A note on language. At Renascent, we help people recover from substance use addiction and integrate 12-Step facilitation into our programming. We recognize that the substances our clients are recovering from and the 12-Step groups they connect with may vary. Throughout our website you may see general terms relating to the 12 Steps as we are inclusive of all recovery programs, including AA, CA, and OA.
It is important that during your recovery journey that you find the right fit, and finding the right sponsor has an important part to play.
What is a sponsor in AA?
At Renascent, our team members have all been where you are. A sponsor is someone who has been through similar experiences, and is someone that you can rely on. Typically, this is someone who has been in recovery for at least a year. A sponsor is there to help you navigate your recovery journey whether that is through answering questions you have or walking through the 12 Steps.
How is a sponsor different from a therapist?
A sponsor is someone that you can confide in, but it is important to note that they are not a trained therapist and are not able to give professional advice. They also are not close friends, family members or romantic partners.
How to find a sponsor
We understand that sometimes it can be overwhelming to find a sponsor. This is why at Renascent, we want to help guide you through the process so that you are alway supported.
During your recovery journey, it is important that you are actively participating in the 12 Steps. It can be helpful to find someone who has had similar experiences to you, and it is suggested that they identify as the same gender as you. While this is not mandatory, these are traits of a sponsor that can be beneficial to you. You can find other’s who are also on their recovery journey in AA meetings, or through Renascent’s live-in treatment.
When choosing your sponsor, it is vital that you ensure that they are the right choice for you during your recovery journey. You should be confident in your choice, doing so will provide you with the best support possible during your recovery journey.
How to choose a sponsor
When choosing a sponsor, there are few things you can use to help make your decision easier when finding one.
How far along are they in their recovery journey?
You should be able to confide in someone who has gone through the 12 Steps at least once, and preferably is one-year into their recovery journey. When someone has completed the 12 Steps, and has had the support they needed throughout their recovery journey they can provide a more secure and stable foundation for you to confide in.
Does their schedule align with yours?
A sponsor that is the right fit, will be available to you whenever you are in need of support. Something you should consider is if they already have a group of sponsee’s and if they would be able to dedicate themselves to you as well. Even if they do not have a group of sponsee’s, you should also consider their personal schedule and if this would impact their availability to you.
Identify similarities and differences
Finding a sponsor that suits your personality. When you share things in common with your sponsor, this can help make it easier to open up and have them understand what you are communicating. However, it is also important to have differences as this can also help provide you with different perspectives.
Empathy and understanding
Confiding in a sponsor means that you should be able to be transparent, and be honest at all times. It is important that you feel comfortable talking about your addiction with your sponsor. A good sponsor will listen attentively; provide empathy, and compassion.
Finding a good sponsor
Only you can decide who is a good sponsor for you, we understand that there are many things to consider so we hope that this blog post can help you as you go through your recovery journey. A good sponsor will not only be sober but also help you navigate through the 12 Steps, be a figure that supports your growth, and help you take accountability for your actions.
For more details on being a sponsor and receiving sponsorship, visit the AA website.
