Questions & Answers on Sponsorship (P-15)
This month, we’ll review “Questions & Answers on Sponsorship” (P-15). Becoming a sponsor is one of the most rewarding ways to strengthen your recovery while helping others navigate their journey. This short article explains what sponsorship means, what it involves, and how to serve effectively as a sponsor.
What is Sponsorship?
Sponsorship is a mutual commitment between two people in recovery where one (the sponsor) guides another (the sponsee) through the program of recovery by sharing their experience, strength, and hope. This relationship is built on trust, respect, and a shared goal of maintaining sobriety while working through the steps.
The Role of a Sponsor
- Share personal experience with recovery
- Guide sponsees through the Twelve Steps
- Provide support and accountability
- Listen without judgment
- Maintain appropriate boundaries
- Share recovery tools and coping strategies
What Sponsorship Is Not
Understanding what sponsorship is not is as important as knowing what it is. A sponsor is not a professional counselor, financial advisor, marriage counselor, loan officer, or medical advisor. Sponsors should never give medical advice or attempt to diagnose health conditions - these matters should always be referred to qualified healthcare professionals. The relationship should focus primarily on recovery and working the program. Sponsors share their experiences but do not attempt to control their sponsees’ lives or make decisions for them.
- Qualities of Effective Sponsors
- Has worked through the Twelve Steps
- Maintains regular AA attendance
- Has established continuous sobriety
- Willing to be available within reasonable boundaries
- Practices patience and compassion
- Demonstrates commitment to their recovery
Common Responsibilities
The role of a sponsor typically involves regular meetings with sponsees, being available for phone calls during challenging times, guiding sponsees through step work, and sharing personal experiences relevant to recovery. Sponsors often help their sponsees understand program literature, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and maintain accountability in their recovery journey. This relationship requires dedication, time, and emotional energy, but the rewards of helping another person find their path to recovery are immeasurable.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
- Establish clear communication expectations
- Define acceptable contact hours
- Maintain appropriate emotional distance
- Be clear about limitations and availability
- Focus discussions on recovery-related topics
- Refer medical concerns to healthcare professionals
Getting Started
Before becoming a sponsor, ensure you have:
- Completed the Twelve Steps with your sponsor
- Maintained consistent sobriety
- Developed a strong foundation in recovery principles
- Regularly attended meetings
- Discussed your readiness with your sponsor
Conclusion
Sponsorship is a cornerstone of recovery that benefits both the sponsor and sponsee. While the responsibility may seem daunting at first, remember that you’re simply sharing your experience and what has worked for you in recovery. You don’t need to be perfect – you just need to be honest, willing, and committed to your own recovery while helping others.
Ready to take the next step? Consider discussing your readiness to become a sponsor with your own sponsor and your home group. Remember, the best sponsors are those who continue to work on their own recovery while helping others.