What is a sponsor? A sponsor is a member of AA or NA, who has typically been in recovery for over a year. They act as a mentor or guide, have worked through the steps themselves, and no longer drink or use drugs.
Why get a sponsor? Sponsors are someone who you can develop a strong relationship with and who you can confide in during your recovery. They can help you progress through the 12 steps and guide you in all aspects of life. Sponsors offer both practical and emotional guidance for those they mentor. They understand the challenges of recovery, which makes them uniquely positioned to keep you accountable and to help motivate and encourage you. Knowing that your sponsor has been through similar challenges and persevered can be invaluable during your own recovery.
What makes a good sponsor?
They have completed all 12 steps of your desired program
Your sponsor should have completed the 12 steps of recovery and should be living drug and alcohol free.
They are someone with who you feel comfortable
You should feel comfortable sharing your innermost feelings and personal challenges with your sponsor. Honesty is vital to a sponsor/sponsee relationship.
They are a good listener
When you share your thoughts and feelings with your sponsor, you should feel accepted and supported. You and your sponsor may not always agree with each other, but you should each listen to and respect one another’s feedback and perspectives.
They are motivational, not controlling
Your sponsor’s job is to help you stay on track with consistent, encouraging communication, without being demanding or controlling. They should not tell you what to do in your life but should instead motivate you to stay committed to the program and your sobriety.
They have a caring personality
A caring sponsor will devote time to think about your situation, refer you to helpful resources, or introduce you to other people who can support you in recovery in different ways.
They are available
Your sponsor should have enough available time and flexibility to support your needs. This includes meeting with you one-on-one outside of meetings to discuss any questions, experiences, or concerns you want to share. It is important to remember that sponsors also have their own life, so try to build a community you can reach out to if your sponsor is unavailable when you need them.
They are reliable
It is important that your sponsor is dependable and that they follow through with their promises. They should demonstrate reliability in your relationship, whether it’s meeting up with you, attending an event or meeting, or picking up the phone when you call.
If you are interested in learning more about sponsorship or the recovery programs offered at Asana Recovery, please contact us.