Working with others in recovery is essential for success. It is so essential that even the primary text of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the Big Book, has a chapter dedicated to it: “Working With Others.” The chapter states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much ensure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail. You can help when no one else can.” This is the cornerstone of what an AA sponsor is.
What is an AA Sponsor?
An AA sponsor is someone who can help someone in the program through the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. These are twelve steps that ensure a safe and sober “design for living” and long-term recovery. Of course, this is not the only thing an AA sponsor does.
An AA sponsor is someone who has been sober for a specific period (many people require a year of sobriety) and has gone through the steps of AA with their own sponsor. Likewise, an AA sponsor is also someone who can be relied upon when times are tough. They can also help individuals who are in multiple recovery programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
It is important to understand that recovery is not an individual venture. Yes, the individual must, ultimately, be the one who chooses to get sober, but there must be other people along the way who can help. This is where an AA sponsor comes in.
What Does an AA Sponsor Do?
The primary “job” of an AA sponsor is to hold their sponsee accountable. This often means ensuring that they are working the Twelve Steps and attending 12-Step meetings. They also act as a healthy reminder to maintain a rich and full spiritual life filled with regular meditation and reflection.
An AA sponsor is also someone who must be relied upon to hear one’s deeply held secrets and insecurities. Part of the Twelve Steps is “house cleaning,” which simply means getting honest with oneself by telling another individual all of the incidents that one did based on “character defects” – basically “all of the bad stuff they have done.” This process is essential and freeing. It also opens the door to making amends later while doing the Twelve Steps.
An AA sponsor will help their sponsee navigate Step Nine, which states, “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.” This can be very difficult for many people because admitting that one is wrong can be scary. An AA sponsor remains there to support them during those scary moments and help them see through.
Building a Path to Sobriety With an AA Sponsor
An AA sponsor’s job is often much more intense early in the relationship. However, a good AA sponsor will always remain available and supportive throughout their sponsee’s recovery. This is important because it helps the sponsee avoid a potential relapse. It also ensures that the cycle of AA sponsorship continues.
The Twelfth Step of AA states, “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” This means that the primary purpose of a member of AA is to stay sober and help another person on their recovery journey.
The chapter “Working With Others” also states that “life will take on new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends – this is an experience you must not miss. We know you will not want to miss it.” This is truly what a good AA sponsor can offer another person in recovery.
An AA Sponsor and The Phoenix Recovery Center
In Alcoholics Anonymous, there is a “responsibility statement.” It goes, “I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that, I am responsible.” This is where the AA sponsor truly shines. It is also our commitment at The Phoenix Recovery Center.
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we fully support the AA process, including the sponsor/sponsee relationship. We also offer many other effective means, methods, and modalities for recovering from alcoholism. These include psychotherapies, experiential therapies, and holistic healing methods. When all of these modalities come together, the chances for long-term recovery become that much more of a reality.
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” That is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future. Recovery and sponsorship are out there and waiting. The key is to go out there and get them. This is a journey you don’t want to miss. We can help you get there.
An AA sponsor can be an essential part of your recovery process. They can ensure that your recovery journey is both successful and enjoyable. After all, you did not choose recovery to be miserable. An AA sponsor also works well when you are also engaged in other recovery programs. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
