What Are the Benefits of the Sponsor and Sponsee Relationship?

Many people in recovery have sponsors, but what exactly is the nature of this relationship? Should you get a sponsor right out of treatment? What are the benefits of the sponsor and sponsee relationship? How does this relationship differ from other peer relationships or accountability partners? If you've ever had any of these questions when considering whether or not to get a sponsor, you're not alone. Our goal today is to help you learn more about the sponsor and sponsee relationship, and its benefits, and help you make a more informed decision about finding a sponsor. 

Of course, before anyone can even think of getting a sponsor, they must be in recovery from active addiction. West Coast Recovery Centers can help you achieve sustainable sobriety. Visit our website to learn more about our facility and treatment programs and contact us to start your recovery journey today! 

The Dangers of Isolation When Recovering

Addiction treatment and recovery programs often discuss the importance of support systems and the dangers of isolation. By nature, addiction is an isolating disease. For this reason, support networks are critical during treatment and throughout recovery. 

Unfortunately, not everyone has access to these support networks. Some are fortunate enough to have the support of friends and family, but others don't. Furthermore, you can have the support of friends, family, and loved ones, but that doesn't mean they'll understand what you're going through. Sometimes the most critical support system for staying sober is one filled with individuals who understand what you're going through because they have experienced it firsthand. 

The Role of Connection in Recovery

Connections you make with peers and professionals don't only help you feel understood and supported while getting sober; they're essential post-treatment, too, allowing you to heal, reduce the risk of relapse, and become more confident with your sobriety. Connecting with peers will enable you to bond over similar journeys and your support system will grow. 

Additionally, the connections you make throughout recovery can provide: 

• Emotional support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging
• An improved sense of self-esteem and boost in confidence 
• Motivations to change, heal, and continue abstaining from substance use
• Connections that improve mental health and reduce negative self-talk 
• Inspiration to stay physically healthy, exercise, and eat right 

Keeping Yourself Accountable

Another benefit of surrounding yourself with a network of peers is that it keeps you accountable. Accountability is critical to addiction recovery. It keeps you and others on track to staying sober, achieving goals, and creating a better life. Peer connections keep you accountable and can help build trust, achieve personal growth, and provide a sense of purpose. 

How Does Helping Others Help Those of Us in Recovery?

Some struggle with understanding how peer connections, accountability, and helping others in recovery can help themselves and provide purpose. As mentioned, addiction is isolating, making connecting more challenging. Nevertheless, connection is essential to staying sober, and helping others can help you! For example, if you're someone's accountability partner, your goal is to help them stay sober. However, it keeps you accountable, too!  That's why it's a partnership. In helping someone else stay sober, you'll learn new things to fortify your sobriety. 

Helping others also provides a distraction. Loneliness and boredom can be detrimental to recovery. To combat these, one's relapse prevention plan typically includes activities to stay occupied and keep one's mind off substance use. Volunteering, giving back to a community, helping at support group meetings, or becoming some kind of peer support worker can help your overall sobriety.  

What Is the Sponsor and Sponsee Relationship?

So, what is the sponsor and sponsee relationship? Well, a sponsor is a person who helps other people who are new to sobriety. That includes mentoring them and offering guidance, advice, and support. Their most significant responsibility, in many cases, is to be present. By working their program and abstaining from substance use, they motivate and help their sponsor to do the same. 

Similar to an accountability partner, a sponsor and sponsee relationship is commonly seen among 12-step programs. However, anyone can engage in a relationship like this if they think it'll help them stay sober. 

What Are the Benefits of the Sponsor and Sponsee Relationships?

Before you can determine if having a sponsor is right for you, it'll help to learn about the benefits of the sponsor and sponsee relationship. Some of these benefits include the chance to: 

• Provide accountability for both you and your sponsor 
• Have a confidante you can share deeply personal things with 
• Learn new coping skills from the experiences of someone more seasoned 
• Experience a community of others who are trying to stay sober 
• Motivation, encouragement, and strength to help you continue your recovery 

Should You Get a Sponsor?

So, should you get a sponsor? That decision is up to you, but if you're looking for benefits like these in recovery, it might be something worth considering. Call West Coast Recovery Centers for more information or to seek help for you or a loved one today. 

Addiction is an isolating disease, and the best way to tackle it is with a strong support system. Many are fortunate enough to have friends, family members, and loved ones supporting them in their recovery journey. However, many don't, and even with friends and family, it still helps to have someone who understands what you're going through. That's why many people find a sponsor. The sponsor and sponsee relationship is mutually beneficial because it keeps individuals accountable and sober. If scared about the challenges you'll face in recovery, consider finding a sponsor. Their guidance and experience can help you navigate these challenges, and we encourage those in active addiction to call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 today.