Why AA Celebrates Milestones
An addict’s first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting will be a very welcoming experience. Members of AA would describe it as a miracle. There are twenty-four-hour tokens given to its newcomers in their first 30 days of sobriety. Some members would describe this time as the most difficult. It’s important to give alcoholics in early recovery a positive first impression so that they keep coming back. It’s crucial that newcomers hear the experience, strength, and hope of those who came before them. It’s also important for the older members to see and hear what it would be like to drink again. The stories that are told by newcomers are reminders that while in the disease, it’s ugly and dark. Although life will never be perfect, newcomers can see there’s another way. Those working the 12 steps, can be proof for those skeptical that the program really works.
Newcomers are told they never have to drink again. Simple slogans such as one day at a time, easy does it, and keep it simple, are there as guides to stay present and grateful during such a challenging time. Members of AA can choose to count their days sober and that’s what gives them the chance to celebrate milestones. Each group has a set of different guidelines for the distribution of tokens, but on average groups will celebrate thirty days, sixty days, ninety days, six months, nine months, one year and thereafter. This gives alcoholics a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Some groups will ask that they tell the others how they did it but never pressure anyone to do anything that may feel uncomfortable. The point is to show newcomers that sobriety is possible, while in early recovery, it’s easy to feel hopeless.
Having milestones also gives the alcoholic something to look forward to. It’s not recommended to think about the future as much as it is to be given the chance to live sober. When others tell to the group how they did what seemed impossible, the explanation serves as a guide to give the newcomer tools to move forward. The 12-steps should always be suggested in order to achieve the gifts sobriety has to offer. No one has to do anything they don’t want. Sobriety the AA way only proposes suggestions. However, if the newcomer wants to receive the promises of Alcoholics Anonymous, there are a few things they must do and maintain. The program’s members lead by example. A sponsor is suggested to take newcomers through the steps as a way to stay sober themselves. It’s a beautiful cycle of alcoholics helping other alcoholics and that is a big deal worth celebrating. Now, let them eat cake!
Enlightened Solutions believes that a 12-step program will help maintain sobriety when re entering life after treatment. It’s crucial that the addict keep working on their recovery and we offer guidance into AA in our partial program treatment facility. Call 833-801-5483 today for information on our partial care programs in New Jersey.
