Recovery is a journey measured one day at a time, but in Narcotics Anonymous (NA), those days add up to something tangible you can hold in your hand.
If you are new to NA or supporting a loved one in recovery, you might be wondering: How does the system work? How many coins do you actually get?
The short answer is that there is no fixed “limit.” The number of coins a member receives depends entirely on how long they stay clean. From the very first moment of surrender to decades of sober living, these coins (often called chips, tags, or medallions) serve as physical markers of a spiritual transformation.
Here is everything you need to know about NA coins, what they represent, and how many you can expect to collect along the way.
What Are Narcotics Anonymous Coins? More Than Just Plastic and Metal
Before counting them, it is vital to understand what they are. An NA coin is a token given to members to commemorate a specific length of continuous clean time—meaning time spent without using any mind-altering substances.
While they may look like simple plastic poker chips or bronze medallions, their value is immense.
- A Symbol of Surrender: Receiving a coin is a public acknowledgment of hard work and commitment.
- A Tool for Encouragement: For the newcomer, seeing someone pick up a “multiple-year” coin provides proof that recovery is possible.
- A Reminder: Carrying a chip in your pocket can serve as a tactile reminder of your commitment during moments of temptation or stress.
Note: The coin isn’t a reward for good behavior; it is a celebration of the miracle that an addict is staying clean today.
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The Main Answer: How Many Coins Do You Get in Narcotics Anonymous?
There is no capped number. You do not “graduate” and stop receiving them.
You get a new coin for every specific milestone you reach.
The system is designed to provide frequent reinforcement in the early days of recovery when staying clean is the hardest, and then shift to annual celebrations as recovery becomes a way of life.
- In the first year: You typically receive about 6 to 7 coins (Welcome, 30, 60, 90 days, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year).
- After the first year: You generally receive one coin per year on your “clean date” anniversary.
Therefore, a member with 20 years of clean time might have a collection of over 25 distinct coins!
Narcotics Anonymous Coin Milestones and Their Colors
While the specific colors can vary slightly depending on the supplier or the region, NA groups generally follow a standard color code. This hierarchy helps members instantly recognize each other’s progress.
1. The Welcome Chip (The “Desire” Chip)
- Color: White
- Meaning: This is arguably the most important coin in the basket. It is given to anyone with a desire to stop using, regardless of how much clean time they have. You can pick this up on your very first day. It signifies the admission of a problem and the willingness to find a solution.
2. Early Recovery Milestones (30 – 90 Days)
The first few months are critical. NA breaks these down to celebrate short-term survival and growth.
- 30 Days (Orange): Marking the first month of sobriety.
- 60 Days (Green): Two months of continuous clean time.
- 90 Days (Red): Three months. This is often viewed as a major turning point in establishing new habits.
3. Intermediate Milestones (6 – 9 Months)
Once a member passes the 90-day mark, the milestones are spread out to test and encourage long-term commitment.
- 6 Months (Blue): Half a year of being clean.
- 9 Months (Yellow): The final “month” chip before the big one-year anniversary.
4. The 1-Year Clean-Time Chip
- Color: Often “Moonglow” (glow-in-the-dark) or sometimes Bronze.
- Meaning: This is a massive celebration. Completing the first year (often called a “solar trip” around the sun without drugs) is a statistical and spiritual triumph. The room usually erupts in applause for this milestone.
5. Multiple Years (18 Months to Infinity)
After the first year, chips are usually given annually.
- 18 Months (Grey): Some groups offer this specific coin as a bridge between year 1 and year 2.
- Annual Medallions (Black/Gold or Bronze): From 2 years onward, members usually receive a heavy metal medallion rather than a plastic chip. These are often inscribed with the number of years clean (II, V, X, XX, etc.).
Do All Narcotics Anonymous Groups Use the Same Coins?
Not necessarily. NA is a global fellowship, and each group is autonomous.
- Regional Variations: While the white/orange/green/red progression is standard in the US, groups in Europe or South America might use different colors.
- Keytags vs. Chips: Some groups hand out “keytags” (small plastic tags you put on a keyring) instead of round chips. Keytags are very popular because they are practical—you carry your cleaning time with your house keys.
- Metal vs. Plastic: Usually, milestones under one year are plastic (or keytags), while one year and above are metal coins.
However, the core tradition remains consistent everywhere: We celebrate the time, not the token.
How Many Coins Can a Member Collect Over Time in Narcotics Anonymous?
The limit does not exist.
Let’s look at a hypothetical timeline of a member named “Sarah”:
- Day 1: Sarah gets a White chip.
- Month 1: Sarah trades her white chip (or keeps it) and gets an Orange chip.
- Year 1: Sarah has collected about 6 plastic chips.
- Year 10: Sarah now has her initial plastic collection plus 9 heavy metal medallions.
Some “old-timers” (members with significant clean time) have bags or boxes full of coins. Others choose to give their old chips away to newcomers to pass on the hope—a practice that keeps the cycle of recovery moving.
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Why Narcotics Anonymous Coins Matter in Recovery
Why do grown adults care about plastic chips?
1. Psychological Motivation Recovery is intangible. You cannot “see” your brain healing. A coin gives you physical evidence of your success.
2. A Sense of Belonging When you walk up to the front of the room to accept a coin, you are usually hugged by others. It reinforces that you are not fighting addiction alone; you are part of a tribe.
3. Protective Value Many members report that having a coin in their pocket stopped them from relapsing. The thought of “losing” that coin—and having to start over with a white one—can be a powerful deterrent during a craving.
Conclusion
So, how many coins do you get in Narcotics Anonymous? You get as many as your recovery journey allows. Whether it is a single white chip representing 24 hours of hope, or a heavy stack of bronze medallions representing 30 years of freedom, each coin tells a story of a life saved.
These coins are not just markers of time; they are symbols of the sweat, tears, and joy that go into rebuilding a life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, remember that there is a chair waiting for you at a meeting—and a white chip ready to be claimed. You just have to walk through the door.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you need to pay for NA coins?
No. In almost all meetings, the group provides the coins for free to the member celebrating. The costs are covered by the “7th Tradition” (voluntary donations put in the basket during the meeting).
Can someone receive a coin again if they relapse?
Yes. NA is a program of second chances. If a person relapses, they are encouraged to come back and pick up a White (Welcome) chip immediately to signify a fresh start. There is no shame in restarting; the only shame is in not coming back.
Are NA coins the same as AA coins?
No. While the concept is nearly identical, the designs are different. NA coins usually feature the NA symbol (a square inside a circle) and the motto “Freedom from Active Addiction,” whereas AA coins feature the AA triangle and circle.