The sobriety medallion is one of the most cherished gifts that a member of AA and all 12 step programs can receive. Sobriety medallions mark winning moments in the battle of life and support the self worth that grows as they are collected. The medallions can mark any mile on the road to recovery and be given by anyone at anytime in support of the member who has made the commitment of transformation. They can be given as group gifts, subtle supports, commemorate achievements, and to yourself as a constant reminder.

To hear your name called and walk up to the front of the assembled meeting, everyone clapping and cheering, to receive your first 24 hour sobriety medallion is like standing in the presence of spirit. The pride that wells up inside you, the overwhelming relief and disbelief that there is an entire community who supports you and does not judge you cannot be compared with any other experience. This is the first glimpse you have that you might just make it to clean and sober.

Your Sponsor is standing there with the precious shiny brass medallion that says 1 in the center of the triangle, she places it in your hand, folds your fingers over it and embraces you. Now after one month, you have experienced success you have never even dreamed of; keeping a commitment for 30 days. The sobriety medallion resting firmly in your hand, cool and smooth, is a constant reminder that the person standing in front of you is always only a phone call away, that you are in a room full of support and you are never alone.

As the years pass, the number inside your anniversary sobriety medallion grows. Gold, silver, copper, painted in bright colors, hanging close to your heart as pendants, these small talismans have been in your pocket and kept your hands full of the promise that you have made to yourself, your family, your community, and your spiritual higher power. In the desperation that hit even 3 years into your new life, that sobriety medallion was there, carrying all the love, power, and strength of your spirit telling you, "Just one more day."

Now, you are standing at the front of the meeting, the sponsor of many members, watching as the young woman, dark circle under her eyes, perspiration beading on her brow, steps forward uncertainly to receiver her 24 hour sobriety medallion. You reach for her hand and place the gleaming triangle inside a circle securely within her palm. "Congratulations. We celebrate another 24 hours of sobriety with you. This sobriety medallion will help to remind you that you are never alone."

As you step forward to give her a warm and welcoming hug, you hear you own sobriety medallion chinking in your pocket and offer great appreciation for all the love and strength that was shared with you that you in turn are able to offer to hundreds of others.