[Raynaadi]

My first sponsee, at the first one who has stuck with sobriety, is graduating from treatment today. It was a 3 month program, and she asked me to sponsor her when she had 30 days. She just picked up 90 days of sobriety and goes home today. I cannot say how proud of her I am!! I'm also very proud that we got to her 8th step before she graduated. I've known so many in treatment who don't get any steps done before they get out so they have no tools when they get back to the real world.

I thought I'd throw out a question to you guys though. Are there any of you who have left treatment and remained sober who have any tips for me to give her? And to the oldtimers, any experience strength and hope for me as I walk with her into the next phase of her recovery? I know first and formost, as long as I stay sober, it's been a success, it's just that this is my first time really sponsoring someone, and I have no experience with the treatment thing. I'm going to suggest that she do a 90 in 90, and obviously we'll continue to meet and finish her steps. Anything else? Thanks guys,
Rayna

[Raynaadi]

Wow....I got to be there for my sponsee's goodbyes at the treatment center. What an amazing thing to see, all these women saying goodbye and crying and thanking her for all she has done for them. I don't think she truly saw how much she's grown until today. One woman made me cry when she started crying and hugged my sponsee saying, "You showed me what a real friend is." How freaking powerful.....WOW. Just had to share. =)

[ster]

This sounds great Its so nice when things come together. I dont think you will make a mistake. as long as you use the big book this does have the answers. As for sponcering someone we are getting outside of areselfs si ti keeps us sober the is no way we can stop someone if they want to drink Good luck for both of you.

[desirae]

Okay, I remember the day I left rehab back in 1999/2000, a lady told me "you're now a new person, so instead of entering you're old life, enter a new one with an entirely new out look". I did relapse after that, but her saying that motivated me to avoid all the old "places".

If you think about it, once you've recovered a bit, you are an entirely new person. It's not the addict, and not even the person from before. The person from before wouldn't know the hardships of an addict, therefore would be considered naive. An addict knows one thing, how to get messed up, and a recoverer knows the hardships, knows the addict, and knows the fear of the future and the hard work involved. I personally think the recover has the knowledge needed for success.

You're a good sponsor if you have sponsees making it this far. My goal is to one day help juveniles with this problem, after my degree. I might be asking for advice in the future..lol

[razeljenny]

It really does work. So glad that we sponsor and get sponsored. It isn't too late. Tomorrow is new one day at a time. Fellowship

[allthegirls6]

Congratulations.

Know what Raynaadi?......................... You are a real inspiration. I always enjoy your posts and feel like you have come such a long way. I think of you as a real sucess.

[Raynaadi]

Awwwww thank you!!!

[Raynaadi]

BTW, she's still sober! She just picked up 5 months. And let me tell you, working with her has shown me so much about myself. It has also really shown me the miracle of sobriety. Her story is....incredible.