What Is A Sponsor in AA?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): What Is A Sponsor?

A sponsor is a seasoned member of the organization Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) who offers support and information about recovery to a newcomer who has committed to a life of sobriety. A sponsor-sponsee partnership is symbiotic, and both parties benefit from sharing their recovery journeys.

What Is A Sponsor?

Sponsorship is a fundamental practice and partnership in Alcoholics Anonymous, and it’s as old as the program itself. [1] A sponsor in AA is a more experienced member of the group who has successfully completed the Twelve-Step Program and is actively living a sober life. This person acts as a mentor to a newcomer who is taking the first steps towards sobriety.

What Does an AA Sponsor Do?

Primarily, an AA sponsor supports the newcomers’ sobriety and introduces them to the basics of the 12-step program. They answer any questions the newcomer has about the Twelve Steps, and they’re there to offer encouragement and support when the newcomer needs it. Sponsorship may be particularly important in the early stages of the AA program and can prevent drinking relapses. [2]

An AA sponsor has a great deal of freedom in terms of defining their role. Different members may have different approaches to sponsorship based on their personal views and understanding of the principles outlined in the Big Book, as well as their own experiences with alcoholism and long-term sobriety.

Possible functions of a sponsor in the AA program may include: [3]

• Introducing the newcomer to the other members of the AA group
• Explaining AA Traditions and philosophy as they understand them
• Setting an example of what can be achieved through the 12-Step Program
• Introducing the newcomer to all available AA literature
• Explaining the program to the newcomer’s family members
• Encouraging the sponsee to participate in AA activities or community initiatives
• Referring the newcomer to professional services when necessary, such as in the case of a mental health condition or abuse

What Does an AA Sponsor Not Do?

In some cases, the effectiveness of an AA sponsor is based as much on what they avoid doing as what they actually do. A good sponsor avoids: [4]

• Acting like they know everything or that they’re always right
• Imposing their own personal views onto their sponsee
• Doesn’t become romantically involved with the newcomer (The sponsor-sponsee relationship should be completely platonic)
• Does not provide mental health counseling or any other professional service

These are just a few examples of sponsor behavior that might be looked down on by Alcoholics Anonymous. It could be important to practice common sense when defining a sponsor’s role and asking for help when you need it.

Who Makes a Good AA Sponsor?

Nearly anyone who has worked the 12 steps has the potential to be a good AA sponsor. Typically, an effective sponsor is a person who is active in recovery and has at least a year of continuous sobriety behind them. [5] Other characteristics of a potential sponsor may include:

• Is a patient with the newcomer or sponsored party, and can take the time to answer any and all questions they have
• Has the time to be available to their sponsee on a consistent and regular basis
• Has no personal agenda other than helping the newcomer follow the AA program
• Doesn’t take offense when the newcomer asks another AA member for information or assistance
• Is flexible and can adapt its approach to accommodate the sponsored party’s needs or preferences
• Is enjoying the sober life

Finding a sponsor can be a simple process, or you may face obstacles. Many AA meetings reserve time for people who wish to sponsor to introduce themselves to newcomers, which can facilitate the process. If you’re matched with a sponsor and find that you’re not compatible with them, you can switch sponsors at any time.

Who Needs a Sponsor? Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

If you or a loved one is drinking heavily or having a hard time controlling drinking habits, it could be a sign of alcohol use disorder, or AUD for short. Signs and symptoms of AUD include: [6]

• Experiencing intense cravings for an alcoholic beverage
• Having a high tolerance for alcohol
• Unsuccessfully attempting to limit or quit drinking
• Continuing to drink even though it’s making a health condition worse (physical or mental)
• Continuing to drink even though it’s causing problems at work or in relationships
• Giving up enjoyable or productive activities due to drinking
• Drinking in situations that pose a risk to personal safety
• Spending a lot of time acquiring alcohol, drinking alcohol, or recovering from hangovers
• Consistently failing to meet responsibilities due to drinking
• Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms when abstaining from alcohol

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), experiencing just two or more symptoms of alcohol use disorder may point to an addiction.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when abstaining from alcohol is a hallmark symptom of physical dependence. These withdrawal effects may include: [7]

• Trouble thinking clearly
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Shakiness
• Nightmares
• Trouble sleeping
• Severe headache
• Clammy skin
• Excessive sweating
• Dilated pupils
• Paleness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Delirium tremens
• Fever
• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Extreme confusion

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be serious and, in rare cases, life-threatening. The safest way to detox is in a treatment facility under direct medical supervision. If you or a loved one is detoxing at home and begins to experience severe symptoms such as abnormal heart rhythm, hallucinations, confusion, or seizures, call 911 and seek emergency medical attention.

Finding Treatment

If you or a loved one is considering Alcoholics Anonymous, you may also require professional treatment for alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder. An alcohol addiction can be a powerful force, and it might not be feasible to face it alone. Fortunately, qualified substance use and alcohol rehabilitation centers in New Jersey are ready and willing to provide the support you need to embrace a sober life.

While AA provides evidence-based support for alcoholics looking to maintain their sobriety, many people require additional support, such as medical detoxification services, behavioral therapy, and mental health counseling, for example. Often, a multifaceted approach to treatment is required. Treatment options may include inpatient and partial hospitalization services, intensive outpatient treatment, residential care, and aftercare support.