I’ll admit I haven’t done a ton of research on this but curious if anyone knows. I’ve been wondering on how about the coins came about for AA and other groups. Seen some pretty interesting things stating it started from a nun passing out sacred hearts asking they are returned before first drink. Also was curious about the gaps in milestones. Is there a specific reason it is a frequent thing until one year and then only every year after? Thanks for any insight!
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That’s interesting, I’ve never seen those numbers before! Thanks for sharing that 
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Heard of the percentages but never an exact number. That is interesting.
Thanks Brad I will look into that. Also saw another YouTub video with russel brand and his road to recovery. A lot of triggers!!! so just a warning. But he even went into see a neurologist to show how alcohol, drugs and recovery affects the brain. I’ll find the title if your interested.
Do they start the count of when you get the coins from your first meeting or your sober date?
What’s the first one they give out?
I’m just curious, I haven’t told any family members I’m an alcoholic and that I’m trying to live the sober lifestyle. I haven’t been to AA, just been using this group so far. Im on day 3 of my second attempt after 5 days sober.
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Exactly. I wake up with these random thoughts as I do my morning reading. I read the word coin and my mind got sidetracked.
You get a 24 hour coin for most of the groups I’ve seen as a newcomer. Then the timeframe I’ve been introduced to is 30,60,90,180,270 and 365 then every year thereafter. And awesome job on the progress so far!! As @Farmer said knowledge never hurts!
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I’ve wanted to go to a meeting, just to see if it would be something that I would be interested in. I know AA isn’t for everyone, everyone has their own opinions. But I’m down to give anything a try if it helps, ya know?
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Absolutely. Never hurts to try. I’ve been to NA CA AA looked into smart recovery and settled with AA. CA meetings were always my favorite even this my DOC is alcohol.
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One version is that it started in 1942 in Indianapolis. Not much else is known. If that is the case maybe an idea (soley my opinion based on the time period) stolen from the military’s challenge/command coins.
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That’s kind of what caught my eye. I carry my AA coin in my wallet and my military challenge coin in my pocket. It has the serenity prayer on it so I don’t ever get drinks but don’t have to buy either.
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Mine start out in my pocket…and then when I am pulling something out of my pocket in my truck, they come flying out and ALWAYS, land in that small crack…just big enough for them to fit into…
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Better than in a crowded place where others have a coin hahaha.
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There u go The practice of giving sobriety chips in A.A. is attributed to a Group in Elmira, N.Y. in 1947. The celebration of birthdays came from the Oxford Group where they celebrated the anniversary of their spiritual rebirth. People in early A.A. chose the anniversary of the date of their last drink.
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Thank you for the info! Very coincidental you mention Elmira NY. that is about 5 hours south of me and I was there last month on a business trip! I am also about 20 minutes away from Plattsburgh! I do t have my book near me but think it’s the first or second sentence that says he is shipping out of Plattsburgh. That’s the base right by my home.
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