Alcoholism Support Group

Alcoholism is the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, even when it is negatively affecting your health, work, relationships and life. If you think alcohol is causing you to lose control, it's time to seek help. Our group is a safe place to vent, check in, get back up if you fall, and reach sobriety.

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Taradactyl 05/22/2011

Actually had one of my mtgs ask me if I would mind giving them all back... Kinda funny. I do have a pile of them.

What it made me think is that this action would somehow be closure on that phase of my (non)recovery. It felt good for a minute that this woman maybe believed I was "done" with startovers finally. Then I kinda felt like that would be arrogant of me. If I ever think I am "done" I'm afraid I will stop moving.

I am not "done" drinking. I am just choosing not to drink each day because I don't have to and don't want to. As long as I stay IN the solution and IN recovery, I will never have to drink again.

I kinda sorta think I can't give those startovers back. I don't wanna forget and I don't want to take THIS for granted.

...Just some random thoughts.

deleted_user 05/22/2011

LOL!!! Sorry for laughing, Anna. I never heard of such a thing... but... there's a first time for everything.

They give 24 hour coins to those who are just having a tough day as a reminder that 24 hours is all we've got. Just a thought. ;-)

xo

deleted_user 05/22/2011

What?? I've never heard of such a thing either, maybe they're running low?? haha! Not funny, but it kinda is....I've heard people mention having drawers full of them. I have only 3 and hope to never have another one. Did you ask the person who requested them back why? I would, ask them why.....poker chips are relatively cheap so I find it hard to believe that they can't afford to purchase anymore...wow! That's really bizarre! lol!

Taradactyl 05/22/2011

HC... I have also never seen anyone in any of my mtgs take as many startover tokens as I have in the past couple years. Really. And I stopped getting them for awhile there. I do like to tell myself I was the only one being honest ;-).

The fact that you can count yours is a good sign ;). ...I don't even know where all mine are - all over the house in various pockets and purses.

Chris... I REFUSE to "lol" ...I did give a pile of them back once before to a different mtg and look where that got me. ;)

All I can say is This time is DIFFERENT. I will never say I am "done" ever - I said it so many times that it means nothing. It is just today and today I don't have to drink.

They can't have my tokens - I earned those effers. I will not forget.

deleted_user 05/22/2011

I sponsored one of those guys for a long time. I used to tease him about adding one more token to a shoe box.He had so many new comer chips that i told him not to take anymore.Sounds callous but it just seemed to me that they really didn't mean anything to him and that a true newcomer maybe inspired to continue and get his 30 day chip. It must have worked he just took 3 years.We all need motivation either positive or negative.We do what it takes when we're ready to do what it takes.

stickywick 05/22/2011

I've never heard of start over tokens:) We've had some relatively long term sober people relapse and I know we didnt give them out at our home group. We do go back to 24 hours, 30 days, etc. I'm really really hopeful I don't have to get a new set.

okiyoe1 05/22/2011

We have a guy here up to 81 white chips in Two years this time out He got mad. No one would call him back when he was drunk Oh Well!!
Billy

gjm 05/22/2011

Never heard of that either. Just a suggestion might want to keep one with ya in case the groups runs out and if a new persons shows up might want to give them one of yours. I usually keep one with me just for that reason.

CoogeeMum 05/22/2011

That's nice G. Or you could put one in your pocket and when you get off balance, stick your hand in and give it a rub.

CoogeeMum 05/22/2011

Okay... that didn't come out right.

Taradactyl 05/22/2011

LMAO. Coog.

gjm 05/22/2011

that's funny, i always have a special one for myself .
usually always have it in my hand during a meeting.

deleted_user 05/22/2011

There REALLY are things called 'start over tokens'? I know of the 24 hour coin...I received that at my first meeting. But I've never heard of the other.

LindaJean 05/22/2011

I had no idea that there were "startover" tokens. I'm with you - I wouldn't give those babies back either. You worked hard for those - starting over time and time again is hard stuff.

I do hope you are sick and tired of being sick and tired at this point. If you are sick and tired enough of being sick and tired - you won't need another startover token.

Good luck!!

Taradactyl 05/22/2011

Start-over tokens are the same as 24-hour tokens. It is common here to take a new startover token after your last drink if you are ready to really give sobriety a try with the program.

Some of us have thicker skulls than others.

I will start bringing them along with me. Thanks G.

m8bear 05/23/2011

At the meeting in my area where they are given out it is said 'has anyone made a decision to make sobriety a way of life' (or something to that effect) and to me that is what they are for.

I like what Gjm says about giving them out...I do that. I recycle them to my friends who have come into the fellowship after me. I have three chips that I carry in my purse with me always :)

Funny story:- I remember giving one lady my sacred one month one and she drilled a hole in it and put it on her keychain! I was horrified...drilling a hole in MY chip! Then I got off my high horse and saw it as what she needed to do :)

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