Even Alcoholics Need Sponsors



When the term ‘sponsorship’ is used, what comes to mind is typically a business relationship and representation between a sponsor and a chosen event or business. This is a common conception associated with business and marketing terms since it’s used as a popular promotional tool.

Sponsorship, however, should be understood as a widespread concept; where the root meaning of ‘support’ and ‘help’ is the core of it. This type of sponsorship is found in discrete and protective programs - one of which includes the support of recovering alcoholics.

Yes, even victims of destructive addictions need sponsors. This form of support is not the same as with marketing where ‘exposure’ is the goal. The aim for sponsoring alcoholics is to provide the necessary means for recovery and a return to normal life.

AA – Alcoholics Anonymous

A widespread organization, where the term sponsor and sponsorship is practiced, is Alcoholics Anonymous or simply AA. AA is a meeting society that is informal in nature, with the goal of helping alcoholics achieve sobriety. A twelve-step program devised early on is used as the guidelines for which recovering alcoholics follow.

Historically, AA began with practicing sponsorship. This sponsorship entailed an alcoholic sharing his experience, hope and strength with a fellow alcoholic. This was overtime formalized and developed as a great tool in achieving permanent sobriety among alcoholics.

Each member of AA is eligible in becoming a sponsor. As a sponsor, they are given an opportunity to help other new members who wish to ‘sober up’. This type of sponsorship is in no way financially-based; rather it is regarded as a type of personal support-system in recovery.

Sponsors are regarded as a teacher, friend, tutor, older brother or sister, and experienced guide to the sponsees. Basically, a sponsor in the AA program is someone who has also gone through the twelve-step recovery guide. This way, a sponsee is able to relate with his/her sponsor by leading them through a mutual sharing of experiences and stories.

What to look for in a sponsor

For a recovering alcoholic, matching up with a sponsor is like choosing a best friend. Sponsees are given free reign on deciding who their sponsor should be, and this is often a good process for them. Looking for the best sponsor, however, is not as easy as it seems. The qualifications may differ from each available sponsor, leaving sponsees sometimes confused.

A solution to choosing sponsors is through temporary sponsors. This member type provides an easier transition for a sponsee before he/she finds the right sponsor – this is done by providing the necessary information every recovering alcoholic should know. Temporary sponsors also serve as a temporary guide in answering any clarifications or questions a sponsee may have regarding his or her situation and progress as an AA member.

As a suggestive guide, the factors to look for when deciding on a sponsor are the following:

• The potential sponsor should be able to relate with the sponsee

• He/she has had more time in recovery than the sponsee

• He/she is available for personal meetings, phone conversations and group discussions

• Lives by the guidelines of the twelve-step program

• Can be a friend and also a firm guide to the sponsee

• Can emphasize the spiritual aspects of the program

• He/she can ‘walk the talk’ in all affairs







Comments

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Menu


My Articles

A Sure Hit Sponsorship Proposal
Corporate Sponsorship And The Movie Industry
Sponsorship – The Good And The Bad
The Low-Down On Animal Sponsorship
A Look Into Nokia’s Sponsorship Program
The Seriousness Of Immigration Sponsorship
A Pursuit On Personal Sponsorship
So You Want A Corporate Sponsorship - Here’s How
Why Small Businesses Should Consider Corporate Sponsorship
Sponsorship And Philanthropy - Two Acts Of Support
Soar High With Media Sponsorship
A Timeline Of Sponsorship
No Idea What Corporate Sponsorship Is?
How Sponsorship Topples Over Advertising
Sponsor A Child – Save A Life
The Popularity Of Sports Sponsorship
Sponsorship 101 – Knowing The Basics
A Look Into Canada’s Immigration Sponsorship
Points To Consider With Corporate Sponsorship
Win Yourself A Corporate Sponsorship Through Writing
The Caltex View On Sponsorship
The Legal Side Of Sponsorship
Child Sponsorship – Do Or Don’t?
Even Alcoholics Need Sponsors





   Related Sites

My Articles


A Look Into Boeing’s Corporate Sponsorship Boeing is the leading aerospace company in the world, and by far the largest..


Even Alcoholics Need Sponsors When the term ‘sponsorship’ is used, what comes to mind is..


A Timeline Of Sponsorship Throughout the years, marketing strategies have evolved to suit..


So You Want A Corporate Sponsorship - Here’s How Let’s say you’re a budding athlete, with top ranking and stats as..



Related Products:

Related News:

 
No item elements found in rss feed.