How to Determine If Someone Is Ready for Sponsorship in AA

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of people who all have a problem with alcohol addiction. The organization helps keep people with alcohol addictions sober or helps them to become sober. Seasoned members of AA, who have been sober for at least one year, can act as sponsors to new members. A sponsor uses his experience and knowledge to help a newcomer through the program. He also offers support during weak moments when the urge to drink is prominent. Before offering support, a sponsor must ask questions to determine whether the alcoholic is ready for sponsorship.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask the newcomer what she is trying to achieve by entering Alcoholics Anonymous. If the newcomer answers that she wants to stop drinking and realizes that she has a drinking problem, she is a good candidate.

• 2

  Determine what motivated the alcoholic to join Alcoholics Anonymous. If the alcoholic answers that he was forced to enter the program by his family, sponsorship may be somewhat difficult, because the newcomer can rebel and act out. If the newcomer entered the program freely, it shows that he is ready to make a change.

• 3

  Find out if the newcomer's family is aware of her substance abuse and whether they know that she is trying to stop drinking. Outside support from family and friends is essential when you are trying to break the habit and stay sober. Offer information to relatives of the newcomer, about meeting groups for families of alcoholics.

• 4

  Determine whether the newcomer is willing to work through the 12-step recovery program with you. Tell him he has to regularly attend meetings and explain that you are there for him whenever he needs support. If the alcoholic is willing to cooperate, sponsorship may be effective.

• 5

  Make the newcomer realize that she's committing to a lifetime of soberness and being alcohol free. Recovering from alcohol addiction doesn't happen overnight and requires a lifelong commitment. Once the newcomer realizes and accepts this, she is ready for sponsorship.