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How to Become a NA Meeting Sponsor

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In the early 1950s, the Narcotics Anonymous (NA) program, based on the successful Alcoholics Anonymous program, was developed in the Los Angeles, California area. NA has grown into an international program that helps move members away from drug use and addiction. Sponsorship is an important part of the program in which experienced members help newcomers understand NA.

Attend as many NA meetings as possible on a regular basis. A sponsor is generally a recovering addict who is also an active member of NA and believes in the tenets of the program. He lives the recovery program and wants to build a relationship with a new member.

Voice your desire to work as a sponsor to your group. Members generally choose their sponsors. Letting them know you are willing to accept the responsibility makes you more approachable. Be friendly with the members and let them know you've worked the program and have the desire to help.

Wait for a new member to approach you regarding sponsorship or take the step and contact the member you would like to sponsor. Before accepting the role as sponsor, make sure you have a connection with the member. Take time talking to the individual and determine if you have common goals. Also try to spend time together outside of meetings. For instance, go to a movie or out to dinner and get to know each other on a personal level. This helps create a bond that makes the program work.

Tip

No training is necessary to be a sponsor. Knowing the program and living it daily gives you the tools necessary to help other NA members. After becoming a sponsor, try to make every meeting that your member attends and offer support.

Warning

Be prepared to donate your time and be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when sponsoring a member. Since new members may still struggle with their addiction, they may contact you at all hours of the day and night for support.

References
Resources
Tips
  • No training is necessary to be a sponsor. Knowing the program and living it daily gives you the tools necessary to help other NA members. After becoming a sponsor, try to make every meeting that your member attends and offer support.
Warnings
  • Be prepared to donate your time and be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when sponsoring a member. Since new members may still struggle with their addiction, they may contact you at all hours of the day and night for support.
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Amanda Maddox began writing professionally in 2007. Her work appears on various websites focusing on topics about medical billing, coding, real estate, insurance, accounting and business. Maddox has her insurance and real estate licenses and holds an Associate of Applied Science in accounting and business administration from Wallace State Community College.