During drug and alcohol rehab, recovery programs introduce you to several addiction treatment therapies and treatment programs. They will also include relapse prevention planning and help you come up with ways to keep active in your addiction recovery after you have completed alcohol rehab. Some substance abuse aftercare programs they may have suggested to you include Alumni Programs and 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Both of these programs can help you maintain accountability and be part of your support network. Individuals are also encouraged to attend meetings while they’re in outpatient rehab as well.
Part of your support network can include AA sponsors. The primary role of a sponsor in Alcoholics Anonymous is to help the person stay sober. Sponsors are encouraged to do whatever is possible to help new members stay sober. AA sponsors take on many roles including coach, confidant, mentor, parental figure, and teacher. When you build a close bond with someone, especially a person who is a great supporter, the lines between sponsor and friend can be blurred. But, is that allowed?
The AA Sponsor/Sponsee Relationship
Individuals who get deeply involved in the 12step programs tend to have a more persistent form of recovery. Connecting with an AA sponsor is the best way to really immerse yourself into the program. A sponsor works as a sort of guide to the culture and can help explain the system further to you. Most Alcoholics Anonymous is self-explanatory, however, there are some terms like “higher power” that may need further explanation. They can be a trusted resource to explain the foundations of the program and how to make it really work for them. However, even experienced AA members can benefit from a sponsor sponsee relationship, which can be a vital part of the addiction recovery process.
Can You Be Friends with Your Sponsor Outside of AA Meetings?
It is possible to be friends with your sponsor outside of 12step meetings. Friendship is usually spontaneous kinship that arises from personal compatibility. As long as your sponsor, whether they are your friend or not, helps you progress through the 12 steps and helps you work the program, the relationship is still helpful. Whether you become friends with your sponsor depends on the bond you build.
Can You Date Someone in Your AA Meeting?
When you are in addiction recovery, it can be difficult to meet people and AA meetings sometimes become the best place to make friendships or romantic relationships. There are no rules in AA against members dating, however, there are plenty of pros and cons. Pros include you’re both sober from drugs and alcohol and you both understand the struggles of alcohol addiction. However, some potential downfalls are that one of you may not be truly ready to date, relapses can affect the relationship, and meetings can be awkward if the relationship doesn’t work out.
The Importance of Healthy Boundaries in Recovery
Boundaries are essential for any person, but especially for those in addiction recovery. Defining boundaries can protect you emotionally and physically. Maintaining boundaries can also encourage a healthy self-image, which is key to addiction recovery and relapse prevention.
TruPath is a nationwide network of addiction treatment centers with all levels of care, depending on drug and alcohol rehab facilities. We offer a complete continuum of care from medical detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and aftercare programs like alumni programs. Our programs treat co-occurring disorders through dual diagnosis treatment and individual therapy to provide the best chance at long-term recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. If you would like more information about our recovery programs or 12-step programs, please contact us today.
