Understanding AA Medallions: A Symbol of Sobriety and Recovery

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a 12-step program designed to help those struggling with addiction to alcohol. The 12-step program was established by Bill W. in 1935 and is now used throughout the world. One tradition of AA is giving those in recovery chips and medallions in recognition of time stayed sober. These chips and medallions are given during meetings. AA meetings vary by the group, location and chapter, but the chips and medallions are given in a consistent fashion.

Instructions

• 1

  Set the box of chips and medallions out at the meeting and find a volunteer (one of the tenets of AA meetings) to call and pass out chips and medallions. Determine if you will hand out medallions at the beginning or end of the AA meeting.

• 2

  Call out the time period of each medallion and ask those in the meeting with that amount of time sober to accept a medallion or chip. For example, call out for those sober for one week and hand out the appropriate chip or medallion.

• 3

  Call out each successive medallion time. As a general rule, call out chips and medallions for a week, month, year and then in increments of years.

• 4

  Allow the members to clap and provide support for the medallion receiver. Hand the medallion to the person and offer a hug or handshake in support and recognition of the sobriety achievement.