AA Sponsor

Did you ever wonder what an “AA sponsor” actually is? In this resource, Avenues Recovery, leaders in addiction treatment, shed light on the concept and reveal the integral role sponsors play in recovery.

What Is an AA Sponsor?

An AA sponsor is a member of Alcoholics Anonymous with at least one to two years of sobriety under their belt. They assist another member, known as the sponsee, in navigating the core elements of the AA program (known as The Twelve Steps). NA sponsors serve the same purpose within the 12-step program for those recovering from drug addictions. The ideal sponsor is a compassionate and empathetic individual who can be relied upon for support and guidance in issues related to alcohol dependence and sobriety. Sponsorship plays a crucial role and is a valuable resource within the 12-step recovery process.

What Is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)? 

AA is a well-known worldwide fellowship of individuals who have struggled with or are struggling with alcoholism. It is a mutual support group where members come together to help each other stay strong and sober. The organization follows a 12-step program to assist individuals in overcoming their addiction to alcohol.

AA has been instrumental in helping countless individuals achieve and maintain sobriety from alcohol. It has a long history of providing support and a sense of community for people recovering from alcohol addiction. While it may not be the right approach for everyone, it has been effective for many in their journey toward sobriety and a healthier life.

What Does a Sponsor Do?

Here are some responsibilities of an AA sponsor:

Mentorship: A sponsor provides guidance and support to the sponsee by sharing their own experiences in recovery. They offer insights into the 12-step program, help the sponsee work through the steps, and provide practical advice for living a sober life.

Accountability: The AA sponsorship system helps the sponsee stay accountable for their sobriety. A sponsor can encourage attendance at AA meetings, participation in the program, and adherence to the 12 steps. They may check in regularly with the sponsee to ensure they are making progress.

Listening and Support: Sponsors are available to listen to the sponsee's concerns, challenges, and thoughts related to their recovery. They offer a non-judgmental and empathetic ear, which can be crucial in times of difficulty.

Suggesting Meetings: Sponsors may recommend specific AA meetings for the sponsee to attend, especially those that align with the sponsee's needs and preferences.

Sharing Their Story: Sponsors often share their own experiences with alcoholism and recovery to help the sponsee relate and gain perspective on their own journey.

Maintaining Anonymity: Sponsors respect the principle of anonymity in AA and do not disclose the sponsee's identity or share their personal information outside of AA meetings.

Encouraging Steps: Sponsors guide the sponsee through the 12 steps of AA, helping them work on self-reflection, making amends, and developing a spiritual connection (as defined by the individual) to aid recovery.

Being Available: Sponsors make themselves available to the sponsee when needed, whether for a phone call, a face-to-face meeting, or support during challenging times.

How Do I Find an AA Sponsor?

The best way to find a sponsor is to approach someone at an AA meeting and ask them if they will be your sponsor. First, make sure that they are sober for at least one year and are stable in their recovery. Another great tip is to attend meetings and listen carefully to the people who share their stories. If someone’s story resonates with you, it may be a sign that they can be a good sponsor for you.

Additionally, you could announce at a meeting that you are looking for a sponsor; that might be a good way for your sponsor to find you. Keep in mind that you may not find a sponsor immediately and that’s okay. Be persistent, and hopefully, you’ll find the perfect one soon.

Choosing the Right AA Sponsor

There are several factors to consider when choosing a sponsor. You want your sponsor to be someone who will motivate you to stick to your goals and support you through challenging periods. To pick a good sponsor consider these points:

• Personality - You should feel comfortable and able to connect with your sponsor. This will facilitate honest communication and a strong, supportive relationship.
• Boundaries - Healthy boundaries must be established so that the relationship remains recovery-focused. Most people choose a sponsor of the same gender as themselves for this reason.
• Level of Commitment - A sponsor should actively participate in the AA program and be passionate about recovery.
• Length of Sobriety - The longer your sponsor has been sober the more effectively they can guide you on your journey. They will understand the recovery process better and be better equipped to support you.
• Shared Experiences - You don't need to find a sponsor from a similar background to you, but someone who has had similar experiences to you will understand your journey better.

