Sponsorship is an important part of the recovery process in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A sponsor is a more experienced member of AA who supports and guides a newer member, or “sponsee,” through the program and helps them work the Twelve Steps. A great sponsor is someone who has a strong commitment to their own recovery, has a thorough understanding of the AA program, and is willing to be there for their sponsee on a regular basis.
Here are some characteristics of a great sponsor in AA:
- Sobriety: A great sponsor has a solid foundation of sobriety and is able to share their experience, strength, and hope with their sponsee.
- Availability: A great sponsor is available to their sponsee and can be contacted regularly, whether by phone or in person.
- Honesty: A great sponsor is honest with their sponsee and is able to provide constructive feedback and support.
- Empathy: A great sponsor is able to understand and relate to their sponsee’s struggles and can offer support and guidance.
- Open-mindedness: A great sponsor is open to different perspectives and approaches to recovery and is willing to listen to their sponsee’s ideas and concerns.
- Respect: A great sponsor treats their sponsee with respect and does not try to control or manipulate them.
- Confidentiality: A great sponsor maintains confidentiality and respects the privacy of their sponsee.
Overall, a great sponsor in AA is someone who is supportive, understanding, and committed to helping their sponsee work towards and maintain sobriety.
