12-Step Chips, keytags, and Medallions: Symbols of Sobriety and Hope

When embarking on a journey towards sobriety, every step forward is a monumental achievement. In 12-step recovery, these milestones are celebrated with chips, keytags, and medallions, small tokens that carry immense significance. More than just keepsakes, these symbols represent progress, perseverance, and hope in the ongoing battle against addiction.

The Origins of 12-Step Chips, keytags, and Medallions

The tradition of awarding chips and medallions in AA dates back to the early days of the organization, which was founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. This practice is believed to have been inspired by Sister Ignatia, a Roman Catholic nun who played a crucial role in AA’s early development. Sister Ignatia worked closely with Dr. Bob at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, Ohio, where she gave newly sober patients a Sacred Heart medallion, instructing them to return it before taking their next drink. This gesture was meant to reinforce their commitment to sobriety.

Over time, this evolved into the modern practice of distributing chips and medallions to mark various lengths of sobriety. Today, these tokens are powerful reminders of a person’s dedication and progress, as well as service to the Homegroup.

AA Chips Milestones

The Role of Chips and Medallions in Recovery

For many members of the 12-step community, receiving a chip, keytag, or medallion is a moment of great pride and affirmation. These tokens play several crucial roles in the recovery process:

  1. Motivation and Encouragement: Chips and medallions provide tangible proof of progress, serving as a source of motivation to continue on the path of sobriety.
  2. Recognition and Support: Presenting these tokens in a group setting allows fellow members to acknowledge and celebrate each other’s achievements, fostering a sense of community and support.
  3. Milestone Markers: Each chip or medallion represents a significant milestone in the recovery journey, helping individuals to see how far they have come and encouraging them to set new goals.
  4. Reminders of Commitment: Carrying a chip or medallion can serve as a constant reminder of an individual’s commitment to sobriety and the strength they have found within themselves and their support network.

The Significance of Chips and Medallions

AA chips and medallions come in various colors and designs, each representing a specific milestone in sobriety. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • 24-Hour Chip (White Chip): Often called the “surrender chip,” this token is given to newcomers as a sign of their willingness to start the journey to sobriety.
  • 30-Day Chip (Silver Chip): Awarded after one month of sobriety, this chip signifies the completion of the first significant milestone.
  • 60-Day Chip (Gold Chip): Given to those who have maintained sobriety for two months.
  • 90-Day Chip (Green Chip): Acknowledges three months of continuous sobriety.
  • 6-Month Chip (Blue Chip): Celebrates six months of sustained sobriety.
  • 9-Month Chip (Purple Chip): Marks nine months of being sober.
  • 1-Year Medallion (Bronze Chip): A significant milestone, this medallion celebrates one year of sobriety. Subsequent years of sobriety are often marked with bronze medallions as well.

Similar Traditions with a Broader Focus

Other 12-step organizations such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Cocaine Anonymous use chips and medallions that are similar to that in AA, with each token symbolizing a key milestone in the recovery journey.

Chips and Medallions in NA

NA chips and medallions also come in different colors and designs, with each color representing a different length of clean time:

  • Welcome Key Tag (White): Given to newcomers or those returning from a relapse, symbolizing a fresh start.
  • 30 Days (Orange): Represents one month of being clean.
  • 60 Days (Green): Awarded after two months of sobriety.
  • 90 Days (Red): Marks three months of clean time.
  • 6 Months (Blue): Celebrates half a year of sobriety.
  • 9 Months (Yellow): Acknowledges nine months of being clean.
  • 1 Year (Glow in the Dark): A significant milestone, celebrating one year of sobriety.
  • 18 Months (Grey): Marks a year and a half of sobriety.
  • Multiple Years (Black): Given for each additional year of clean time.

Chips and Medallions in CA

Similar to AA and NA, CA uses chips and medallions to commemorate various lengths of sobriety:

  • 24-Hour Chip (White): Represents a commitment to start the journey towards sobriety.
  • 30-Day Chip (Red): Given for the first month of sobriety.
  • 60-Day Chip (Gold): Marks two months of being sober.
  • 90-Day Chip (Green): Represents three months of continuous sobriety.
  • 6-Month Chip (Blue): Celebrates half a year of sobriety.
  • 9-Month Chip (Purple): Acknowledges nine months of being clean.
  • 1-Year Chip (Bronze): A significant milestone, celebrating one year of sobriety. Subsequent years are marked with similar medallions.

Chips and medallions are far more than simple tokens; they are powerful symbols of hope, perseverance, and community. By marking key milestones in the recovery journey, they provide motivation, encouragement, and a tangible reminder of the progress made. For many in these fellowships, these small pieces of metal or plastic represent the hard-earned achievements of sobriety and the unwavering support of a community dedicated to helping each other live sober lives.

About the Authors

Renascent Staff
The staff at Renascent is passionate about helping people with substance addictions so they can reach their full recovery – with compassion, respect, empathy and understanding. Our staff includes our counsellors, all of whom have lived experience of addiction and recovery.