Who Is a Sponsor?

Sponsors are a diverse group of people that come from all walks of life. Sponsors can be male, female, young, old, from any culture and from any socioeconomic status. While sponsors vary greatly, they have the following in common:

• Sponsors have been there, done that. A sponsor is a person who has walked a similar addiction and recovery journey. While the drug of choice may have been different, the loss of self to the drug was the same. While the drug rehab treatment option may have been different, the physical and emotional challenges of detox and rehab were similar.
• Sponsors want to help. A sponsor who is a recovering user commits to assisting others in their recovery. Most sponsors find that they too benefit in the relationship. They able to help someone else and are reminded that their own recovery still requires effort and mindfulness.
• Sponsors are available to help. Every sponsor takes his or her responsibilities seriously and makes this relationship a top priority. They are also able to help someone transition from the structured life of rehab to a new and sober life. Sponsors make the commitment to be available whenever they are needed, even if it is the middle of the night.
• A Sponsor Is a Resource. A sponsor is not only a lifeline for a newly sober addict but also is a resource for other support. Sponsors provide insights about addiction and are often well connected to the recovery community. They may know employers who are willing to hire recovering addicts and will know the people, places and activities that recovering addicts can enjoy safely.
• A Sponsor Provides Guidance and Support. Sponsors help a recovering user avoid relapse. Sponsors understand how overwhelmed an individual feels during the various stages of recovery and can provide an empathetic perspective. The recovery process is long and difficult, and recovering users may often feel lonely and vulnerable. A sponsor understands these feelings and can provide motivation and support.
• Sponsors Are an Example. A sponsor’s drug-free lifestyle speaks volume to a recovering addict.

Get Help Finding a Sponsor

Completing a drug or alcohol treatment program may be one of the hardest things you have ever done. Don’t let that hard work go to waste; get help in maintaining your sobriety after substance abuse treatment. Finding the right person to be your sponsor will help you to stay strong during your recovery and ensure you are supported when you need it most. Please call our toll-free helpline today to learn more about getting or staying clean. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about finding a sponsor. We are here to help.