A Guide to Finding the Right Sponsor

Looking for a sponsor and don’t know where to start? Ask God for help to find the right person for the next step in recovery. Don’t go through recovery alone. With the right recovery sponsor, they will provide guidance and support through the 12 Steps.

Having a good sponsor will provide a role model to follow, someone to turn to when in a dark place, and the accountability needed to stay on track when it seems easier to give up. When looking for a recovery sponsor, here are some tips to help find the right one.

1. Understand the importance of attending a recovery group and meeting with a sponsor weekly.
   Transforming old toxic patterns into healthier ones will begin by going to a Life Recovery Group once a week.
2. Ask the Life Recovery Group leader for a sponsor.
   If the group leader cannot provide options, try contacting other Life Recovery Groups in the network. Seek help in the community through other 12-step recovery programs and groups. Network with other group members for information about possible sponsors.
3. Look for a sponsor who is the same gender.
   This helps with maintaining boundaries and removing any distractions or potential relational challenges. However, if someone is struggling with same-sex attraction, they might find a sponsor of the same gender distracting.
4. The sponsor needs to have worked the 12 Steps and gone through similar struggles as the sponsee.
   The sponsor will maintain confidentiality and hear sensitive details when working through the Fifth Step. It is not necessary for the sponsor to have the same struggles, but sharing similar experiences can be very helpful.
5. The sponsor needs to be available to meet often.
   It’s important to choose the right sponsor who can meet on a weekly basis. The sponsor should also be open to check-ins via phone calls, text messages, Zoom, or FaceTime. Therefore, carefully select someone with the time and availability to connect regularly.
6. Don’t wait for a sponsor; take the initiative and ask someone.
   Seek God’s guidance through prayer. Remember, a sponsee is ultimately responsible for their own recovery, so begin looking for a sponsor today!

Find a Life Recovery Group. We also have licensed counselors, certified coaches, and Life Recovery resources available to assist you. Call 800-NEW-LIFE (639-5433).

by Terri Ward