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20 MAY 2021

5 Qualities to Seek out When Trying to Find a Sponsor in Recovery

Once you are in recovery, it is important to find a sponsor to support your 12-step program and step work. Here are the qualities to look for in a sponsor.

Studies show a direct link between sobriety and factors like mental well-being, support, and health. At the end of the day, it's up to the addict to stay sober. But if you're reading this, you understand that things aren't always that simple.

The helping hand of someone who knows what you're going through can make all the difference. But how do you find that support?

It can be challenging, no doubt. To help you out, here are five characteristics to look for when trying to find a sponsor.

1. Dependability

The struggles of sobriety may often be invisible, but that doesn't make them any less real. On your journey to a healthy lifestyle, you'll find yourself faced with temptations -- often at your darkest moments.

That's why recovery programs encourage you to find a sponsor. Someone who can be there for you in your time of need, whether it's the middle of the afternoon or the middle of the night. When choosing a sponsor, pick someone who will be there for you through thick and thin.

2. Trustworthiness

Navigating your post-rehab life can be like paddling down a rocky river with only a broken stick for an oar. These struggles get exacerbated when friends and family don't support your new goals. And, to an extent, it isn't their fault. The only way to know how dangerous addiction is is to experience it firsthand.

That's yet another reason why choosing the right sponsor is so important. You can tell your sponsor anything without fear of judgment. Your sponsor is someone you can trust and confide in, no matter the circumstance.

3. Accountability

While your sponsor should always be willing to lend an ear or provide a word of support, that doesn't mean they'll look the other way. A sponsor should hold their protege to high standards. They'll understand that the temptation to use is always there. But they'll be honest with you if they feel as though you're slipping from sobriety and heading back toward a destructive lifestyle.

Make no mistake; the relationship between a sponsor and their mentee should be friendly. But not at the cost of your sobriety. Your sponsor needs to have the guts to tell you how it is, even if you don't always want to hear the truth.

4. Experience

Maintaining your sobriety isn't something that's ever 'finished,' per se. Instead, it's a lifelong journey that requires commitment. So it's understandable that you'd want to choose a sponsor whose commitment to sobriety is longstanding. An experienced sponsor has been in your shoes. They know the warnings signs to keep an eye out for. They can help you circumvent those ever-present temptations.

Not because they've read a book or attended dozens of meetings. But because they, themselves, know how you're feeling.

5. Positivity

Never underestimate the power of positivity. Studies show that a positive attitude can improve one's health and even stave off certain illnesses. Though it won't always be easy to stay positive, partnering up with someone who has a cheery disposition can improve your chances of staying sober.

Your sponsor can help you learn how to express the kinds of gratitude that boost your chances of staying clean.

Find a Sponsor That Elevates Your Sobriety

As we wrap things up, it's worth noting once again how important it is to find a sponsor who you can trust and learn from. Sobriety may be a long journey, but it's not a solitary one.

Are you or someone you know struggling with addiction? Contact us today, and let's work to find a sober living lifestyle that works for you!


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