Top 15 AA Sponsor Do’s and Don’ts

Takeaway:

• Insight into what a sponsor does in AA.
• Tips on what to look for in an AA sponsor.
• Key AA sponsor requirements.
• Highlighting the critical AA sponsor’s dos and don’ts.

Sponsorship is a cornerstone of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program, providing new members with personalized support from those who have successfully navigated the path to sobriety. Understanding what a sponsor does in AA and adhering to proven AA sponsor dos and don’ts can significantly enhance the effectiveness of this supportive relationship. Here are 15 essential AA Sponsor do’s and don’ts, designed to help sponsors and sponsees alike get the most out of their collaborative journey toward recovery.

Sponsor Do’s:

1. Do Be Available: Accessibility is crucial. A good sponsor is there to offer guidance and support, particularly during challenging times. Being reachable for a conversation or meeting can make a significant difference in a sponsee’s recovery.
2. Do Listen Actively: Effective sponsors excel at listening. They provide a safe, non-judgmental space for sponsees to express their feelings and challenges, fostering a supportive and understanding environment.
3. Do Share Your Experiences: Part of what to look for in an AA sponsor is someone who openly shares their recovery journey, including struggles and successes, to provide real-world insights and hope.
4. Do Encourage Involvement: A key role for sponsors is to encourage sponsees to participate in AA meetings regularly and engage with the community, enhancing their network of support.
5. Do Set Boundaries: It’s important to establish clear boundaries regarding time, privacy, and emotional availability. This protects both the sponsor’s and the sponsee’s well-being.
6. Do Focus on the Program: Sponsors should emphasize the importance of working through the 12 steps and applying them in daily life, guiding sponsees in their practical application.
7. Do Practice Patience: Recovery is a journey. Good sponsors understand this and practice patience, offering encouragement without pushing too hard or too fast.

Sponsor Don’ts:

• Don’t Offer Professional Advice: Sponsors are not therapists or doctors. They should avoid giving medical or professional advice and instead encourage sponsees to seek appropriate professional help when needed.
• Don’t Engage in Financial Transactions: Sponsors should avoid lending money to or handling finances for their sponsees to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain clear boundaries.
• Don’t Share Personal Information Inappropriately: Maintaining confidentiality is essential. What is shared between a sponsor and sponsee should stay between them unless sharing is consented to by both parties.
• Don’t Expect Perfection: Understanding that setbacks are part of the recovery process is crucial. Sponsors should not expect sponsees to be perfect but should support them through ups and downs.
• Don’t Impose Personal Beliefs: While sharing experiences is part of sponsorship, imposing personal beliefs, especially regarding religion or politics, should be avoided.
• Don’t Take Control: A sponsor’s role is to guide and support, not to control or make decisions for the sponsee. Encouraging independence and self-reliance is key.
• Don’t Ignore Red Flags: If a sponsor observes behaviors that could be harmful to the sponsee’s recovery, such as skipping meetings or isolating, it’s important to address these concerns promptly.
• Don’t Neglect Self-Care: Sponsors also need to take care of their own mental, emotional, and physical health. A well-balanced sponsor is more effective and can provide better support.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Navigating the responsibilities of an AA sponsor can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. By following these AA sponsor do’s and don’ts, sponsors can offer meaningful support and make a significant difference in the lives of those they help. For those new to AA or looking to deepen their understanding of the sponsorship process, Vita Nova Treatment provides resources and support for finding the right sponsor. Contact us at 866-770-0635 to learn more about how to connect with a sponsor who can meet your needs and support your journey toward recovery.