing, to stay on the straight and narrow, to get involved in the program, to embrace the program and in so doing, escape their old alcoholic behaviours.

Although the very first token a person achieves is the 24 Hours of sobriety, it is often considered the most important token to carry with you either in your pocket or wallet. It is a constant reminder that just for today, you are sober. It doesn’t matter how long your sobriety is. We are all equal in AA and only through the grace of God, sober, just for today, 24 Hours at a time. The new comer that has managed his first week is just as important as the old timer. We are all just one drink away from the deadly pits of alcoholic hell. It is our humility that keeps us sober. Humility to others, and to ourselves.

The AA token, or sobriety coin / chip includes 3 of the pillars of freedom from alcoholism or addiction. Unity, Service and Recovery. Constant reminders of who we are. We are a part of the incredible miracle that is millions of likeminded, understanding people around the globe who stand together as one, we are never alone. It reminds us that service is a crucial part of AA. Without it there would be no AA, and as such, no recovery. On the reverse of the coin is The Serenity Prayer.  A simple yet powerful prayer that can get a person out of the most uncomfortable situations.

Being the holder of an AA tokens means one has admitted that they are powerless over alcohol and are ready to do away with their old drinking habits. They will soon start to discover the gifts and rewards of sobriety, the promises coming true, and when the time is right, a Spiritual Awakening.