What Is an AA Sponsor: A Guide to Support and Sobriety

Here is the truth: people who work with a sponsor in Alcoholics Anonymous are more likely to stay sober. 

But why?

In this guide, we will discuss what the role of an AA sponsor is, the benefits of working with an AA sponsor that lead to success, and how to find one. If you are serious about your recovery journey, this is one step that you don’t want to miss.

Table of Contents

• What Is an AA Sponsor? 
• The Role of a Sponsee
• Finding an AA Sponsor
• Become an AA Sponsor
• The Many Benefits of Sponsorship
• AA Sponsor Support: Strengthen Your Sobriety With Clear Steps Recovery

What Is an AA Sponsor?

An AA sponsor is a senior member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) who has been in recovery for over a year. The sponsor is aware of the circumstances that the AA member is facing and can be a listening ear or someone to help guide you. You can confide in an AA sponsor on a deeper level than in AA meetings and discuss sensitive topics that need a little more unpacking.

What Is the Purpose of a Sponsor?

An AA Sponsor can help navigate membership, answer questions, work on the Twelve Steps, and offer accountability throughout the entire sobriety process. Having an AA Sponsor provides a better outcome when it comes to sobriety success.

If you want further support on your road to recovery, Clear Steps Recovery is here to help with services beyond alcoholics anonymous. We offer an Alcohol rehab program with compassionate professionals who can help you regain control of your life.

What Is an AA Sponsor Supposed To Do?

The AA Sponsor is supposed to support the AA member and do whatever they can to help them stay sober. This can be through:

• Encouraging the AA member to go to every AA meeting
• Introducing the AA member to other members
• Going over the meaning of the Twelve Steps 
• Explaining AA traditions and milestones
• Ensuring the member is aware of helpful AA materials
• Being available if the AA member has special problems with sobriety
• Emphasizing the importance of anonymity

What Is an AA Sponsor NOT Supposed To Do?

An AA sponsor will not:

• Impose personal views
• Pretend to know all the answers
• Offer professional services such as counseling, medical, or legal services

The Role of a Sponsee

When going through recovery, the sponsee plays a very active role through the process. When you have a sponsor, it is essential to respect their time and participate in meetings and processes as much as possible. A sponsee should:

• Attend meetings 
• Set boundaries with your sponsor, such as determining the best time to talk or respecting their preferred method of communication
• Do any homework assigned as you work through the Twelve Steps
• Limit sharing too much personal information with your sponsor, besides alcohol related topics

Finding an AA Sponsor

Choosing a sponsor is a significant yet informal step when working through recovery. You should look for an AA Sponsor who:

• Has been sober for over a year
• Is enjoying their sobriety
• Is the same gender or gender identity as you, if possible

Is it Too Late to Find a Sponsor?

No, it is never too late to find an AA Sponsor to walk alongside the journey of sobriety with you. Oftentimes, finding a sponsor can be the missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to making continued progress through the sobriety journey. Having a sponsor takes recovery a step further and makes a difference in your recovery process. 

If you are at a point in your sobriety journey where you are looking for alternative methods of support or are looking for a secular sobriety program, Clear Steps Recovery can help. We offer various services, including our Health Realization Programs, which can serve as an alternative to the AA program. Check out our website to learn more.

Becoming an AA Sponsor

If you have been in recovery for over a year, made your way through the Twelve Steps, and want to help other AA members in their recovery journey, you may be considering becoming a sponsor. There is no formal sign-up, but you can let AA leaders know about your interest in mentoring others through AA if you are ready to take the next step of sponsorship.

The Many Benefits of Sponsorship 

Sponsorship is a mutually beneficial relationship for both the sponsor and the sponsee. Let’s dive into some of the benefits, as they help those working through AA.

For the Sponsee

By being a sponsee, you will receive plenty of benefits, such as:

•  Guidance through recovery
  
  • Helps you work through each of the Twelve Steps.
  • Offers clarity on AA principles and how to apply them in daily life.

• Accountability
  
  • Encourages honesty and consistency in attending meetings and practicing sobriety.
  • Helps you stay on track when challenges or temptations arise.

• Emotional support
  
  • Provides a listening ear during difficult times.
  • Share their own experience so you don’t feel alone.

• Perspective and advice
  
  • Offers insight from personal experience, not just theory.
  • Helps you navigate difficult situations without judgment.

• Encouragement and motivation
  
  • Celebrates milestones and reinforces progress.
  • Reminds you how recovery is possible even in challenging moments.

• Connection
  
  • Strengthens your sense of belonging within the AA community.
  • Encourages building support networks beyond AA meetings.

For the Sponsor

Being a sponsor can be rewarding and help with your own sobriety journey as well. Some benefits include:

• Strengthening your own sobriety
  
  • Regularly guiding others can reinforce your own commitment to sobriety.
  • Teaching and sharing the Twelve Steps helps to keep the principles fresh in your mind.

• Personal growth
  
  • Patience, empathy, and communication skills.
  • Self-reflection.

• Sense of purpose
  
  • A deep feeling of contribution and meaning comes from helping someone transform their life.
  • Fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership in recovery.

• Emotional rewards
  
  • Experiencing a sponsee’s success and growth can be deeply fulfilling.
  • Creating mutual trust and connection, which combats isolation.

• Spiritual Benefits
  
  • Aligns with AA’s principle of “one alcoholic helping another”.
  • Encourages humility and gratitude through service.

• Expanded Support Network
  
  • Strong, lasting bonds with sponsors and others in the AA community.
  • Providing opportunities to learn from others’ experiences as well.

AA Sponsor Support and Beyond: Strengthen Your Sobriety With Clear Steps Recovery

Clear Steps Recovery is a substance recovery center located in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. We offer treatment services for many different substances, including alcohol. If you or a loved one needs treatment beyond a Twelve-Step program, our caring and dedicated team is available to help. Our Alcohol Rehab program includes:

• Access to medical professionals and counselors skilled in alcohol rehab
• Personalized care plans that meet your needs
• Peer support through group therapy, which allows you to speak and learn from others who have been through a similar journey
• And more.

Contact us today to learn how our alcohol rehab program can help you or your loved one get back on track in a supportive and transformational environment.

‍