A
12-step program term for a member who assists newcomers in their
recovery. Primarily, a sponsor's main duty is to guide the newbie in working the
twelve steps. He/she will usually be considered as a
confidant in some personal matters as well.
A good sponsor should possess the following traits:
This list is far from complete, but it's a decent base of what to look for. General guidelines for sponsorship are pretty flexible, but some common sense factors should be considered. To avoid certain
complications it is generally recommended that women sponsor women, and men sponsor men. However, a
lesbian newcomer is advised to seek a male sponsor. Likewise, a
gay male newcomer would do well to seek out a female sponsor.
Sponsor availability may vary depending on factors such as an area's age and gender spread, or median recovery experience (either qualitative or quantitative).