3 Reasons You Need a Sober Sponsor in Addiction Recovery
Starting toward your addiction recovery is a big step, but it’s also the beginning of a new and unfamiliar lifestyle. If you’re recovering from alcoholism or drug addiction, it can be helpful to have the support and guidance of a sober sponsor throughout the recovery process.
How a Sober Sponsor Helps Your Addiction Recovery
A sponsor is someone who has completed alcohol or drug addiction rehabilitation and is further along on their recovery journey. Sponsors play an important role in 12-step programs and other popular addiction programs. Here are three ways a sober sponsor can help you stay motivated and provide valuable addiction support:
Your Sober Sponsor is in Addiction Recovery
You may be a newcomer to your 12-step program and the world of addiction recovery, but your sponsor has already been through the process. Sponsors are usually people who have successfully maintained their sobriety for a while, so they can function as an experienced guide. Not only can they share valuable advice, but they can also relate to your struggles and challenges–they’ve been there before. When you have a sponsor in your life, you won’t have to feel alone in your addiction recovery journey.
They Can Get You Through the Tough Days of Addiction Recovery
Alcohol or drug addiction recovery is a challenging process, especially during the early days. Without a good support system, it’s easy to give up and slide back into substance use. Family support can be very helpful, but it’s not always enough, especially if your family members haven’t received any form of family therapy during your drug addiction treatment. It’s important to have additional addiction support in the form of a sponsor who’s walked the same path and understands your struggle. A sponsor will be honest with you about the challenges of recovery, but they can also encourage you to stick with the program and celebrate your victories along the way.
They Can Help You Avoid a Relapse in Addiction Recovery
Relapse is always a risk during recovery from substance addiction, but your sponsor can help you avoid a slip-up. Because they’ve been down a similar road, they’re likely to recognize the warning signs of an impending relapse, and they can help you get the support you need to maintain your sobriety. Your sponsor will know what it’s like to battle cravings and cope with negative feelings, and they’ll be able to share their wisdom and experience with you.
Some people may tell you that you don’t need a sponsor to make it through a recovery program, but the benefits of sponsorship far outweigh any possible drawbacks. A sober sponsor can act as a helpful guide during the early days of sobriety, helping you navigate the challenges of life outside the recovery center. However, a sponsor can do a lot more than just show you the ropes– they can also act as a key part of your support system and help you avoid a potential relapse. If you’re looking into 12-step drug programs or alcohol support programs, it makes sense to find a sponsor to help you work your recovery program.