Sobriety Symbols To Celebrate Your Sober Journey

November 13, 2022

Sobriety Symbols To Celebrate Your Sober Journey

Recovery symbols to celebrate your sober journey - featured image for blog post

The journey of sobriety means so many different things to so many people.

We all have our own things that ‘hit home’ for us.

That one situation, or that one person.

Whatever it was, it gets us.

We can relate to that.

Being sober often comes with visual representations for many.

A stamp of who we were, of who we are and where we have got to.

When we talk about what symbolises our own sobriety, it will be very personal to us.

Images – designs – passions, are often entwined with a person’s journey through sobriety.

This is a good thing. A great thing!

Embracing something that you can identify with, that empowers you…..it is a thing of beauty.

Sobriety Symbols

To the person looking from the outside in, to the person who has never been through recovery in their lives, the idea of a recovery symbol might seem a little strange.

Why would a person who has walked the path of recovery wish to be reminded of their bad times?

To have a reminder of their struggles, or bad life choices?

Not at all!

As I said in the first place – to the person LOOKING FROM THE OUTSIDE IN!.

To many (myself included), acknowledging our journeys to sobriety is a big part of who we were and who we are now.

What are sobriety symbols/recovery symbols and why do we have them

To me, a symbol of sobriety makes perfect sense and is something that (as stated earlier), represents a strong reminder of not just who the person was, but who the person is now. What they have become and the challenges we have beaten away, to get where they are today.

Sobriety Symbols are commonly used by…well let’s see….by those who are living a sober life, obviously!!

I love the idea that such symbols even exist, what they stand for, and a visual display of what a person has achieved.

symbols are prominent in many walks of life, including sobriety

Addiction symbols help remind us of the importance of being sober and are a great motivator to stay on track. They also give value in the achievement that we have made!

Symbols of sobriety have been used for generations, for personal use or maybe in a more outspoken manner

Recovery symbols to celebrate can be found on clothing, accessories, and tattoos – however, you choose to celebrate your style of sobriety really.

OK – they may not be for everyone, but we all have our own rhyme and reason for doing things. Whatever the reason, if it works, why question it??!!!!

To Maintain An Alcohol-free Lifestyle

And this is a fact that I LOVE!!

There are many symbols of recovery that people in 12-step programs use to maintain their sobriety.

sobriety symbols can help support an alcohol-free lifestyle

Some of these symbols include the Serenity Prayer, the Circle and Triangle symbol, and the Three-Legged Stool symbol.

Each of these symbols represents something different about the 112 steps and recovery, but all are important in helping people to stay sober.

Recovery Requires Reminders

For many, recovery from addiction or any mental health condition requires reminders.

We need to be encouraged that we can heal, and that we are not alone in our struggle. And I am sure many can vouch for this requirement of reminders, support, and safety.

A reminder can be a symbol, like a necklace or a keychain, or something as simple as a daily text message. For a recovering alcoholic or someone struggling with addiction, these reminders can be crucial.

Addiction recovery is a lifelong journey. Reminders of teetotalism can help to keep individuals on track, especially during tough times or periods of temptation.

Sober symbols can take many forms, from simple keychains or bracelets to more elaborate tattoos. Whatever form they take, these symbols can serve as physical reminders of an individual’s commitment to living the best life.

For some people in recovery, seeing a sobriety symbol can be a trigger for positive memories and motivation. It can remind them of their progress and why they decided to become sober in the first place. For others, it may serve as a reminder of the support system they have in place to help them stay on track.

No matter what form they take, sobriety symbols can simply work.

Recovery – find your own path to recovery – the actual journey to your own recovery is one to behold. And one to be extremely proud of.

Now, to explore some of the visuals, symbols and items that people associate with living an AF lifestyle.

Let’s look at 5 of the more common ones that are used worldwide

5 Popular Sobriety Symbols

#1 – The sobriety circle and triangle

The Sobriety Triangle is a well-known sober symbol.

It would not be right to talk about the sobriety triangle from the off.

The sobriety triangle is a well-known symbol for staying sober.

  • The first point of the triangle is being honest with oneself about one’s drinking.
  • The second point is being honest with others about one’s drinking.
  • The third point is being willing to admit when we are wrong and put our drinking in perspective.
  • The fourth point is maintaining healthy relationships with others while living sober.
  • Finally, the fifth and final point is continuing to learn and grow as an individual while living sober.

