Sponsorship
On the Road to Recovery
"We strongly suggest getting a sponsor early on. Do not go it alone. Our experience shows that you cannot recover in isolation" BRB pp 126-127
The Fellow Traveler Model
How ACA Does Sponsorship
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Sponsor and sponsee are on an equal footing avoiding caretaking and co-dependence.
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Style of sponsorship suited to ACA program as it avoids teacher/student or authority figure/people pleasing emotional traps ACA’s are familiar with.​
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Keeps the focus on each person according to his/her experience; allows empathic listening and sharing; making suggestions rather than giving instructions or orders.
The relationship between a sponsor and sponsee represents a spiritual connection between two people helping each other find life beyond the effects of growing up in a dysfunctional family. BRB. pp 365
Types of Sponsorship
The Traditional Sponsor
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Takes the sponsee through the Steps in sequence
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Is usually someone of the same gender that has already completed the 12 steps and is actively working the ACA program
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Shares their own story, experience, strength, and hope in empathy with a sponsee’s breaking through denial and journey of discovery and recovery
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Usually meets in person with the sponsee to do the work on a regular basis
Co-Sponsors
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Two ACA members working on completing their steps or the laundry list traits together
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Co-sponsors may be working the steps for the first time or re-working the steps.
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Neither person is a sponsee; both practice honest sharing and empathic listening
Workbook Group
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A group of three or more who agree to work the steps together usually using the Yellow Step Workbook​
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A Laundry List Traits Workbook is also available and customarily is done only after completing the Yellow Step Workbook
