Gift for someone celebrating a year of sobriety

In 12 step programs, one year of sobriety is celebrated by acknowledging the special gift of sobriety. The angel or token of gratitude is presented at a ceremony to the person who has been free from alcohol and drugs for 365 days. The one-year anniversary of giving up alcohol and other addictive chemicals is a special occasion. First, it’s a milestone in the recovery process, a significant event in the person’s life, and a great source of gratitude for what they have achieved. In many 12 step groups, the group, family and friends acknowledge the milestone with a celebration, known as a celebration of sobriety.

Each person who has been sober for a year is honored with a gift representing how far they have come in their recovery. The gift may be a simple crystal or glass ornament or a more elaborate work of art. Some groups give the gift of a book, or a card with a prayer. The gift should be something that is simple, meaningful and symbolic of the person’s achievement. 

The idea for this kind of celebration came from Alcoholics Anonymous, an organization that has been helping people recover from alcoholism for over 60 years. They call the annual celebration a “Birthday”. The first celebration of sobriety for a year took place in Akron, Ohio, where Bill Wilson first presented his friend Ebby Thacher the birthday cake with a candle on it. Bill wrote in his notes, “Ebby sobbed and said, ‘I’m no good.” I said, “Of course you’re good. You’re good at something we’ve never dreamed of doing.'” 

So if someone you love is now celebrating their 1 year of sobriety, here’s a list of unique gift ideas for them: 

  1. A unique crystal or glass ornament with a message inscribed on it.
  2. Books with positive self-affirmations and positive messages have become very popular.
  3. A card with a prayer or message written on it.
  4. A  piece of jewelry with a special meaning (For example: An earring that has a butterfly, the symbol of rebirth).
  5. A special cake with a candle on it.
  6. A candle with a special message inscribed on it.
  7. A massage or a vacation.
  8. A day pass to a spa.
  9. A gift certificate for a day at the movies with a friend.
  10. A voucher for a day at any health club.
  11. A set of personalized coasters.
  12. A special piece of clothing.
  13. A piece of art.
  14. A gift basket or hamper with the person’s favorite treats.
  15. A framed message in the home with a note from the family.
  16. A framed photo of the family with a note in it.
  17. A gift certificate for dinner for two.
  18. A framed poem with a special message in it.
  19. A CD of a favorite song.
  20. A diary or a journal

A year of sobriety is a big deal, and you should definitely celebrate! Whether you’re a friend, family member, or just someone who has seen this person grow into their own and be happy and healthy, this list of gift ideas is bound to have something for everyone. And if none of these ideas strike your fancy, shopping as a group can be a fun social experience as well. In any case, good job on making it through an entire year—here’s to another!

AA meetings will be with you through and through 

AA meetings are the backbone of the recovery process and people who have been sober for a year will tell you how much the meetings helped them. These sober people go to regular AA meetings and continue to go to 12 steps of AA meetings throughout the year. In addition, the friends and the support of other alcoholics can be a great help if you need the motivation to stop drinking, if you are newly sober, or if you are in a relapse.

It’s not uncommon for people to get comfort from AA meetings during the first year of recovery. They feel like it’s a safe place to go and share their experience with the people who are in the same shoes as they are in.

It’s also important for people to continue to go to AA meetings even after a year. This is because AA meetings don’t just help during the first year of sobriety. They help for life. People who continue to go will feel more and more open about their addiction and about their recovery. It will be a support system for them forever.

People will learn that it’s okay to talk about their struggles. It’s okay to feel confused, scared, and worried. But, they will find that it is actually helpful to talk about these things. The more they talk about the process of recovery, the more they will learn, the more they will heal, and the more they will improve their life.

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