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AA Sponsor Responsibilities

From its very beginning in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has had a strong connection to the idea of sponsorship. When alcoholics connect to provide support and encouragement, it strengthens sobriety for each. There is no formal process that defines how a newcomer finds a sponsor or any written rules that tell a sponsor how to behave. Through its decades of knowledge and observation, AA does offer sponsors guidelines for forming meaningful relationships with newcomers.

  1. Connect With Family Members

    • A sponsor can help the newcomer's family better understand how they can support sobriety. While it is not the role of the sponsor or act as a family or couples counselor, they can explain how AA and the 12 steps work. They can also provide literature and information on support groups available to family members like Al-Anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics.

    Encourage Meeting Attendance

    • A newcomer can be overwhelmed when joining AA. The sponsor can help make sure they attend regular meetings and different types of meetings to find what works for them. The sponsor should attend meetings with them to bolster the relationship and their own sobriety.

    Understand the 12 Steps

    • One of the primary responsibilities of a sponsor is to guide the newcomer through the 12 steps, the cornerstone of AA. The sponsor should walk through each of the steps with the newcomer and ensure that they understand the significance of each.

    Lead by Example

    • Sponsors are AA members who have been through the 12 steps and have demonstrated some length of sobriety. Their sobriety gives them credibility and can be a source of motivation for the newcomer.

    Support and Promote Socialization

    • AA recommends that sponsors encourage the newcomer to attend group outings or functions. They should introduce the newcomer to other members and make an effort to connect the newcomer to others with similar backgrounds or common interests.

    Educate

    • AA has books and other literature available that provide a more complete view of the program. Sponsors should introduce these resources to newcomers to help educate them on the history and scope of AA and what is available to them.

    Be Open and Free of Bias

    • For newcomers to feel comfortable and build a trusting relationship, sponsors should not show judgment. The sponsor should be open to all backgrounds, ideas and beliefs. Additionally, the sponsor should not try to impose their beliefs on the newcomer.

    Assist in Finding Professional Help

    • When requested, the sponsor should help the newcomer seek professional help. The sponsor should not force help, but when asked, they can assist the newcomer in finding medical services.

    Be Available

    • Sponsorship is an ongoing relationship. The sponsor must be available and committed to the newcomer, whether that means attending regular meetings or taking a phone call at 2 in the morning.

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