Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) sponsorship is a cornerstone of its program, offering vital support and guidance to newcomers navigating the challenges of sobriety. Every A.A. member has the potential to be a sponsor, and understanding the responsibilities involved is crucial. This guide, drawing from early A.A. principles, provides a detailed framework for effective sponsorship. If you’re looking for an “A.a. Sponsorship Guide Pdf” to help you understand or fulfill your role, this information is a great starting point.
The Weight of Responsibility
Taking on a sponsee means offering a lifeline, potentially their last chance at regaining their health, sanity, and even life. Happiness, health, security, sanity, and life are at stake when sponsoring an alcoholic. While no single approach guarantees success, this guide, informed by the collective experience of A.A. members, offers a proven framework, adaptable to individual circumstances.
Personal Gains of Sponsorship
The benefits of fellowship are fully realized when actively participating in its core activities. The expansion of A.A. and its ability to help more people depends on welcoming new members. However, sponsorship should be motivated by a genuine desire to help the newcomer. Sponsorship should never be undertaken to:
- Increase the group size
- Seek personal satisfaction or glory
- Feel obligated to “fix” the world
Helping someone find their way back to a healthy, productive life is a unique and rewarding experience.
Identifying Potential Members
Potential sponsees may be found within one’s own social circle, through referrals from churches, doctors, employers, or other A.A. members. Contacting these individuals requires gathering information on their marital status, domestic relations, financial standing, drinking habits, and employment status.
Image Alt Text: AA members discussing the A.A. sponsorship guide, emphasizing collaboration and support.
Determining Candidacy
Before investing significant time and effort, determine if the prospect:
- Truly has a drinking problem?
- Acknowledges their problem?
- Wants to address their drinking?
- Is willing to accept help?
Some may need A.A. instruction and time for reflection before answering these questions. Some individuals may not be alcoholic or are content with their current lifestyle. Do not hesitate to remove these names from the list, but inform them how to contact you if they change their mind later.
Who Should Join A.A.?
A.A. is for men and women who cannot drink alcohol sensibly. New members should share this inability. Social drinkers or those who derive more pleasure than pain from drinking are not suitable candidates.
Some may mistakenly believe they are social drinkers when they are actually alcoholic. Rushing someone before they are ready can damage their chances of joining A.A. later.
Some alcoholics may lack the desire to improve their lives, and A.A. cannot help them until they do. Age, intelligence, education, background, or the amount of alcohol consumed are not reliable indicators of alcoholism.
Presenting the A.A. Plan
In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary, offering a safe environment for reflection and planning. Others thrive learning the A.A. plan at home while maintaining their daily routines. Both approaches have proven effective.
Suggested Steps for Sponsorship
The following steps can guide you in presenting the A.A. plan:
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Qualify as an Alcoholic: Introduce yourself as an ordinary person who has found happiness through A.A. Explain that you can help because you, too, are an alcoholic with similar experiences and problems.
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Tell Your Story: Share your personal drinking story to build trust. Focus on depicting alcoholism, not humorous anecdotes, to help the person determine if they are alcoholic.
Image Alt Text: Experienced A.A. sponsor sharing their recovery journey, fostering trust and offering hope to a newcomer.
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Inspire Confidence in A.A.: Highlight your failed attempts to control your drinking and how A.A. principles helped you achieve sobriety. This will inspire hope despite past failures.
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Talk About “Plus” Values: Explain the benefits of A.A., including happiness, peace of mind, health, and potential material gains.
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Show Importance of Reading the Book: Emphasize the necessity of reading the A.A. book, which details the tools and methods for building a foundation for recovery. Highlight the importance of the Twelve Steps and the Four Absolutes.
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Qualities Required for Success in A.A.: Explain that A.A. helps alcoholics regain their place in life. Desire, patience, faith, study, and application are crucial for success.
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Introduce Faith: As belief in a Higher Power is central to the A.A. plan, help the newcomer begin to understand this. Share your own struggles with spirituality and how you overcame them.
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Listen to His Story: Listen attentively and adjust your approach accordingly. Remember, “Easy Does It.”
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Take to Several Meetings: Expose the new member to various meetings so they can find a group where they feel comfortable. Emphasize that they are welcome at any meeting and can change groups if desired.
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Explain A.A. to Prospect’s Family: Inform the prospect’s family about A.A.’s principles and objectives. Invite them to meetings and keep them updated on the prospect’s progress.
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Help Prospect Anticipate Hospital Experience: If hospitalization is necessary, prepare the prospect by describing what to expect and paving the way for other members to visit.
Seeking Guidance and Support
These suggestions are a starting point. Each case is unique and requires individual attention. Consult with experienced A.A. members for additional guidance. Consider co-sponsorship, pairing a newer member with an experienced one. Before becoming a sponsor, ensure you have the time, effort, and dedication required. If needed, find a co-sponsor or ask someone else to sponsor the individual.
If you are going to be a sponsor… be a good one!
In Conclusion
A.A. sponsorship is a deeply rewarding experience. By understanding the responsibilities and utilizing the resources available, you can provide invaluable support to those seeking recovery from alcoholism. If you’re looking for a more formal “a.a. sponsorship guide pdf,” the information presented here provides a robust foundation for understanding the key principles.
