For the uninitiated, a sponsor is a peer in recovery who steps up as a mentor for individuals in need of support. Newcomers to support groups are often encouraged to have a sponsor guide them through the process of group meetings, 12-steps, or other key elements of the program.
Full Answer
What is a sponsor in recovery?
Feb 16, 2022 · According to DrugRehab.com, “a sponsor is another person in recovery further along in the process who acts as a recovery coach of sorts, sharing their experiences and understanding of the program to help newcomers get and stay sober.”. Think of the sponsor as your health coach who has been there, understands the challenges, and can help you avert …
What should I know about sponsorship?
Feb 09, 2022 · A sponsor is a closed-mouth friend who will take you through the 12 Step program. They are not someone who will loan you money, give you a place to stay, solve your job issues, or otherwise babysit you. The people best equipped to sponsor someone are people who have some substantial time in the program.
What is an AA sponsor?
Jul 01, 2020 · Sponsoring other alcoholics or addicts is considered a vital part of the 12-step treatment process. Sponsorship is the idea of a newly sober person working in partnership with a veteran of the 12-steps. A common occurrence is for someone who has 20+ years of sobriety to have a person that they sponsor with maybe 5 or 6 years of sobriety.
Is sponsorship necessary to stay sober?
I've never heard the word sponsor used in a rehab or nursing facility; to me a sponsor would be someone who pays. Having said that, if your dad had a qualifying hospital stay then moved into the rehab center, his medicare should pay for the first 20 days at no cost. On the 21st day there is a co-pay of around $147.00 (I think) per day.
What does it mean to sponsor a drug addict?
A sponsor is a sober man or woman who has been through the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and guides others through the steps. Think of a sponsor as a combination of a built-in support system and an AA role model.
What does having a sponsor mean?
In this booklet, a sponsor is defined as 'an alcoholic who has made some progress in the recovery program and shares that experience on a continuous, individual basis with another alcoholic who is attempting to attain or maintain sobriety through AA'.
What are sponsors in therapy?
A sponsor is a non-paid, peer helper who agrees to be a resource person and support person for a newcomer in a 12-step program.Dec 9, 2021
Why are sponsors important in recovery?
People in early sobriety feel fragile, and they may have never experienced the true joy of having a healthy relationship. A good sponsor will be patient, compassionate, and positive as they lead by example and share their own experience, strength, and hope. This helps ease anxieties that come with early recovery.May 27, 2016
What is the difference between sponsor and Sponsee?
As nouns the difference between sponsor and sponsee is that sponsor is sponsor while sponsee is one who is sponsored.
What happens when someone sponsors you?
In the physical world, sponsorship is where a business pays to have its name and logo placed on the materials associated with an event or organization. For example, you may purchase new kit for a Little League team and, in return, have your business name on the shirts or printed in the match programs.
How does someone get a sponsor?
At the end of many AA or NA meetings, the leader will ask people interested in being a sponsor to raise their hands. If this doesn't happen at the meeting you attend, you can also let your group know that you are looking for a sponsor. You can also approach someone in your group one-on-one before or after a meeting.Jun 22, 2017
What do you look for in a sponsor?
7 Things to Look for when Choosing a SponsorThey have more time than you… a lot more time. ... They have completed the 12 steps… a few times. ... They have what you want… and you're willing to work to get it. ... They have a sponsor… and they still talk to them. ... They attend meetings… and encourage you to go.More items...•Sep 21, 2016
How can I be a sponsor?
How to Get a Sponsorship: 8 Key TacticsResearch potential sponsors. Look at your existing supporters. ... Tell your organization's story. ... Provide sponsor incentives. ... Reach out to established companies. ... Use data to legitimize your pitch. ... Find the right contact. ... Build a connection over time. ... Follow up.Nov 30, 2021
How long do you need to be sober to be a sponsor?
Ideally a sponsor is someone that has been sober for at least one year, and has completed all twelve steps. Some experts recommend choosing a sponsor that has successfully completed five years of sobriety.Nov 4, 2019
Why having a sponsor is good?
Businesses receive the following benefits from a sponsorship: It increases visibility for the company and its brand. It allows businesses to aim for a specific demographic of sales. It improves a company's reputation for success and refinement.
Why is it important to have a sponsor?
Sponsorships help your business increase its credibility, improve its public image, and build prestige. Like any form of marketing, it should be used strategically as a way to reach your target customers.Jan 7, 2021
How many years of sobriety do you need to be a sponsor?
Some experts recommend choosing a sponsor that has successfully completed five years of sobriety. They Are Not Sexually Attractive: A sponsor is there as an impartial party that you can trust. They should never be in it for any other reason than to help another addict achieve sobriety.
What is the role of a sponsor in 12-step programs?
The role of the sponsor in 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is to provide a support system for the newcomer. An alcoholic or addict that has recently made a decision to stop abusing drugs and alcohol is in a very delicate position. One of the best things they can do is simply talk to someone who knows ...
When did the AA start?
AA started with a sponsorship when founding members Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith came together in 1935.
What is a Sponsor and What Do They Do?
A sponsor is someone who offers guidance to a member in a 12 step program. They offer encouragement, understanding, and compassion while providing a firm and sober foundation. The relationship between a sponsor and sponsee is unique as there is no judgment.
Tips for Selecting a Sponsor
The road to recovery is long and complex, and you need all the positive help you can get. The right sponsor can make all the difference in your journey and the progress you make through the 12 steps. Here are the key qualities to look for.
What is the role of sponsorship in recovery?
In early recovery this can be a daunting task, especially if there is little understanding about what a sponsor is and should be. This brings up a commonly asked question, what is the role of sponsorship in addiction recovery and do I even need one? The primary purpose and responsibility of a sponsor is to help another individual work the Twelve Steps associated with a twelve-step program. Sponsorship is often considered one of the most rewarding relationships developed in addiction recovery.
What does a sponsor do for an addict?
Although a sponsor cannot physically stop a sponsee from drinking or using, based on experience, a sponsor has the unique ability to provide the best chance at dissuading the decision to relapse. Often times, being heard and understood can discourage an addict from making the decision to relapse .
What is the purpose of a sponsor?
The primary purpose and responsibility of a sponsor is to help another individual work the Twelve Steps associated with a twelve-step program. Sponsorship is often considered one of the most rewarding relationships developed in addiction recovery.
What is AA and NA?
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotic Anonymous (NA) are both 12-step recovery programs for people suffering from alcohol and drug addiction. A sponsor’s primary responsibility is to help a sponsee work the Twelve Steps in whatever recovery program they have chosen to participate in.
Why is vulnerability important in recovery?
Being vulnerable with another individual is no easy task, but it is essential in developing the necessary foundation for long-term recovery. For many in early recovery, the vulnerability that starts to develop in the relationship is a totally new experience. It is this honesty that starts to lay the foundation for a powerful relationship ...
What is a 12 step sponsor?
A Twelve Step sponsor can provide various other vital functions throughout the recovery process. Here are some of the important functions a sponsor provides: – A sponsor is a good source of information about recovery. – A sponsor can provide valuable insight about their experiences in life without drugs or alcohol.
Is sponsorship a good thing?
While sponsorship can be an extremely rewarding experience, it can also be a scary experience during the early stages of addiction recovery. This relationship requires the addict to be honest, vulnerable and divulge truths about their drinking or using experiences to their chosen sponsor.
What Is A Sponsor? The Definition
- When you’re in recovery, “sponsor” is a word you hear often. What is a sponsor?As James explains, a sponsor is simply a mentor or a guide who has been in recovery and worked through the steps and no longer has to drink or use.
What Does A Sponsor do?
- A sponsor is a senior member of AA or NA who has been in recovery for usually at least a year. Sponsors help you navigate membership, answer questions, work on the 12-steps, and offer accountability. A sponsor is also a confidant who understand where you have been. You can confide in your sponsor what you may not be comfortable sharing at meetings. Or, further discu…
What Does A Sponsor Not do?
- A sponsor is not your therapist. You will not receive professional help from a sponsor. A sponsor should not impose his or her personal views on you. A sponsor is also usually not a close friend or a romantic partner. For the sponsor-sponsee relationship to be successful objectivity and honesty are important. Close friendships or romantic relationships can make this very difficult to achieve…
How Can I Find A Sponsor?
- At the end of many AA or NA meetings, the leader will ask people interested in being a sponsor to raise their hands. If this doesn’t happen at the meeting you attend, you can also let your group know that you are looking for a sponsor. You can also approach someone in your group one-on-one before or after a meeting. Don’t take it personally if the person turns you down. Their reason…
How Can A Sponsor Help Me?
- As aforementioned, sponsorship has been helpful to those undergoing recovery. They will give answers to your queries, guide you, and help you take action on the program. Indeed, they are more knowledgeableabout the program due to experience. Furthermore, you may share or tell your concerns. You may even tell them things that you find hard discussing at meetings. Do not …
Where Can I Look For A Sponsor?
- You have to attend your meetings. By doing so, you will get the opportunity to meet more people. These people will eventually help you out. Do not be afraid to ask and be active in the program. There may be announcements in your groups during or even after meetings. If you were not able to see any posted information regarding sponsorship, you may address this concern in your gro…
How to Choose A Sponsor?
- You have to choose someone who canmake you comfortable with sharing your situation. Plus, he/she must potentially be a good influence on you. If your sponsor failed to manifest the desired traits, you can still look for a new one. Even so, you still have to end it in person and respect each other. As you choose your sponsor, he/she may be gentle or the other way around. Eitherway, it i…
How to Become A Sponsor?
- First, you can not be a sponsor if you have not had the first-hand experience with a sponsor. The same thing as the saying, “you can not share what youdo not have.” This means you have to go through the 12-steps or other recovery programs and complete them. Second, it is essential that you attend the meetings and been in the recovery for at least one year. Just take your time, bein…
What You Need to Do as A Sponsee
- One of the primary things you have to do is to be present at meetings with your sponsor. For instance that you will not able to show up, inform him/her prior to the schedule. Talk with your sponsor about setting boundaries. Discuss your means of communication and what time you are allowed to make calls. These simple discussion will help you keep each other’s privacy. Althoug…
Conclusion
- Indeed, there are battles that can not be fought alone. Thus, acquiring a sponsor in your recovery will help. Your sponsor will keep you on track with your program. He/she help you with what you need to do. You and your sponsor work hand-in-hand in recovery. Thus, selecting a good one whom you canrelate to is essential. Also, respect for each other is vital. Honesty and trustwithin …