AA History...Chips?

[CarolD]

Often we speak of chips and medallions
that denote length of sobriety.

While it is up to each group to do this
and not all do...

I thought the history interesting.

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Sister Ignatia was in charge of admissions at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, Ohio. She and Dr. Bob Smith (doctor), admitted the first alcoholic patient who would be the first of millions to participate in the Twelve-step program of recovery.

Many of AA's ideas — including the use of tokens to mark milestones in sobriety — were introduced by Sister Ignatia. She gave alcoholics leaving St. Thomas a Sacred Heart medallion, instructing them that the acceptance of the medallion represented commitment to God, A.A. and recovery. She added that if they were going to drink, they should return the medallion first.

She was also the first to recognise the use of coffee for alcoholics, insisting that it be freely available in every stage of recovery.

Between 1935 and 1965 she successfully treated thousands of alcoholics. Sister Ignatia pioneered the recognition of alcoholism among priests and nuns. She was remembered for her kindness, honesty and nonjudgmental love.

Source...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Ignatia

[jimhere]

Thank you for this tidbit, Carol. I love AA history and find it fascinating. Might I recommend a book called "Sister Ignatia: Angel of Alcoholics Anonymous" It is a very thorough biogrophy written by Mary Darrah.
Jim