Sponsorship
On the Road to Recovery
“We strongly suggest getting a sponsor early on. Do not go it alone. Our experience shows that you cannot recover in isolation” BRB pp 126-127
The Fellow Traveler Model
How ACA Does Sponsorship
- Sponsor and sponsee are on an equal footing avoiding caretaking and codependency
- Style of sponsorship suited to ACA program as it avoids teacher/student or authority figure/people pleasing emotional traps ACA’s are familiar with
- Keeps the focus on each person according to his/her experience; allows empathic listening and sharing; making suggestions rather than giving instructions or orders.
The relationship between a sponsor and sponsee represents a spiritual connection between two people helping each other find life beyond the effects of growing up in a dysfunctional family. BRB. pp 365
Types of Sponsorship
The Traditional Sponsor
- Takes the sponsee through the Steps in sequence
- Is usually someone of the same gender who has already completed the 12 Steps and is actively working the ACA program
- Shares their own story, experience, strength and hope in empathy with a sponsee breaking through denial and journey of discovery and recovery
- Usually meets in person with the sponsee to do the work on a regular basis
Co-Sponsors
- Two ACA members working on completing their Steps or the Laundry List traits together
- Co-sponsors may be working the Steps for the first time or reworking the Steps
- Neither person is a sponsee; both practice honest sharing and empathetic listening
Workbook Group
- A group of three or more who agree to work the Steps together usually using the yellow Steps Workbook.
- A Laundry List Traits Workbook is also available and customarily is done only after completing the yellow Steps Workbook.
finding a sponsor
(Adapted from National Capital Area Intergroup Website)