The 12-step program has been around for many decades. The reason behind the program’s longevity may be due to the sponsorship aspect of the 12 steps. A sponsor is essentially a mentor with more clean time than you. A sponsor has walked the early days of sobriety and made it through a lot of life challenges. A sponsor has also worked the 12 steps, and may have worked them multiple times. In other words, a sponsor has more insight about recovery than you do.

A sponsor doesn’t just find you, you have to find your sponsor. The only way to find a sponsor is to go to 12-step meetings and get to know other recovering people. Even if you are a little shy, the people in the 12-step program are warm and embracing. You will feel at home in no time. Remember that every person in recovery walked through the door for the first time too.

You can go online and look for a list of meetings in your area. The Fort Myers area has meetings around the clock, 7 days a week. There are meetings for all. Professionals meetings, women’s, men’s, young people, you name it, there’s a meeting just for you.

Go to the after meeting social gatherings. Members often get together after meetings. AA groups also have social gatherings certain times of year, especially during Holidays. Going to these types of gatherings is a great way to meet new people and find out who you may be a good match to sponsor you.

Pick someone with many years of recovery, but also someone who lives sober. There is a difference between not drinking or using and being in recovery. Chances are that people who are a big part of the program, have solid recovery to learn from.

Once you’ve started to get to know people and hear their stories, you might find that you connect with someone really well. The next step is to ask someone who you feel you can trust to be your sponsor.

The sponsor/sponsee is a close relationship. They will teach you about recovery and accountability. You will share your story with them and listen to insight and suggestions. Together you will help each other stay sober.

At The Kimberly Center, we care about your success even after you leave our center. Call us now at 855-4-KCENTER to learn about finding a sponsor and the benefits of 12-step recovery.. We are committed to helping you stop the cycle of addiction with education, and treatment. At the Kimberly Center, you are in safe hands.