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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. Many times, your AA sponsor plays a major role in your journey to achieving 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 journey to sobriety.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, understand it’s never too late to get help. Call 800-948-8417 Calls are forwarded to these paid advertisers 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 to 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 sponsor.
2. Choose an AA Sponsor Who Relates to You
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 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 as a parent.
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.
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 about your journey to sobriety, and shouldn’t make you feel stressed and 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 Calls are forwarded to these paid advertisers to learn more about alcohol rehab centers, finding an AA sponsor, and other treatments that can help you successfully overcome addiction.