How to Recognize a Bad AA Sponsor

For someone recovering from alcoholism, a sponsor is an essential piece in the recovery puzzle. However, sponsors are varied in approach and technique. Sometimes a sponsor that would be good for someone else is not a good fit for you. However, some sponsors are just not good at being sponsors. Luckily, the signs of bad sponsors are recognizable.

Things You'll Need

• AA sponsor guidelines

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Instructions

• 1

  Review the AA sponsor guidelines. Be familiar with the kinds of things a sponsor is supposed to do. Ask yourself if you are expecting too much from your sponsor. Your sponsor should be trying to give you access to a wide variety of AA events and viewpoints, help you become involved in group activities, help you find literature that will help in your recovery and, of course, be setting a good example with his or her own sobriety.

• 2

  Consider the actions of your AA sponsor. Is your sponsor imposing his or her personal views on you? Is your sponsor acting in your best interest? It is important that your sponsor be able to differentiate between his or her beliefs and your recovery. Your sponsor should not, for example, try to convince you to join his or her religious faith if you do not share those beliefs. Your sponsor should also not pretend to have all the answers or try to insist that he or she is the only one that can aid in your recovery.

• 3

  Talk to more experienced people in your AA group. It's possible that you and your sponsor may need to find a different way to communicate. It is also possible that you would do better with a different sponsor. Consider both options. A successful recovery depends on having a large base of support, and it is a good idea to get assistance from whomever is best able to give it to you.