During recovery, you will need a lot of support and encouragement especially in challenging times when cravings are strong. When treatment ends, keep going to group meetings. Many relationships and friendships develop from group meetings with people you can count on for support.
A sponsor is used in AA as a person to talk to about your progress in recovery. The sponsor is an alcoholic who is trying to maintain sobriety, agrees to listen to your experiences, and talks with you on a regular basis. Essentially, you help each other by being there to listen, encourage, and share your accomplishments and challenges with sobriety.
Successful sponsorship depends on the understanding and patience the sponsor and group offers. If you slip and relapse, your sponsor needs to reinforce a positive, encouraging, and supportive attitude and not shame you. A sponsor assures you that at least one person is listening and cares. Sponsorship gives you a friend to talk to when alcohol-related problems arise. During hard times with relapse triggers, your sponsor will help and guide you to stay sober.
Choose a sponsor that has been sober for more than a year and who enjoys being sober. Many people in recovery feel that sponsorship is vital to their ongoing growth and sobriety. Sponsorship is recommended for a person who does not regularly attend AA or NA meetings and is struggling to stay sober. People who have achieved long-term sobriety sometimes continue contacting their sponsor, but not as often.
The length of time you need with a sponsor depends on you and your situation. The duration of sponsorship could be short-term or long-term. The length of time in sobriety and your comfort level can be factors for ending contact with your sponsor. When you feel ready, you will not need to continue contacting him or her. Instead of ending the relationship with your sponsor, cut back on how often you contact each other. While the sponsor is helping you in your recovery progress, you are also helping him or her in theirs.
If you or a loved one struggles with drug or alcohol addiction, get help now. Talk to an addiction specialist who can guide you through the treatment process. Cypress Lakes Lodge specializes in treatment for addiction with a mind, body, and spiritual approach to therapy. Cypress Lakes Lodge is committed to the overall health and successful recovery of every client. Get help today to start your journey to a happy, healthy recovery.
Cypress Lakes Lodge offers treatment for substance addiction, addictive behavior, dual diagnosis, and mental health conditions in a serene, remote, lush-green environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy sober relationships that are sustainable. Call us to get started: 877-938-1577