What Are Some AA Sponsor Dos and Don’ts? 

Here are some pointers on how to be a good sponsor in AA:

Do's for AA Sponsors:

• Be Available: Be willing and available to help your sponsee when they need support or guidance, especially during challenging times.
• Listen Actively: Listen without judgment to your sponsee's concerns, fears, and experiences. Provide a safe space for them to share.
• Share Your Experience: Share your own experiences, strength, and hope in recovery. Show that you've faced similar challenges and found solutions through the AA program.
• Encourage Meeting Attendance: Encourage your sponsee to attend AA meetings regularly and offer to accompany them to meetings, especially in the early stages of recovery.
• Guide Through the Steps: Assist your sponsee in working through the 12 steps of the AA program, offering insights and support as they progress.
• Set Healthy Boundaries: Maintaining proper boundaries is crucial in the sponsor-sponsee relationship. Avoid getting too involved in their personal life or making decisions for them.
• Offer Accountability: Help your sponsee stay accountable for their sobriety by checking in regularly and asking about their progress.
• Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your sponsee's sobriety milestones, whether 30 days, 90 days, or more.

Promote Honesty: Encourage your sponsee to be honest with themselves and others about their addiction and progress in recovery. 

Don'ts for AA Sponsors:

• Don't Give Advice: While you can share your experiences, avoid giving unsolicited advice. Instead, offer guidance when your sponsee seeks it.
• Don't Be Judgmental: Avoid passing judgment on your sponsee's actions or relapses. Maintain a supportive and non-critical attitude.
• Don't Take Over: Don't try to control or make decisions for your sponsee. Let them learn from their own choices and experiences.
• Don't Be Absent: Be consistent in your sponsorship, and don't disappear when your sponsee needs you most. Show up for them consistently.
• Don't Share Their Confidential Information: Respect your sponsee's privacy by keeping their personal information and struggles confidential.
• Don't Cross AA Sponsor Boundaries: Avoid engaging in romantic or inappropriate relationships with your sponsee. Maintain clear boundaries at all times.
• Don't Be Coercive: Never pressure or coerce your sponsee into doing something they're not comfortable with or ready for in their recovery journey.
• Don't Substitute for Professional Help: While sponsors provide valuable support, they are not substitutes for professional therapy or counseling. Encourage your sponsee to seek professional help when necessary.

How Can I Become an Alcoholics Anonymous Sponsor? 

Here are some tips to become an AA Sponsor:

• Establish your own sobriety.
• Attend AA meetings.
• Work through the 12 Steps.
• Express your willingness to be a sponsor to others.
• Foster relationships.
• Lead by example.
• Share your story at meetings.
• Initiate conversations.
• Discuss expectations.
• Respect boundaries.
• Offer guidance and support.
• Stay actively involved.
• Seek guidance and support. 

What is an AA Sponsorship Guide?

An AA sponsorship guide is a written resource used in Alcoholics Anonymous to facilitate the sponsor-sponsee relationship, which is a fundamental aspect of the AA program. It typically provides a structured framework for both sponsors and sponsees to navigate the recovery process. These guides direct you on how to be an AA sponsor, and outline the roles and responsibilities of sponsors and sponsees. They also offer guidance on working through the AA 12 Steps, attending meetings, and maintaining healthy communication. They serve as a reference point for individuals in AA, ensuring that the sponsorship relationship remains supportive, accountable, and conducive to achieving and maintaining sobriety within the fellowship.

The Most Effective Path to Sobriety

Now that you’ve learned what an AA sponsor is, you can enter the recovery scene more prepared. Being entangled in an alcohol addiction is an extremely difficult experience, and no one should have to go through it alone. 

Here at Avenues Recovery, we offer top-notch treatment plans and therapies to help you break free of your addiction and reach sobriety. No one is beyond help! Our highly professional and experienced team has helped thousands of people regain control of their lives, and we can help you too. Contact us today to take your first step towards a happier, healthier, and sober future.