The use of AA medallions originated some 70 years ago. Using medallions began as a means of noting significant sobriety accomplishments of people who were trying to break their addiction to alcohol. The presenting of medallions replaced the former practice of presenting a birthday cake to mark important milestones on the road to sobriety. Birthday cake giving, however, was discarded in favor of medallions because the corresponding celebrations surrounding the giving of the cake often ended up in recipients' relapsing into old drinking habits.
Overcoming any type of chemical addiction whether it comes in the form of an addiction to alcohol, narcotics or nicotine is extremely difficult to do. Current therapeutic approaches for assisting people break addictions usually merge both chemical and social or non-chemical components. The chemical component is slowly removed thus allowing the social element to take on a more prominent role in the treatment process. The remaining treatment factor, the non-chemical component, often comes in the form of some type of reinforcer such as AA medallions.
Motivation is the primary ingredient we draw on to achieve goals. It's generally accepted that highly motivated people are more likely to attain goals they've set for themselves than people who are not so highly motivated. A demonstrated principle of current thinking as outlined by behavioral psychology is that motivation can be amplified or decreased through the use of reinforcers. Reinforcers can either be used as rewards or as punishment and can either be applied or withdrawn to influence particular behaviors.
Most people are motivated by intrinsic factors. These originate from within and are manifested in the form of self-satisfaction, enjoyment, interest, etc. Others of us require the extra shove of extrinsic factors to help raise our motivational levels. Extrinsic factors assume two forms: social reinforcement which primarily indicates forms of talking like giving praise and physical or tangible reinforcement which often takes the form of things like money, prizes and trophies. The practice of awarding trophies has a long history going back to ancient times and is a perfect example of the principles of reinforcement theory as presented in modern day behavioral psychology. The current custom of giving trophies, whether at professional sporting events or more formalized celebrations of talent like the Grammy Awards, is often done with the accompaniment of great pomp and ceremony. It's a very public recognition of the recipients' accomplishments much as AA medallions are for people who are celebrating their significant triumphs.
Shortly, I'll be observing my two year anniversary of the day that I gave up smoking for good. During the time that I've not smoked I've had to search carefully for things to remind of why I quit smoking to help renew my resolve to stay nicotine free. It hasn't been easy for me to identify those little mementos to help me remember my accomplishment. The convenience of having a medallion that would simply point to my accomplishment would be nice to have around.
Overcoming any type of chemical addiction whether it comes in the form of an addiction to alcohol, narcotics or nicotine is extremely difficult to do. Current therapeutic approaches for assisting people break addictions usually merge both chemical and social or non-chemical components. The chemical component is slowly removed thus allowing the social element to take on a more prominent role in the treatment process. The remaining treatment factor, the non-chemical component, often comes in the form of some type of reinforcer such as AA medallions.
Motivation is the primary ingredient we draw on to achieve goals. It's generally accepted that highly motivated people are more likely to attain goals they've set for themselves than people who are not so highly motivated. A demonstrated principle of current thinking as outlined by behavioral psychology is that motivation can be amplified or decreased through the use of reinforcers. Reinforcers can either be used as rewards or as punishment and can either be applied or withdrawn to influence particular behaviors.
Most people are motivated by intrinsic factors. These originate from within and are manifested in the form of self-satisfaction, enjoyment, interest, etc. Others of us require the extra shove of extrinsic factors to help raise our motivational levels. Extrinsic factors assume two forms: social reinforcement which primarily indicates forms of talking like giving praise and physical or tangible reinforcement which often takes the form of things like money, prizes and trophies. The practice of awarding trophies has a long history going back to ancient times and is a perfect example of the principles of reinforcement theory as presented in modern day behavioral psychology. The current custom of giving trophies, whether at professional sporting events or more formalized celebrations of talent like the Grammy Awards, is often done with the accompaniment of great pomp and ceremony. It's a very public recognition of the recipients' accomplishments much as AA medallions are for people who are celebrating their significant triumphs.
Shortly, I'll be observing my two year anniversary of the day that I gave up smoking for good. During the time that I've not smoked I've had to search carefully for things to remind of why I quit smoking to help renew my resolve to stay nicotine free. It hasn't been easy for me to identify those little mementos to help me remember my accomplishment. The convenience of having a medallion that would simply point to my accomplishment would be nice to have around.
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More AA coins that include personalized editions for different personalities are available by clicking on aa medallions.
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