“In A.A., sponsor and sponsored meet as equals… An alcoholic who has made some progress in the recovery program shares that experience on a continuous, individual basis with another alcoholic who is attempting to attain or maintain sobriety through A.A.”
Q&A On Sponsorship
What is a sponsor?
In Alcoholics Anonymous a sponsor is member of AA who has been clean and sober for one of more years who can share their experience, strength and hope with a newer member (sponsee) guiding them through the Twelve Step program. The sponsor-sponsee relationship is informal yet crucial, as sponsors help sponsees navigate challenges, offer encouragement, and provide accountability during the recovery journey. Through this relationship, sponsees benefit from the wisdom and support of those who have maintained their sobriety. with sponsors being available beyond meetings for guidance and assistance, making sponsorship a cornerstone of the AA program.
Alcoholics Anonymous began with sponsorship. When the co-founder of our fellowship Bill W., only a few months sober, was stricken with a powerful urge to drink, he thought: “You need another alcoholic to talk to. You need another alcoholic just as much as they need you!” He found Dr. Bob, who had been trying desperately and unsuccessfully to stop drinking, and out of their common need A.A. was born.
How can I find a sponsor?
During the break or at the conclusion of an AA meeting, the meeting leader will ask members who are 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 reasons may have nothing to do with you. Perhaps the person feels he or she does not have the time to dedicate to be a good sponsor. Be persistent! You will find a sponsor who can guide you through the program and help you build a strong foundation for your recovery.
Related Links
- Questions & Answers on Sponsorship (pdf)
This pamphlet helps to answer some questions you may have about sponsorship. Questions such as: What Is Sponsorship? How does sponsorship help the newcomer? How does sponsorship help the sponsor? How should a sponsor be chosen? - A New Comer Asks
This pamphlet is intended for people approaching Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) for the first time. In it we have tried to answer the questions most frequently in the minds of newcomers — the questions which were in our minds when we first approached the Fellowship.