Do you need a sponsor to be a sponsor?
I have 17 months clean and have worked the steps - but currently do not have a sponsor. Last night I spoke on a panel at a rehab facility and a guy asked me to be his sponsor, which I agreed to. I’m not new to recovery, having started 12 step meetings in 2009 - and cycled in and out around relapses - before finally surrendering and getting some traction in my program. I’m interested to hear other’s thoughts. Thank You.
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No. It’s your program.
I would say no, but who do you call when you are struggling? A sponsor isn't just a guide, it is a safety net. I see it like this, if you go to the gym and do free weights you need a spotter. This guy just asked you to spot him and you know a spotter is a necessity but where is your spotter?
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Now I'm on the fence. I don't have a sponsor and at times would like one. However, my safety net is myself. When you have done as much damage as I've done because of alcohol, you become afraid to even take a sip. Fear alone is the only thing that has stopped me from drinking. I can call a sponsor and talk to them but if I want to drink I will drink. Whether he's on the phone or on his way to get me. I'll have a drink. Now when you introduce fear. It's a different scenario. I'm not afraid of my sponsor or for disappointing myself. What I'm afraid is the person I become. That arrogant, loud, controlling, and wrong move bafoon. That's who's going to do the most convincing for me. That bafoon is going to remind me about the spiral affect alcohol has on me and why I can't drink it.
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I agree. A sponsor is not a safety net, he’s just another addict whose primary purpose Is to guide a sponsee through the 12 steps. Yes you’re going to drink or use whether you have a sponsor or not. Or you’re going to stay sober whether you have a sponsor or not. An addict is going to keep using until they’re done, period. However I do believe that someone new to the 12 step process does need a sponsor, to help them not only with the steps but also questions in general about the fellowship.
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My sponsor helps me with questions I have while sponsoring. I think you should have a sponsor, especially if you are new to sponsoring. That’s just my opinion.
I rely on fear. I rely on the strength and hope of others. I rely on meetings. I rely on phone calls when I need encouragement. I rely on prayer and meditation. I rely on the little coin in my pocket. I rely on my morning readings. And…I rely on my sponsor for guidance. I rely on all the things. There isn’t one thing that keeps me sober. It’s all the things. Why wouldn’t you hedge all your bets? A sponsor only strengthens your recovery. I don’t know about you, but I’m in it to win it. All in.
I've always heard you should have a sponsor once you hit step seven, let alone becoming a sponsor.
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