Picking a Sponsor

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What to look for in a sponsor

Choosing a sponsor is like choosing your best friend. Sometimes it just happens and sometimes it's planned, but there is always something about the other person that attracts us to them. Picking a sponsor can seem scary and intimidating at first. It is our hope that these suggestions may ease this process a bit for you.

Some recovery groups have a list of available members who have volunteered to help the newcomer as "Temporary Sponsors". Temporary Sponsors can ease our transition in a number of ways, they can answer questions, explain the concepts of the program and terms, saying and other essential items in such a way that helps us to understand. Some "temp sponsors" become primary sponsors, but many are replaced by someone else in time.

The best advice that was shared to us when we were looking for a sponsor was to attend 90 meeting in 90 days. This has a two fold affect, the first is it will show you are serious about the program, the second it will allow you 90 days to meet and greet those in the group with you. While attending the meetings listen to the person sharing. Hear and see what they have to offer.

As you make friends in the group, ask them who they think would be best for you often times we can't see ourselves clearly but those whom we meet can and can best guide us to the best sponsors.


Some factors to consider in choosing a sponsor

They have what you want.
They live the solution not the problem.
Walks the Talk in all his/her affairs.
Has a sponsor themselves.
Emphasizes the steps and traditions of the program.
Has more time in recovery than we do.
Has worked more steps than we have.
Is available for telephone calls and personal meetings.
Emphasized the spiritual aspect of the program.
and lastly IS THE SAME GENDER TYPE as you.