There is no standard way to sponsor an alcoholic. The range of methods varies from friendly and chatty to militant and controlling. Alcoholics Anonymous World Service or Alcoholics Anonymous Group Conscience does not authorize any specific guidelines or rules for sponsorship. There are no authorities in Alcoholics Anonymous. A sponsor can be obtuse and pushy, or they can allow themselves to be totally manipulated by the alcoholic. This method does not rely on the personalities of either the sponsor or the sponsee, it is anchored in principles.

It is a disciplined and orderly path to freedom for those who have a real desire to stop drinking.

This guidebook must be used in conjunction with "Alcoholics Anonymous," Fourth Edition, and "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions."