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Sponsorship Recovery

Sponsorship in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) involves guiding a sponsee through the 12 Steps, requiring the sponsor to have a solid foundation in their own sobriety and a willingness to help others. Key steps to becoming a sponsor include being active in meetings, understanding the role of a sponsor, making oneself available, and maintaining boundaries. It's important for sponsors to continue their own recovery and seek guidance from their own sponsors as needed.

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119 views2 pages

Sponsorship Recovery

Sponsorship in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) involves guiding a sponsee through the 12 Steps, requiring the sponsor to have a solid foundation in their own sobriety and a willingness to help others. Key steps to becoming a sponsor include being active in meetings, understanding the role of a sponsor, making oneself available, and maintaining boundaries. It's important for sponsors to continue their own recovery and seek guidance from their own sponsors as needed.

Uploaded by

calliaste
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as ODT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), sponsorship is a key part of the program's support system.

Becoming
a sponsor means you’re guiding another person (a "sponsee") through the 12 Steps and sharing your
experience, strength, and hope to help them stay sober.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a sponsor in AA:

✅ 1. Have a Solid Foundation in Your Own Sobriety


• It’s generally suggested you have at least one year of continuous sobriety, but this can vary by
group.
• You should have a working knowledge of the 12 Steps and ideally have worked through them
yourself with a sponsor.

✅ 2. Be Active in Meetings
• Attend meetings regularly so others know you’re available.
• Share your story honestly and openly.
• Let people know you’re willing to sponsor — you can even say so when you share, e.g., “If
anyone is looking for a sponsor, I’m available.”

✅ 3. Understand What a Sponsor Is (and Isn’t)


A sponsor is:
• A sober guide through the 12 Steps
• A listening ear and a source of experience
• A resource for practical and spiritual advice
A sponsor is NOT:
• A therapist or counselor
• A financial supporter
• Someone who controls your sponsee’s life

✅ 4. Make Yourself Available


• Be open to newcomers asking you questions after meetings.
• You might offer your phone number or say you're willing to talk more one-on-one.
✅ 5. Work the Steps With Your Sponsee
• Use AA-approved literature, like the Big Book and the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
• Go at your sponsee’s pace, but maintain consistency and accountability.
• Help them develop a connection with a Higher Power, however they understand it.

✅ 6. Keep Boundaries and Practice Humility


• Share your experience, but don’t act like a guru.
• If a situation is beyond your ability (like mental health issues), encourage professional help.

✅ 7. Stay in Touch With Your Own Sponsor


• Sponsoring others is a big responsibility — keep working on your own recovery too.

If you're not sure whether you're ready, talk with your own sponsor or a trusted elder in your group.
Many people feel unqualified, but the main qualification is that you're sober and willing to help.

Example Script to Offer Sponsorship in a Meeting:


"Hi, I’m [Your First Name], and I’m an alcoholic. I’ve been sober since [your sobriety
date], and I’ve had the privilege of working the Steps with a sponsor. Sponsorship has been
a huge part of my recovery. If anyone here is looking for a sponsor, I’d be happy to talk
after the meeting. Thank you."

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