Recovery Glossary

A medallion given in Alcoholics Anonymous to commemorate periods of sobriety. AA chips originated in the 1940s and typically come in different colors representing various time milestones.

The yearly celebration of one's sobriety date. Anniversaries are significant milestones often marked with tokens, ceremonies, and community recognition.

The duration of time a person has been free from substance use. Clean time is tracked from the last date of use and celebrated at key milestones.

A chip or token given to someone who expresses a desire to stop drinking or using substances. Taking a desire chip is often the first public step in acknowledging the need for help.

The community and bonds formed between people in recovery. Fellowship extends beyond meetings and includes the mutual support, understanding, and shared experience that comes from walking a similar path.

A personal concept of a power greater than oneself, central to twelve-step programs. A higher power can be God, nature, the recovery community, or any source of strength and guidance beyond the individual.

A specific meeting that a person regularly attends and considers their primary recovery community. Having a home group provides consistency, accountability, and deeper connections.

A larger, often more ornate version of a sobriety coin, typically given for significant milestones like yearly anniversaries. Medallions are usually made of higher-quality materials and feature detailed designs.

A gathering of people in recovery who come together to share experiences, provide mutual support, and discuss recovery topics. Meetings can be open (anyone welcome) or closed (members only).

A foundational recovery principle emphasizing the importance of focusing only on staying sober today, rather than being overwhelmed by the prospect of lifelong sobriety.

The ongoing process of overcoming substance use disorder and building a fulfilling, substance-free life. Recovery encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing.

A return to substance use after a period of sobriety. Relapse is often viewed not as failure but as a common part of the recovery process that can provide valuable learning.

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." This prayer is recited at the beginning or end of many recovery meetings.

The state of abstaining from alcohol or other substances. Sobriety is both a daily practice and a lifelong journey, celebrated through milestones and supported by community.

A physical token, typically a metal coin or medallion, given to mark recovery milestones. Sobriety coins serve as tangible reminders of progress and commitment to recovery.

The specific date marking the beginning of a person's current period of continuous sobriety. This date is deeply personal and serves as the foundation for celebrating milestones.

A person in recovery who is being guided by a more experienced member (sponsor). The sponsor-sponsee relationship is a cornerstone of many twelve-step programs.

An experienced member of a recovery program who guides and supports a newer member (sponsee) through the recovery process. Sponsors share their experience and help work through the steps.

People, places, emotions, or situations that create urges to use substances. Identifying and managing triggers is a crucial skill in maintaining sobriety.

A set of guiding principles for recovery originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous. The twelve steps outline a spiritual and practical path for overcoming addiction and building a new way of life.