#2 – The Camel And Sobriety

The camel is associated with sobriety

The camel each day goes twice to its knees, It picks up it’s load with the greatest of ease, It walks through the day with it’s head held high, And stays for that day completely dry.

Dr Bob’s story of the AA Camel

Camels are known for their ability to go long periods of time without drinking water, which makes them one of the chosen sobriety symbols.

Camels are also known for being able to go without food for days at a time.

Because of these traits, camels have been used as symbols of abstinence throughout history.

#3 – Amethyst

Amethyst has been in the sober limelight as a sobriety symbol since…well probably the beginning of time, or certainly since the beginning of a time when sobriety existed anyway!.

Amethyst is seen to be a stone that is a representation of amazing and positive changes.

amethyist is a strong sobriety symbol


internal harmony and spiritual love,

Amethyst is viewed by Indian traditionalists that it provides a person with clearer thinking and is also a protective element, it enhances clear thinking and is protective.
They are relatively inexpensive and available in pendants and other jewellery and is very much commonplace in sober communities as a symbol that supports the ethos of an alcohol-free lifestyle.

And they are beautiful.

#4The Lotus

Lotus is a popular flower because it symbolizes purity, tranquillity and the attainment of enlightenment. The lotus flower is also known for its medicinal properties, including being used to treat heart diseases and mental health disorders.

the lotus is a popular sobriety symbol

Lotus is known as the symbol of sobriety. The flower has been associated with Buddhism and Hinduism for centuries and is often seen in religious paintings. In China, the lotus is considered a symbol of purity and happiness.

Lotus is the symbol of sobriety and purity. In many cultures, it is believed that the lotus flower can guide people back to a sense of balance and peace. The lotus flower is also known for its therapeutic properties, including being able to relieve pain, improve nerve function, and help with insomnia.

#5 Yin and Yang

Drinking can be considered as an escape from reality. It is a way to socialize and connect with others, but it can also be a way to cope with stress and problems in life.

the yn and yang has strong association with sobriety

For some people, alcohol is the only thing that helps them to relax and forget about their troubles. However, for others, alcohol can lead to addiction and negative consequences in their lives. Although there are many different types of alcoholism, one of the most common symbols associated with it is yin and yang.

Sobriety is often associated with the Yin and Yang symbol – a very popular sobriety symbol indeed. And for good reason.

The two opposing forces are always in balance, which is why they are seen as a representation of sobriety. In China, the symbol of yin and yang was used to represent the natural order of things.

It was believed that everything had its place in the universe and that nothing could be destroyed without consequences. This philosophy is still alive today in some cultures, where it is seen as important to maintain balance in life.

Sobriety Symbol Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone use a sobriety symbol?

Yes, anyone who is on a journey of recovery from addiction can choose to use a sobriety symbol. It is a personal choice and can be a meaningful way to acknowledge and celebrate one’s sobriety milestones.

What is the significance of the sobriety symbol?

The sobriety symbol represents an individual’s commitment to living a sober life. It serves as a reminder of their journey to overcome addiction and the strength they have gained along the way.

Are there different types of addiction symbols?

Yes, there are various sobriety symbols that individuals can choose to represent their recovery journey. Some common examples include the sobriety chip or coin, the sobriety tattoo, and the sobriety keychain.

How do sobriety symbols help in recovery?

Sobriety symbols act as tangible reminders of an individual’s commitment to sobriety. They serve as sources of motivation, inspiration, and encouragement during challenging times, providing a visual representation of the progress made and the goals yet to be achieved.

Where can I get a sobriety symbol?

Sobriety symbols can be obtained from various sources. Many addiction recovery support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), offer sobriety chips or coins to their members. There are also online stores and speciality shops that sell sobriety-related items like keychains, pendants, or tattoos.

Can I design my own sobriety symbol?

Absolutely!
Many individuals choose to create their own unique sobriety symbol that holds personal meaning to them. Whether it’s a custom-designed tattoo, a specially crafted piece of jewellery, or a symbolic image, Designing your own sobriety symbol can add a deeper level of personal significance to your recovery journey.

In Conclusion…

The journey to sobriety is often a very personal one, and with this, we all have our own motivations, goals and ‘things’ that help us along the way.

A sobriety symbol can be seen as an inspiration or motivation, a reminder of what we are doing it and why we are doing it.

As we go along our own sober path, whatever it is that keeps you there….embrace it.

The journey may seem hard at times, but the good far outweighs any struggles that you will encounter along the way. That is a promise.

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