Sobriety Tattoos

What is a Sobriety Tattoo?

Tattoos, for many people, offer a way to immortalize important symbols and ideas through having them permanently inked on their bodies. This concept proves just as true for those who have made the decision to get sobriety tattoos.

For many individuals who have or are actively overcoming addiction, this recovery process can be extremely difficult. Sobriety tattoos can help ease this struggle, through serving as a permanent badge of a person’s determination to become sober and achieve a more stable life.

The Pros of Sobriety Tattoos

Sobriety tattoos serve as motivational reminders of a person’s courageous decision to achieve a sober lifestyle. However, it is important to remember that tattoos are permanent, and it is important to do plenty of research before making the decision to get one.

Choosing to mark the important decision of becoming sober on one’s body may be a good idea for several reasons. For starters, it can be helpful in reminding recovering individuals to keep moving in the right direction, away from their past addictive behaviors.

Furthermore, for many people, even a few words or a singular symbol can give them the boost they need to make it through particularly difficult periods in their recovery journey. This is especially true for people who may not have solid support systems in place.

The Cons of Recovery Tattoos

Of course, there are some downfalls with getting a sobriety tattoo that an individual may want to keep in mind. For starters, many people may choose to get the exact time and date they began their sobriety permanently inked on their body.

In some cases, this tattoo works as a great reminder of a person’s commitment to living a better life. However, in the event that a person relapses, this sobriety tattoo may instead be a painful reminder of their initial failure to become substance-free.

Furthermore, recovery tattoos may also open people up to unwelcome questions and conversations about their experience with addiction. While not obligated to share their personal information, constantly being subject to the curiosity or judgment of others can be difficult.

Of course, it is ultimately up to the individual to decide whether getting a sobriety tattoo is the best idea for them.

If you feel that a recovery tattoo can help in your journey to beat addiction and stay sober, then keep reading to discover the most popular pieces found within the recovery community.

Top Sobriety Tattoos for a Recovering Alcoholic

There are several sobriety tattoos that a recovering alcoholic, whether a ‘friend of Bill W,’ or someone outside the AA movement, can get to serve as a constant reminder of their courage and determination in leading a sober life.

Whether they want to get a smaller or larger tattoo, there are many options one can look into when deciding on a recovery piece.

Time Pieces

There are several tattoos that can represent the exact point in time that a person made the life-changing decision to become sober. These can be as simple as just a date or timestamp, or fairly decorative clock pieces.

Choosing to overcome addiction marks an important moment in a person’s life. Thus, time-representative recovery tattoos can both serve as a more positive reminder of a person’s past, as well as a source of hope for their future.

Equilateral Triangle

Triangles are a very common symbol that may be used by a recovering alcoholic. This is representative of the Alcoholics Anonymous symbol, and may be accompanied by an enclosing circle representing AA itself.

The AA triangle represents their three principles of unity, recovery, and service. Part of what makes this AA symbol so appealing is that it can be placed in pretty much any area of a person’s body.

Thus, these tattoos can be placed in a more discrete area, making them less subject to judgment of others. Of course, those who are less worried about other peoples’ opinions can make this a more visible piece.

Prayers

A more calming tattoo that may be appealing for a recovering alcoholic is a serenity prayer commonly used by several 12-step recovery programs, including AA:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.”

This prayer is meant to help remind individuals of their strengths and weaknesses when recovering from addiction, and to keep their faith in the process.

While it is most common to get the whole serenity prayer inked on one’s body, some people may choose to highlight a few keywords to make it more personal or less of a larger piece.

Progressive Tattoo

Progressive tattoos can help people keep track of their progress towards achieving their ultimate goal of permanent sobriety.

An example of these tattoos may include the words “booze-free” with a tally-mark underneath them, signifying the number of months, or even years, that a person has been sober.

Similar to marking the exact date and time a person first became substance-free, these recovery tattoos can serve as an interactive way in which one can continue to take account of their sobriety.

Top Recovery Tattoos for a Former Drug Addict

Sobriety tattoos for someone recovering from drug abuse may have more artistic elements to them than those used by someone recovering from alcohol addiction.

This is because they typically utilize more symbolic imagery, and can have more meanings applied to them than just recovery from addiction.

Of course, while perhaps typically representative of a different path of addiction recovery, these sobriety tattoos can be used by any recovering addict.

Inspiring Words

Similar to the serenity prayer typically used by those recovering from alcohol abuse, there are several inspiring words that someone battling drug addiction may want tattooed on them.

This includes the acronym ODAT, or “One Day At a Time.” These words remind individuals that recovery is not a linear process, and will often include rough patches or set-backs along the way.

While this may seem obvious, many people believe that addiction recovery is a race they must win. However, this is often not the case, and progress can be quite slow for many people.

Thus, these words can serve as a small reminder of a person’s commitment to their recovery journey, and help them move past particularly difficult periods.

