5 Benefits Of Having A Sponsor In Recovery

Sponsorship is a critical feature of drug and alcohol recovery. It is a source of support provided by someone who is in an advanced stage of recovery to someone in an earlier stage of recovery.

Sponsorship benefits both the person being sponsored as well as the sponsor themselves by increasing their self-awareness, social skills, and social competence.

A sponsor can provide much needed emotional support while giving guidance and holding someone accountable through the recovery process.

What Is A Sponsor?

A sponsor is an experienced member of a support group that provides a less experienced member with practical support and guidance both inside and outside the group setting.

A sponsor acts as someone’s point of contact when they are in a risky situation or are in need of support.

What Does A Sponsor Do?

A sponsor has three major functions: to be a source of information, to be an empathetic friend, and to be a facilitator for the expansion of someone’s social network.

Sponsors share their own experiences with other individuals, and the relationship offers focused personal and continuous support for the individual.

1. Emotional Support

Emotional wellness is a critical factor in promoting recovery. Recovery involves many emotions, including guilt, anger, and sadness.

Those who experience aggressiveness and depression are at a higher risk for substance misuse.

Emotional support may consist of exchanges of positive feedback in communication, such as encouragement, praise, and affirmations from a sponsor to a sponsee.

Having a sponsor to provide support with these emotions can increase someone’s overall emotional well-being and reduce the risk of relapse.

2. Accountability And Guidance

A sponsor can provide guidance throughout the recovery process because they are more advanced in their own recovery.

They can provide experienced feedback regarding cravings, risky situations, and emotions that may lead to relapse.

Calling your sponsor for support during these times can give you something to focus on instead of using drugs or alcohol.

Ultimately, while you are responsible for your recovery, a sponsor can also hold you accountable for your actions and help you stay clean.

3. Role Modeling

Regardless of how much you want to continue recovery, some days will be more difficult than others. You may have days where you doubt your ability to maintain your sobriety.

On the days when you question if recovery is possible, your sponsor can serve as a positive role model that you can recover.

As a role model, your sponsor can also teach you new attitudes and skills relating to abstinence.

4. Relapse Prevention

Involving others in your recovery process is an essential step to relapse prevention. A sponsor is someone you can call when you’re experiencing extreme cravings.

Your sponsor can help distract you from relapse by doing an activity together, such as getting coffee.

A sponsor can provide sympathy for your situation without judgment, which may be more difficult for a family member or friend.

5. Building A Recovery Network

Building a support network in recovery is crucial. It can be extremely beneficial to spend time with those who are living a healthy lifestyle without drugs and alcohol.

Your network may consist of support group members, family members, friends, etc. It may be necessary to repair relationships with family and friends.

You may also attend non-recovery activities such as outdoor sports and events, yoga, etc., which can connect you with people living a positive sober lifestyle.

The events may also reduce overall stress levels, which can lead to improved mental, physical, and social health.

How To Find A Sponsor

When searching for a sponsor, the first step is often to attend recovery meetings. Before choosing a sponsor, it is important to take the time to get to know them.

You may ask if they have sponsored someone before and if they have experience with similar circumstances to yours. Ensure that your sponsor can fully commit to sponsorship.

You will want to choose a sponsor that is honest and trustworthy. Your sponsor should be ready to speak freely and provide support if they feel that you are showing signs of relapse.

Overall, you want to choose someone you feel comfortable with that you can depend on. The number one goal of sponsorship is to have someone on your side to help you stay sober.

Learn About Addiction Treatment In Massachusetts

If you or a family member are looking to learn more about treatment programs in Massachusetts, we can help. Contact Bedrock Recovery Center today to learn more about our addiction treatments.