Resources and Support

Whether you're looking to learn more about healthy sponsorship, need help recognizing unhealthy patterns, or are seeking support for yourself or someone you care about, these resources can help.

If You're in Crisis

If you're experiencing abuse, having thoughts of self-harm, or are in immediate danger, please reach out for help:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (call or text)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Emergency Services: 911

Understanding Coercive Control

While most 12-step groups and sponsors are healthy, some sponsorship relationships can develop patterns similar to those seen in high-control groups. These resources help identify and understand such dynamics:

International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA)

ICSA is the leading organization for research and education about high-control groups and cultic dynamics.

www.icsahome.com

The BITE Model

Steven Hassan's BITE Model (Behavior, Information, Thought, Emotional Control) is a useful framework for understanding undue influence.

freedomofmind.com/bite-model

Open Path Collective

Affordable therapy options, including therapists who specialize in recovery from high-control groups.

openpathcollective.org

12-Step Program Resources

Official literature from 12-step programs can help clarify the intended role of sponsorship:

AA General Service Office

Literature and pamphlets about sponsorship, traditions, and principles.

www.aa.org

"Questions and Answers on Sponsorship"

AA's pamphlet on sponsorship that outlines healthy practices and boundaries.

Available at AA meetings or from the General Service Office

The Twelve Traditions

Understanding the traditions can help recognize when individual behavior deviates from program principles.

Available in "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions"

Mental Health Resources

Professional mental health support can be valuable alongside or instead of 12-step programs:

Psychology Today Therapist Finder

Search for therapists by specialty, including addiction, trauma, and recovery from high-control groups.

psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

SAMHSA National Helpline

Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service.

1-800-662-4357

samhsa.gov/find-help

BetterHelp / Talkspace

Online therapy platforms that can be more accessible and affordable.

Search for therapists specializing in addiction recovery

Alternative Recovery Approaches

12-step programs are one path to recovery. Other evidence-based approaches exist:

SMART Recovery

Science-based mutual support with a focus on self-empowerment.

smartrecovery.org

Refuge Recovery / Recovery Dharma

Buddhist-inspired recovery programs.

recoverydharma.org

LifeRing Secular Recovery

An abstinence-based program with secular approach.

lifering.org

If You're in an Unhealthy Sponsorship

Trust your instincts

If something feels wrong, it's worth examining. Your feelings are valid.

Talk to others

Reach out to trusted friends, other program members, or a therapist. Get outside perspectives.

You can change sponsors

It's completely acceptable to find a new sponsor. You don't need to explain or justify your decision.

Seek professional support

A therapist, especially one familiar with recovery or coercive control, can help you process your experience.

Remember: Recovery is about freedom

Healthy recovery empowers you. If your sponsorship feels like a different kind of trap, that's a sign something is wrong.