My sponsee just called… he relapsed. I feel terrible, like I failed him in some way. I know he is ultimately responsible for his own choices, but I can’t shake the little bit of guilt I am feeling
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Of course you feel like that. But your right. You can’t feel like that. If he contacts you again. Be there. Remember Tim. Cunning, baffling and powerful. God bless
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My sponsor used to feel the same way. He's had 2 sponsees and a daughter die from alcoholism. He now knows he did his best for them, but could not control their choices. I'm sure you did your best, now keep going!
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Thanks guys. He called this morning and is heading to a meeting right away. I am going to see him tomorrow morning.
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I always think “ by the grace of GOD go I.” 
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I am so sorry you are going through this its insanely hard you just want them to be safe and letting them do what they think they want to do. I love this program in that we don't shoot the wounded nor their sponsors. What an incredible struggle to share.
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People are going to make their own choices and mistakes and you must let them. All you can do is carry the message and share your experiences. Thank you for being a part of the solution!
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We can only extend the hand of help. They choose to take it. I have a sponsee struggling right now. In and out of detox and rehabs. Every time he calls, he's drunk; and I tell him the same thing every time. I will always be here and won't give up on you, even when you're giving up on yourself.
We are here as sponsors to show the road. We are the light to help guide, but we can not travel the road for them.
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Of course it’s natural to beat ourselves up because we want to shake them an say why can’t you get this. Pray for them it will be ok but the truth is are they really ready are the tired of being sick n tired? Sending good vibes 
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You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink
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You show him the path and teach him how to stay on it. The rest is up to him.
A sponsee of mine has relapsed twice. Step 1 is a motherfücker.
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I totally understand this feeling. I gad a guy do a 5th step then never call me again. I thought I was the problem…
That’s an old defect coming back to the surface, self centeredness! It’s not about me. I’m not that powerful to make someone relapse. When my Sponsor put it this way the shame went away. I did what God wanted, the man just isn’t ready. However, all I can do is pray and be there when he is ready.
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Sometimes we in AA can benefit from Alanon. We aren't perfect, we are humans. It hurts when our sponsee rejects help. We are powerless over other people. If you feel responsible and think t get Eres something you could have done and didn't please talk with your sponsor. Hopefully your sponsee comes back in the doors again.
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Yikes Growing Trees