Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that requires long-term maintenance to sustain recovery. In other words, your recovery journey does not end upon completion of an addiction rehab program. Most people choose to attend support groups like 12-step meetings to continue furthering their strength in sobriety.
12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer clear-cut directions on how to remain sober. Working the 12 steps is a process that will teach you how to avoid drug and alcohol use even when times get tough. That said, you have to choose an AA sponsor who can guide you through the process.
Picking a sponsor might be one of the most important steps in a 12-step program. The individual you choose will be your main source of support and help you work through the 12 steps to gain a better understanding of sobriety. As a result, you should make sure that the Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor you choose is right for you.
The easiest way to find a sponsor is to attend meetings regularly and pay attention to what other people share during these meetings. You will notice who is dedicated to the program and has the wisdom necessary to guide you through the 12 steps. When deciding who to choose for your sponsor, you should consider how much sobriety time they have and whether you will feel comfortable opening up to them about your past.
In this article, you will learn:
- What is an AA sponsor
- Why the sponsor relationship is important to recovery
- How to find a sponsor
- Things to consider when choosing a sponsor
What is an AA Sponsor?
AA sponsors are experienced members of a 12-step program who have completed the steps. These individuals guide newcomers through the process of the 12 steps and offer them support when they need it. Usually, AA sponsors have been sober for at least one year before they begin offering their advice and support to others.
The stage of recovery before you complete the 12 steps could be one of the most vulnerable times in your life. You have completed drug rehab, but you are just beginning to learn how to stay sober independently. This is why it is so important to choose a sponsor that you trust and admire.
While the main goal of an AA sponsor is to guide their sponsee through the steps, they are also like a confidant. If you are having a hard time, your sponsor will be there to pick up the phone and talk you through your triggers. They might even meet up with you to give you advice in person if you are thinking about drinking or using.
Your sponsor should be someone who is a good listener, offers advice that helps you regain clarity, and can set aside their personal views to help you. The sponsor and sponsee relationship is less like a friendship and more like a mentorship. You will rely on this person to keep you accountable during tough times in your sobriety.
How to Find an AA Sponsor
The easiest way to find potential sponsors is to attend AA meetings as often as possible. In early sobriety, it isn’t rare for people to spend two hours a day in 12-step support groups. While you do not have to go every day, doing so would allow you to have the widest pool of sponsors to choose from.
The best ways to find an AA sponsor include:
Regularly Attend AA Meetings
Most people who are looking for new sponsees will be attending local AA meetings regularly. They often raise their hands when asked who is available to sponsor. By going to meetings often, you can start to get to know all of the members and figure out who would be a good fit.
Listen to What Others Say During Meetings
Many meetings are set up to allow group discussion. If you pay attention when other members are speaking, you might hear something you like. Maybe you’ll notice that a specific member offers a lot of important insight or wisdom.
If you hear someone sharing things that resonate with you, they might be a good choice for a sponsor.
Ask Your Community for Advice
If you are having a hard time choosing a sponsor, you might be able to ask other group members for advice. If you have been active in the group, members of the community will be familiar with your personality and be able to make a good match.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Sponsor
Choosing a sponsor is a very important step in the Alcoholics Anonymous program. You should spend time getting to know each potential candidate before making your decision.
When picking an AA sponsor, you should consider the following:
- Sobriety time- You always want to pick a sponsor who has a good amount of sobriety time. The general rule is to choose someone with at least a year sober.
- Comfortability- The sponsor you choose should be someone you feel comfortable opening up with. Some of the 12 steps require you to go into detail about things you have done wrong in the past. In other words, you need to feel confident that your sponsor will accept you and keep your information private.
- Relationship- While you should be comfortable with your sponsor, you should avoid picking a friend. Your sponsor should be someone who can keep you accountable when you are messing up. If you chose a friend, they would be more likely to cosign harmful behaviors.
Get Connected to a Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program
If you or a loved one suffers from drug or alcohol addiction, it’s time to seek help. At the Mandala Healing Center, we offer evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders.
Contact us today for more information on our addiction treatment center.