Symbols of Hope

There are many shapes and symbols associated with recovery from drug abuse, of which can vary drastically in their size and intricacy. These may include:

• Infinity Symbol. The infinity sign is usually used to symbolize the infinite cycle of recovery, as this is a life-long battle. For those who need a reminder of their strength to continue fighting, but may want it in a more discrete area (such as behind the area) this sobriety tattoo may best fit them.
• Phoenix. One design that is extremely popular amongst recovering drug addicts is the phoenix, as it represents rising from the ashes of hardship and starting anew. This symbol is fitting for those looking to get a bigger piece (such as a full back piece) that represents their re-birth from the pits of addiction.
• Equilateral Triangle. Although triangles usually represent AA principles, this symbol can also be applied to drug addiction. In fact, many recovery programs use the triangle to represent the re-connection of a person’s mind, body, and soul as they become sober.
• Diamond. While the diamond serves as the base shape of the Narcotics Anonymous (NA) organization’s symbol, it can be used even by non-NA members. Its four sides may represent the unity of the self, God, society, and service, and the inside that of good will.

The Importance of Finding the Right Tattoo Artist for Your Sobriety Tattoo

When getting a sobriety tattoo, it is crucial that you find a tattoo artist who is just as committed to your reason to get a tattoo as you are.

This is particularly true when getting fairly large pieces or a tattoo in an area visible to others. Thus, finding a well-reviewed and highly qualified artist is an essential part of your process to getting a sobriety tattoo.

It may also be beneficial to try and find an artist that has previous experience working with pieces dedicated to addiction recovery and sobriety.

Additional Tips for Getting a Recovery Tattoo

When getting any tattoo, it is important to properly research and develop a plan for how, where, and why you are getting it. This is especially true in the case of sobriety tattoos, as these often represent the most important bits and pieces of your recovery journey.

Some additional tips to keep in mind when considering getting a sobriety tattoo include:

• Making a Budget. Even the smallest of tattoos can cost a pretty penny, especially if they are intricate in their design. Planning ahead and dedicating a small savings account or budget to paying for your tattoo can save you from suffering any financial stress later on.
• Receiving External Opinions. While sobriety tattoos are incredibly personal, it may be helpful to seek outside opinions on your ideas. Of course, you do not have to solely base what sobriety tattoo you get on what other people like. However, an external influence can certainly help you narrow down your options, or even open up new ones you may not have previously considered.
• Taking Time to Consider. Ultimately, getting a sobriety tattoo is not a process that you should rush. You may find that while you resonate with a particular symbol one day, it may not hold the same weight on another. Thus, it will be beneficial to take plenty of time to decide which sobriety tattoos are the best fit for you, before getting one permanently inked on your body.

Find Addiction Recovery Options and Support, Here

Sobriety tattoos can certainly be a step in the right direction for overcoming substance abuse. However, getting professional addiction treatment help is critical to successfully becoming sober.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and are looking for ways to start your recovery process, know that you are not alone, and help IS available.

Here at Rehabs Of Armerica, we strive to connect you with top addiction treatment facilities that are dedicated to meeting your personal care needs.

Our hotline is available 24/7 to provide addiction recovery support and resources anytime you need. So make the right choice, and call today to get started on your path to achieving a happier, healthier, and sober you!

Sobriety Tattoos (FAQ)

What’s the point of a sobriety tattoo?

Sobriety tattoos are a symbol of your commitment to staying sober. They can be used by individuals new to recovery or people who have been in recovery for years. They can be great conversation starters in support groups. It lets others know that you are committed to staying sober and helping them understand recovery.

Are sobriety tattoos only for persons struggling with addiction?

Sobriety tattoos are not exclusive to persons struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. They can be used by anyone who wants to show their dedication to leaving behind unhealthy habits. These tattoos can be significant, as they serve as a reminder of what struggles the wearer has overcome.

When is getting a sobriety tattoo a bad idea?

Sobriety tattoos can be used as an excuse or crutch if they aren’t done right away after someone gets sober or if they aren’t done right at all. If someone hasn’t been clean or sober long enough or hasn’t really committed to being clean and sober, getting a tattoo might not help them stay on track with their recovery.

What’s the most important thing to consider when getting a sobriety tattoo?

While it’s tempting to get a tattoo as soon as you quit substances, it’s better to wait until you’ve had a chance to reflect. The best tattoos are meaningful, and the person who has them should be able to explain why they chose that design. Check out our full resource guide now on Rehabs Of Armerica for inspirations and ideas!

Edward P.

Edward lives and works in South Florida and has been a part of its recovery community for many years. With a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Massachusetts, he works to help Find Addiction Rehabs as both a writer and marketer. Edward loves to share his passion for the field through writing about addiction topics, effective treatment for addiction, and behavioral health as a whole. Alongside personal experience, Edward has deep connections to the mental health treatment industry, having worked as a medical office manager for a psychiatric consortium for many years.