I Am Getting an AA Sponsor. What Can I Expect?

Question

I was convicted of DUI 2.5 years ago. I haven't drank since the night of my arrest. (It was a wake up call and I realized I needed to eliminate alcohol from my life.)

Anyways, my attorney is helping me clear my record with a special program for young people. (I was 18 at the time of my arrest.)

He advised me to go to AA meetings and get a sponsor. I am going to do so. How do I get one? Should I just say during a meeting "Hi I am new here and I would like a sponsor." Also, is it a problem that I am an athiest?

Answer 1

"Hi I am new here and I would like a sponsor." Thats about right...when they ask  'are there any new comers", introduce yourself and say I would like a sponsor.

"Also, is it a problem that I am an athiest?"  nope

Answer 2

When ya meet AA folks strong enough to be sponsors they all have one thing in common:  They've been through an amazingly difficult 'war'.  They are now 'brothers' in this one area of their lives.  They need and want to share the rewards of winning that war.  

Part of this sharing will include the 12 'steps'.  They had to do it, they all did it, now you come along with your 2.5 years.  You'll need to take a couple meetings, at least, to find a person who can understand and work with your unique path.  

My, one, sponsor was completely different from me.  There was noway we could ever have met or even liked each other.  The camaraderie of the war trumps everything.    

The problems you will face with their 'gods' will, again, require finding that person who can accept and work with your unique path.  

Seek out the older, educated, experienced.  

I wish you well.

Answer 3

What?  You have already quit drinking on your own and you're being sent to AA meetings to clear your record??  Is this some sort of government program?  Has your lawyer ever heard of the Establishment Clause?  

And oh yes, it is a huge problem that you are an atheist.  People will tell you it isn't, but you just TRY being an atheist in AA and see how much fun you have....you'll be treated like you are radioactive.