AA Medallions Are Modern Day Prizes That Give Evidence Of Significant Accomplishments In Conquering Addictions
The use of AA medallions originated some 70 years ago. The custom was begun as a method of observing the achievements of people who were trying to lift themselves from the addiction of alcohol. The presenting of medallions replaced the prior practice of presenting a birthday cake to note 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.
Stopping a physical dependence on alcohol, narcotics or even nicotine is often extremely difficult. Modern treatments for addiction problems usually combine both chemical and social or non-chemical components to help users disrupt the habit. Over time the chemical component is gradually reduced and then eliminated totally leaving only the social/non-chemical factor in place as the primary treatment component. That component, the one the participant is left with, usually takes the form of some type of reinforcer or other mementos such as AA medallions.
Motivation is the chief ingredient we draw on to achieve goals. The more highly motivated a person is, the more prone he'll be in successfully reaching goals. A proven principle of current thinking as outlined by behavioral psychology is that motivation can be amplified or decreased through the use of reinforcers. In very simple terms reinforcement can be employed either as a reward or punishment to increase or decrease selected behaviors.
Many of us possess natural inborn motivating forces called intrinsic factors. These originate from within and are seen in the form of self-satisfaction, enjoyment, interest, etc. Others of us require the extra push of extrinsic factors to help raise our motivational levels. Extrinsic factors can be either social reinforcement like praise from valued acquaintances and associates or physical such as money, medals and trophies. The ritual of awarding trophies has a long history stretching back to ancient times and is a perfect example of the principles of reinforcement theory as presented in modern day behavioral psychology. The present day trophy, whether awarded at a sporting event or as an Academy Awards Oscar, is done under circumstances of great honor and ceremony. The trophy awarding ceremony is inevitably a very public affair in which the recipients' feats are recognized in much the same way that AA medallions are given to participants for their achievements.
In two weeks I'll be coming upon a significant day in my life and that is the day that I quit smoking. 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's not always been an easy path and I've come dangerously close to falling off the wagon. I sincerely believe that had I had some type of tangible reminder like a medallion to remind me of the amount of time I've been successful in freeing myself of my addiction, I'd have a constant source renewal for going forward.
Stopping a physical dependence on alcohol, narcotics or even nicotine is often extremely difficult. Modern treatments for addiction problems usually combine both chemical and social or non-chemical components to help users disrupt the habit. Over time the chemical component is gradually reduced and then eliminated totally leaving only the social/non-chemical factor in place as the primary treatment component. That component, the one the participant is left with, usually takes the form of some type of reinforcer or other mementos such as AA medallions.
Motivation is the chief ingredient we draw on to achieve goals. The more highly motivated a person is, the more prone he'll be in successfully reaching goals. A proven principle of current thinking as outlined by behavioral psychology is that motivation can be amplified or decreased through the use of reinforcers. In very simple terms reinforcement can be employed either as a reward or punishment to increase or decrease selected behaviors.
Many of us possess natural inborn motivating forces called intrinsic factors. These originate from within and are seen in the form of self-satisfaction, enjoyment, interest, etc. Others of us require the extra push of extrinsic factors to help raise our motivational levels. Extrinsic factors can be either social reinforcement like praise from valued acquaintances and associates or physical such as money, medals and trophies. The ritual of awarding trophies has a long history stretching back to ancient times and is a perfect example of the principles of reinforcement theory as presented in modern day behavioral psychology. The present day trophy, whether awarded at a sporting event or as an Academy Awards Oscar, is done under circumstances of great honor and ceremony. The trophy awarding ceremony is inevitably a very public affair in which the recipients' feats are recognized in much the same way that AA medallions are given to participants for their achievements.
In two weeks I'll be coming upon a significant day in my life and that is the day that I quit smoking. 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's not always been an easy path and I've come dangerously close to falling off the wagon. I sincerely believe that had I had some type of tangible reminder like a medallion to remind me of the amount of time I've been successful in freeing myself of my addiction, I'd have a constant source renewal for going forward.
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