Based on my observations at AA meetings, most of the members began using in an attempt to deal to some mental issue that was not being treated effectively (clinically). Otherwise, why would anyone knowingly pollute their body with all those toxins, except to find relief from whatever is eating away at them? I think there are certainly cases of being predisposed to alcoholism/drug abuse but those of us who do not have a family history of abuse most likely are compensating for some "deficit", whether it be a chemical abnormality or what have you. So AA-or NA, NRA, ERA- is a perfect place to start. Once you can wean yourself from your addictions, then you can at least take another, better look at yourself and decide, with your doc and/or therapist, what course of meds and/or cognitive therapy is best for you. It is impossible to know what's really at the heart of your problem/s until that fog of abuse has been lifted.

My advice is to go to meetings, take your time with getting a sponsor, just listen to people initially. Then find someone you can really relate to. This doesn't mean they have to be the same age or have abused the same drug. And like the others said, you may end up trying more than one person, there are no rules governing sponsor/sponsee relationships. What has been most important (to me anyway) is watching the people who obviously have evolved the most from their days as addicts, watching how they've learned from their mistakes and the steps they took to ensure that they stayed away from a drink or a line. Good luck.