How To Become An AA Sponsor

What Is AA Sponsorship?

A rehabilitation program is a major achievement; however, staying sober is a lifelong process. Recovery alcoholics often turn to 12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), to stay sober. AA is an international fellowship of recovering alcoholics who share their experiences with one another in order to solve their common problems and help others. Membership is open to anyone who wants to stop drinking and help others become sober. Sponsorship is an integral part of AA.

In AA, a newcomer will choose a same-gender sponsor who he or she feels comfortable with and can communicate freely with, and who will guide them through the 12 Steps and Traditions. As the newer member tries to maintain sobriety through AA, the sponsor will continuously share their personal experiences with them. It is the relationship between sponsor and sponsoree that makes it possible for someone to resist temptation and stay sober.

Your Role And Responsibility As An AA Sponsor

Mentoring is the most basic function of a sponsor; as a recovering alcoholic yourself, you understand exactly how difficult the rehab process can be, so you're able to lend a reliable and sympathetic hand to a newcomer. Many people who attend support group meetings for the first time feel confused, sick, and apprehensive as they begin their long journey toward sobriety. Recovery specialists find that their loved ones can't understand or relate to the daily struggles of staying sober, and an AA sponsor fills that void by providing constant, close support as their newcomer learns how to "live soberly." Sponsorship allows the newcomer to have a loyal friend when they need it most.

As part of the Twelve Steps, sponsorship is an unwritten and informal responsibility. It is an essential component of the AA approach to recovery from alcoholism. Throughout Alcoholics Anonymous, a sponsor does everything possible, within the limits of personal experience and knowledge, to help a newcomer get and stay sober.

Inspiring sobriety and leading by present example

Supporting and encouraging the newcomer to attend and understand AA meetings

A newcomer's questions about the Twelve Steps and long-term sobriety should be answered

Introducing the newcomer to other members

offering support when needed

needed

needed, and encouraging the newcomer to join and participate in group activities

To qualify as a sponsor, all you need is a desire to help people and a willingness to devote your time to those who need guidance along their sobriety journey. A strong commitment to living a life without alcohol is essential if you want to set a great example for those you sponsor. AA members who consistently attend meetings and live an alcohol-free life are already considered sponsors in the Fellowship's eyes.

Giving Back To The Community And Yourself

Sponsoring an AA group is one of the best ways to give back to the community that helped you during a difficult time in your life. The sponsor helps fellow recovering alcoholics get the most out of the program, maintain sobriety, change attitudes, and learn how to live a sober life. Having a good sponsor can make the difference between someone remaining sober or falling back into their old destructive ways of drinking.

The sponsor can also benefit from sponsorship by strengthening their own sobriety. Knowing that your sobriety is influencing another person will help you renew your commitment to a life without alcohol. It has been shown that being a sponsor reduces the risk of relapse for both the sponsor and the individual you are supporting. In the Alcoholics Anonymous Sponsorship Guide, it is stated that "by helping others, alcoholics are able to help themselves." Sponsorship provides the sense of accomplishment that comes from taking responsibility for someone else.

Get rehab-related information and treatment options for someone who is struggling with excessive alcohol consumption by contacting a treatment provider.