Victory Addiction Recovery Center logo

Admissions help Line: (337) 456-9111

111 Liberty Avenue
Lafayette, LA 70508
Get Help Now
(337) 456.9111
Call to learn more about our healing culture

Sponsorship in Alcoholics Anonymous

By on Jul 3, 2015 in Alcoholism, Blog, Recovery

two happy women enjoying coffee at a cafe - sponsorship in aa - victory addiction recovery center - lafayette louisiana alcohol addiction treatment centerMy first exposure to Alcoholics Anonymous was through a detox/treatment center. I was somewhat shaky, and my thoughts were jumbled. I remember how the members expressed the thoughts and emotions that they felt while drinking. They shared the pain, isolation, and shame that come with addiction. They expressed gratitude for a life free of addiction. They had not only recovered from their addiction; they had also recreated their lives. I wanted that, too.

The next step was to find out how they did it.

I really had no understanding of sponsorship at the time, but I scoped out the rooms for someone who seemed to really have it together. I was told that a sponsor would help me work the steps as they are outlined in the “The Big Book” (a nickname for the basic AA text).

When I found someone whose story resonated with me, it took a lot of courage that day to utter the words, “Would you be my sponsor?” I felt I was somehow going to inconvenience this person, and I had a strong fear of rejection. To my surprise, I was greeted with a warm smile. The person asked me some questions about myself and my willingness to follow instructions. To my relief, they agreed to be my sponsor.

I was scared, but I was hopeful.

My new sponsor was now my guide to a new life. As long as I remained honest, open-minded, and willing, I would soon find myself freed of the relentless obsession to drink. My sponsor took me through the book, answered questions, and asked me questions. I was walked through the steps. Some steps were hard. The inventory and amends steps can turn people away, but I was desperate. I did what I was told to do, and every time I walked away with new truths and new ways for living. My sponsor and the people in AA are why I am alive today.

As they say in the Big Book, “Recovery begins when one alcoholic talks with another alcoholic, sharing experience, strength, and hope.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. xxii).

I thank my Higher Power for the gifts that were so graciously and generously given to me through sponsorship and through Alcoholics Anonymous.

~ A Grateful Alcoholic

Source
Alcoholics Anonymous.(4th ed.) (2001). New York City, NY: Alcoholics World Services, Inc.

Share This Post:

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail