Support from sober loved ones and friends are essential to your recovery. Support and encouragement will strengthen you in your journey to living substance-free. When treatment ends, continue going to group meetings. Many friendships develop with people you can count on for support in group meetings.
In AA, a sponsor is available to encourage you and talk about your recovery progress. A sponsor is a person who also struggled with addiction and 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 in sobriety.
Successful sponsorship depends on the understanding and patience the sponsor and group offers. A sponsor reinforces a positive, encouraging, and supportive attitude and does not shame. A sponsor ensures that he or she is listening and cares about you. Sponsorship gives you a friend to talk to when alcohol-related problems arise. During challenges, 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. Everyone’s recovery process is unique. 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. Start your journey today for a happy, healthy recovery.
Cypress Lakes Lodge offers treatment for addiction in a peaceful, remote, oxygen-rich 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, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204