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For many recovering alcoholics, one yearsoberis a massive milestone.

Its a reason to be proud.

But when one womansharedthe news with herfamily, they were less than impressed.

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Her mom told her not to expect praise for doing the bare minimum.

Her brother-in-law opened a bottle of wine.

The woman stormed out of the family dinner, but not before grabbing a cake shed brought.

Woman celebrating sobriety milestone outdoors, looking joyful with arms raised against a blue sky.

Its a common way in which recovering alcoholics mark importantmilestones.

The tradition was started by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a globally renowned 12-step recovery program.

They celebrate members milestones in meetings.

Text discussing a woman’s sobriety milestone and family dynamics at a gathering.

From 24 hours sober to 10 yearssober, each accomplishment is seen as something to be proud of.

Nicholas Axcell is an addiction specialist and the Head of International Development for theHarmony Healthcare Group.

Its a hospital group specializing in treatingaddiction, dual diagnosis and psychiatric conditions.

Text describing a family gathering; woman shares her 1-year sobriety milestone.

The expert says families dont always understand that the milestones are in fact a big deal.

Members of AA will often celebrate their sobriety birthdays with a cake and a ceremony during meetings.

Axcell says milestones can be marked with achip from fellowships, a cake, a meal with recovery friends.

Text expressing a woman’s disappointment about her family’s reaction to her sobriety milestone.

And doing so can help them to stay motivated during their recovery journey.

Its also good to provide support, help and companionship as the person works towards the next milestone.

Experts say its important to not be judgmental and to be an active listener.

Text about family focusing on niece’s gymnastics achievement, overshadowing woman’s sobriety milestone.

Opening a bottle of wine when they announce their one-year sobriety anniversary might very well be one of them.

Check out the results:

Wine being poured into a glass, symbolizing a sobriety milestone awareness challenge.

Text describing a woman’s feelings of disappointment about her family ignoring her sobriety milestone.

Text expressing woman’s feelings about family ignoring her sobriety milestone.

Text message about woman upset over family ignoring sobriety milestone achievement.

Woman looking upset, contemplating her sobriety milestone.

Text image about someone not feeling in the mood for dinner, deciding to go home, related to sobriety milestone emotions.

Text message expressing upset over family not caring about sobriety milestone, mentioning a berry Chantilly cake.

Text highlighting a woman upset about her family’s reaction to her sobriety milestone.

Cake with white frosting and berries on top, placed on a striped cloth, symbolizing a sobriety milestone celebration.

Text expressing frustration and telling Emma to “grow up,” related to sobriety milestone and family indifference.

Text discussing a woman’s feelings about her family’s lack of support for her sobriety milestone.

Text on a screen discussing an apology related to sobriety milestone and hurt feelings.

Text post about a woman’s reflection on her sobriety journey and therapy, addressing comments and expressing gratitude.

Text discussing incompatibility with AA and alternative sobriety approaches.

Text describing a family dinner, a cake meant for a woman celebrating her sobriety milestone.

Text image expressing frustration about family not recognizing sobriety milestone over niece’s gymnastic achievement.

Slice of red velvet cake with fresh berries on a white plate, symbolizing sobriety milestone celebration.

“I Hoped Someone Would Say They’re Proud Of Me”: Family Ruins Woman’s Celebration

Reddit discussion about a woman upset over family ignoring her sobriety milestone.

Text exchange about a woman’s upset over family ignoring her sobriety milestone, focusing on opened wine and apologies.

Text exchange discussing cake and brand ambassadorship regarding sobriety milestone.

Reddit discussion on a woman’s family not supporting her sobriety milestone, mentioning a Whole Foods cake.

Reddit comment supporting a woman on her sobriety milestone, acknowledging her struggles and achievements.

Reddit conversation on family dynamics affecting a woman’s sobriety milestone.

User expresses frustration about family ignoring sobriety milestone on social media post.

Reddit comment about family not celebrating high school graduation or sobriety milestone.

A supportive comment highlights the importance of a woman’s sobriety milestone amid family indifference.

Text screenshot discussing family not supporting a woman’s sobriety milestone, offering encouragement.

Reddit comment expressing anger over family ignoring a woman’s sobriety milestone.

A comment discussing recognition for achievements and generational expectations.

Text message supporting woman’s sobriety milestone achievement.

Text expressing a woman’s feelings about family ignoring her sobriety milestone.

Supportive comment on sobriety milestone, encouraging continued recovery and offering congratulatory words.

Supportive message about sobriety milestone, urging the woman to ignore her unsupportive family and stay strong.

Text expressing support for a woman’s sobriety milestone, discussing lack of family support.

Comment supporting woman’s sobriety milestone, congratulating 14 years sober next month, emphasizing community pride.

Comment discussing family disregard for one-year sobriety milestone, questioning support for sobriety.

Text exchange discussing lack of family support for woman’s sobriety milestone.

Reddit comment discussing a woman’s disappointment over lack of family support for her sobriety milestone.

Comment discussing invalidated feelings related to a sobriety milestone.

Comment discussing lack of family support for a woman’s sobriety milestone and offering congratulations.

Sobriety milestone comment supporting woman’s achievement despite unsupportive family.

Comment offering support and congratulating a woman’s sobriety milestone.

Comment discussing a woman’s sobriety milestone, emphasizing lack of family support and importance of personal celebration.

Reddit comment supporting a woman’s sobriety milestone despite family indifference.

Comment addressing lack of family support for a woman’s sobriety milestone.

Text expressing strong disapproval about a family not supporting a woman’s sobriety milestone.

Text discussing family not recognizing a woman’s sobriety milestone and offering support.

Reddit comment discussing expectations from family regarding sobriety milestone celebration.

Text comment discussing a woman’s upset over her family’s indifference to her sobriety milestone.

Comment about a woman’s sobriety milestone and family support.

Text of a comment discussing reaction to a sobriety milestone, mentioning feelings and family dynamics.

Text highlighting upset woman feeling unsupported for sobriety milestone.

Screenshot of a comment discussing sobriety and lack of family support.

Comment discussing sobriety milestone and family dynamics.

Comment discussing sobriety and validation, emphasizing personal responsibility.

User comment dismissing woman upset about sobriety milestone.