As our society becomes more aware of what addiction is, people as a whole are becoming more compassionate toward the plight of an addict. What used to be seen as an undesirable quality in a person is now understood as a complex disease that requires a great deal of support and work in order to beat. That is why many people are asking what they can do to help recovering addicts. One thing that a drug or alcohol abuse rehab centers or support group is always in need of is people who are willing to sponsor a recovering addict to help them along the road of sobriety. A sponsor may lend support through in person meetings, phone calls or written communication.

In-person meetings between a sponsor and an addict are usually arranged in advance and are often reoccurring. Because a sponsor acts as an accountability partner, reoccurring meetings serve the purpose of checking on the recovering addict’s progress. They give the person the chance to talk with someone about their recovery, express how they are feeling, communicate any struggles they have been going through and receive advice, support and encouragement. In-person meetings are important because they usually achieve the most honest and personal communication.

One of the most important functions of a sponsor is to be available by phone when the recovering addict is in a time of need. A sponsor’s duty is to do everything within their power to encourage the addict to refrain from their addiction, so when something triggers them and they are in danger of relapsing, a support system that can be available at a moments notice is critical. A sponsor should be available most of the time, within reason, via phone to the recovering addict that they sponsor and be ready to do what they can to pull them back from relapse through love and encouragement.

Written communication between a sponsor and an addict can be particularly useful to people who express themselves well through writing. This form of communication is very valuable when a recovering addict needs to explore in depth their thoughts and feelings about their recovery journey recovery. Sponsors should be prepared to write well-thought out responses to any written communication they receive from the person they sponsor.