What is a sponsor?  

Experience has shown us that continued freedom from Alcoholism comes through a personal experience with the Twelve Steps. In the book, Alcoholics Anonymous the word sponsor is never used, however, the concept and practice of sponsorship have been around in A.A. since the early 1940s. This individualised help over time became known as sponsorship, that of a recovered member helping a newer member overcome their drinking problem. A sponsor is a fellow member whom we ask to help us navigate those early days of sobriety. They’ve been where we’ve been: they too were powerless over how alcohol affected them after the first drink, they too identify with our relentless obsession to find a way to drink with impunity and, they too identify with our seemingly insurmountable habit of using alcohol to escape from our emotional/life problems regardless of the consequences.  

Why do we encourage sponsorship? 

Our experience of sobriety has shown us the value in one alcoholic helping another to achieve and maintain sobriety. Knowing how hard it can be to adjust to a life without alcohol this recovered member having been in Alcoholics Anonymous for a while, who is properly armed with the facts about themselves, their alcoholism and the AA program can be of unique benefit to the new member. Due to their own experience, they’re well placed to offer friendly emotional support and guidance when needed and having worked through A.A’s 12 Steps themselves they also have a wealth of practical advice when the new member decides to embark on the AA Program.

More information about sponsorship can be found here