How Does One Get An AA Sponsor? What Can I Expect?

Question

I need to get an AA sponsor. I am going to an AA meeting in a couple days. Can I just say during my turn "Hi I need a sponsor."Will people come up to me after the meeting and offer to be my sponsor?

How quickly can I work the steps? Where does one work the steps with their sponsor? Do we go to a coffee shop or something? What will they make me say and do.

I would love any and all advice!

Answer 1

Congratulations to you or whoever you may be asking this question for in recognizing that there is a problem, first.

The 12 steps is an ongoing process.  If you are an alcoholic, you never finish with them-you cycle through a few of the ones at the end, and if you relapse, you may go back and re-do several of the steps.  Its not usually something done over coffee, although I'm sure plenty of sponsors are willing to do social things with you along the way.  Most people that I have heard of just have mainly phone conversations with their sponsor.  

The steps are, in a nutshell, admitting that you have a problem, exploring that problem and possible solutions, and continuously evaluating yourself.  One of the first questions you may be asked is whether you think that you are an alcoholic.

To get a sponsor, typically you go to any AA meeting and just ask for one-someone there should either be able to sponsor you or point you in the right direction.

Answer 2

Hi!  You're in a 12 step based rehab, aren't you?  And they've told you to go to a meeting and get a sponsor, right?  But haven't given you a clue on how to go about doing that?  Great!

I bet there is something else they haven't told you, because it doesn't pay the bills.  AA doesn't work any better than quitting on your own.

Be careful at the meetings.  Lots of people are only there to get laid, and they prey on newcomers who don't know the ropes yet.  As far a sponsorship, be careful there too.  There are kind, compassionate sponsors who won't ram the program down your throat, but you have to take your time to find them.

Sorry to tell you all this but I found it out the hard way.

If you have a choice about the program you join, check out this link to the available alternatives:

http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.p...

Answer 3

First of all I'm glad you're taking the AA step.

Second people have different sponsor experiences, everything from a true and kind mentor, to just a "call me if you ever feel like drink and we'll talk instead."

Good luck to you, I hope you get a good sponsor.