Medically Reviewed by Annamarie Coy, BA, ICPR, MATS
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An Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) sponsor supports an alcoholic attempting to quit drinking or maintain sobriety. These sponsors are senior members of AA who have made progress in the recovery program themselves.10
Your sponsor’s responsibilities will vary depending on your needs. But they’ll generally take on the following responsibilities:11
You can confide with your sponsor and share anything you might not be comfortable sharing in meetings. You can also talk to them about anything you want to discuss further or unpack outside the meetings.
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Typically, AA sponsors are people who have completed the AA recovery program. They need to know how the process works and how to help you achieve sobriety.
They should be able to provide relatable knowledge and experience to help guide you through the 12 steps. The relationship between an AA sponsor and a sponsee should be mutually beneficial.
Although your AA sponsor can be a friend, choosing an AA sponsor who isn’t biased is ideal. Fortunately, sponsors are likely to become good friends to you and are less likely to enable your drinking habits unwittingly.
A sponsorship relationship could be a huge part of your journey to recovery. That’s why finding a sponsor who can help you is important.
Here are five qualities to look for in an AA sponsor:
A good AA sponsor is someone you trust has your best interest in mind. You have seen their success and are willing to take their word.
Their experiences should help inspire you to improve over time. Until then, you know you can rely on them for support and guidance.
There are no written rules for sponsorship. But a good sponsor is someone who has not had a drink in the last year or longer and seems to be enjoying their new sober life.7 Their own sobriety serves as motivation for you.
People are receptive to support in different ways. You may receive advice better when given to you in a loving, sympathetic way. Or you may be someone who needs firm, tough love.
A sponsor should understand how you operate to avoid enabling or triggering your drinking habits. Whatever the case, look for someone who can provide you with what you need.
An ideal AA sponsor is someone you can rely on when you need them. They should be responsive when you reach out and respond within a reasonable timeframe.
Your sponsor should be able to:
You’ll probably want to work with a sponsor whose story resonates with you. You may have an easier time when you can picture yourself in their shoes.
Not only does relatability help establish rapport, but it also provides encouragement and a light at the end of the tunnel for your recovery. If your sponsor doesn’t fit the descriptions above, it may be time to find a different one to support your recovery.
They’ll connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor
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An AA sponsor is someone who has also suffered from AUD. Therefore, they offer support by continuously sharing their experience with someone else in need.10
An AA sponsor isn’t qualified to diagnose addiction or prescribe treatment. Rather, they’re there to offer their personal views and experiences on sobriety.
On the other hand, an addiction counselor is a credible professional. They’re qualified to assess and evaluate their clients’ mental and physical health and addiction.
Addiction counselors help develop treatment plans and prescribe medications. They can refer you to other resources if needed. They also provide:
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If you’re considering AA or are attending AA meetings, finding a sponsor is a great way to advance your progress. As a recovering alcoholic trying to get or stay sober, support from someone who has been in your position can help.
Here are a few quick tips to help you find a good sponsor:
Consider reaching out to people you already connect with in your AA meetings. Organic connections serve as ideal foundations for AA sponsorship relationships.
No, not everyone needs an AA sponsor. However, a sponsor and sponsee relationship is an important one.
Research suggests that AA sponsorship is effective. Additionally, studies show that AA attendance significantly boosts abstinence.8 And people in AA who work with sponsors abstain from drinking alcohol and relapsing more than people who don’t have sponsors.8
If you prefer a different approach, there are alternatives to an AA sponsor. An addiction coach is another option for those struggling with addiction.
Sponsors are people who help guide you through the AA process. They ensure that you get sober and stay sober.
Typically an AA sponsor is a senior who has already completed the AA program. They provide the necessary knowledge, experience, and techniques to help you on your journey to recovery.
The duties and responsibilities of a sponsor will vary depending on your needs. The qualities you should look for in a sponsor are:
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