What is a Sponsor for Addicts?
Studies on AA sponsorship have found that it can help prevent relapse and maintain long-term sobriety. People with sponsors had an estimated 50% greater chance of no longer using mind-altering substances compared to those who did not have a sponsor. They also had a greater likelihood of alcohol abstinence compared to those without a sponsor.
Early sobriety can be difficult and challenging. When first attending meetings, newcomers can feel confused, physically sick and often apprehensive about the beginning of their recovery journey. They may be flooded with all types of emotions and feelings, especially now that their head is cleared of substance influence. Sponsors are more experienced members who are also navigating sober life. Having someone there providing support, guidance and encouragement can make a world of difference in the recovery process.
What is a Sponsor for Addicts?
An AA sponsor is a more experienced member of the program who can be a mentor to guide new members as they navigate early sobriety. They are recovering addicts themselves and know how difficult the process can be. They might have gone through similar experiences and situations and know the best ways to handle triggers and complicated emotions.
Friends, family and loved ones can all be supportive during recovery. However, sometimes they cannot fully understand what a recovering addict may be feeling and experiencing in this phase of their lives. That’s where having an AA sponsor can be necessary when it comes to long-term sobriety.
Because sponsors are also recovering addicts, they are not qualified to diagnose addiction or prescribe treatment. Their role in recovery offers personal views and experiences on sobriety. They can help a newcomer navigate the 12 steps, offer accountability and encouragement.
The role of a Sponsor in AA
- Guidance and support – Sponsors can help you through each of the 12 steps, answer questions about each step and help a newcomer better understand their own process of each step
- Someone to listen – Sponsors can be a sympathetic ear and someone to listen to your struggles when you need to vent
- Encouragement – It is important to find a person who motivates and encourages your long-term abstinence
- They can be your emergency contact when you need someone to talk you out of using drugs at 3 am
- They provide you with honest feedback because recovery is hard and it’s important to stay on the right track for long-term sobriety
- They can help spot warning signs that lead to relapse because often times others will not be able to recognize the signs before it’s too late
- They act as a role model and inspire sobriety by leading by present example
- They will help to keep you accountable and are not afraid to call you out when they need to
- They offer a safe space for honest conversations and will be there for you with practical advice and a listening ear
- They can offer advice, experience and knowledge – Sponsors have been where you have been before and know what to expect
- They are a person you trust and can consider a responsible and reliable friend
- They are a person you can confide in and share things you might not feel comfortable sharing at meetings
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What to look for in an AA Sponsor
Are they someone you can trust? Sponsors are typically a person of the same gender and a person with whom you feel comfortable and can trust. They have your best interests in mind and their experiences and knowledge can help inspire you to grow in your recovery journey. You resonate with them.
Are they successful? A sponsor is someone who has not drunk in the last year or longer and is typically enjoying their sober life. Their happiness in sobriety can be a motivation for your own sobriety.
Are you both on the same page? They are a person who understands you and how you operate. They speak your language. They know how to spot your triggers and bad habits and is a person who can tell you like it is when you need a little tough love.
Are they responsive? A good sponsor is someone whom you can rely on when you find yourself in a hard place in your recovery. They are responsive when you reach out to them and are able to answer questions and concerns you have all while providing the encouragement you need to maintain your sobriety.
Why become an AA Sponsor?
Becoming a sponsor is probably one of the best ways to give back to the community. The community that helped you during some of the hardest moments in your life. Becoming a sponsor can also help to strengthen your own sobriety. Sharing experiences, advice and knowledge with others, knowing your actions can influence a person in a positive light, can help keep one another accountable. It can help to inspire and renew your goals for staying sober.
Being a sponsor is completely voluntary and comes with unwritten responsibilities. However, many people find the unofficial position mutually beneficial. Studies have found that people who have a good relationship with their 12-step sponsor have better drug and alcohol outcomes.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Sponsors for AA help newcomers through the challenges of early sobriety and help them to establish their goals for maintaining long-term sobriety. Clients in behavioral health treatment programs like Hotel California by the Sea are encouraged to attend AA meetings and find a sponsor. The type of peer support from AA sponsorship has helped many stay sober and maintain abstinence throughout their recovery journey.
At Hotel California by the Sea, we offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based treatment methods like CBT, DBT and MAT. Our program is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals in sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://www.alcoholhelp.com/blog/become-aa-sponsor
https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/mounting-evidence-of-the-benefits-of-12-step-sponsors/
https://alcoholrehabhelp.org/treatment/alcoholics-anonymous/sponsor/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5512698
https://www.addictions.com/addiction-support-groups/understanding-the-role-of-your-aa-sponsor
