4 Tips on Switching to a New AA Sponsor

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When you’re recovering from alcohol abuse, going to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings can help you stay grounded, focused and on track with your sobriety. Often, your AA sponsor plays a major role in your journey toward long-term sobriety, which is why it’s important to work with someone who fully understands what you’re going through. But if you find that your AA sponsor is rarely available in times of need or cannot relate to your struggles, it’s perfectly acceptable to change sponsors — especially if you feel a new sponsor will complement your recovery journey.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, understand it’s never too late to get help. Call 800-948-8417 Sponsored to learn more about alcohol rehab centers and AA meetings that can help you overcome substance abuse and addiction.

Changing your Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are four tips that will help you change your AA sponsor and get back on the path to achieving sobriety.

1. Confirm Your Decision to Switch AA Sponsors

If you’re not sure whether to switch AA sponsors, consider the pace at which you’re progressing with recovery and whether your sponsor is playing a vital role. Your AA experience should make you feel comfortable, positive and motivated about your journey toward overcoming addiction.

If you’ve lost respect for your sponsor or find that you simply cannot connect with your AA sponsor, these are valid reasons to confirm your decision and start looking for a new one.

2. Choose an AA Sponsor Who Relates to You

Switching to a New — Choose a sponsor that you can easily relate to.

While nearly everyone in AA has suffered from addiction at some point, it’s important to find an AA sponsor who makes you feel comfortable and who can relate to your personal story and struggles. Working with an AA sponsor who understands you can go a long way in supporting your recovery.

For instance, if you’re a teenager, you may feel more comfortable working with AA sponsors in their 20s and 30s who better understand your lifestyle and daily struggles. On the other hand, if you’re a parent, you may want an AA sponsor who is also a parent and who has experience overcoming addiction during parenthood.

3. Thank Your Old AA Sponsor

A great AA sponsor will acknowledge and understand that your decision to change sponsors has everything to do with your own personal journey and nothing to do with theirs. When breaking the news to your sponsor, politely thank them for their time and for the lessons and stories they’ve shared with you. Then, kindly inform your sponsor that you have asked another AA member to sponsor you.

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Having a strong support system during recovery is an essential part of relapse prevention and lifelong sobriety.

4. Ask Your New Alcoholics Anonymous Sponsor for Support

If you feel uncomfortable telling your former AA sponsor about your decision to change sponsors, consider asking your new sponsor for their support and guidance. Your new sponsor can offer their own tips on how to deliver the news and help you counter negativity if you feel your previous sponsor will be hurt or offended by your announcement.

AA meetings are meant to help you feel safe, positive and enlightened during your journey of recovery and shouldn’t make you feel stressed or discouraged. When you’ve been paired with the right AA sponsor, your experience with AA should complement your commitment to becoming healthier, happier and addiction-free.

Are you struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, and aren’t sure where to turn for help? Call 800-948-8417 Sponsored to learn more about alcohol rehab centers, finding an AA sponsor and other treatments that can help you successfully overcome addiction.