3.I.29.b. Recovery mentor
Rule
Residents find and sustain relationships with one or more recovery mentors or mutual aid sponsors.
Levels
I |
II |
III |
IV |
R |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
This rule applies to Levels II, II and IV.
Guidance
An AA or NA Sponsor is an example of a recovery mentors or mutual aid sponsor. Beyond 12 Step, there are other spiritual, religious or secular mutual aid societies. They may or may not use the term “Sponsor” to refer to a mentor in their recovery culture.
This standard is about linking residents to the external community, so in the context of this rule, the Mentor/Sponsor canNOT be another resident (housemate) or staff. However, it can be a former resident.
Some recovery residences will help residents find a Sponsor or Mentor in order to quickly get them connected to the recovery and steer clear of exploitation. It may be a “Temporary Sponsor” until the resident chooses their own. This is especially true for a resident who may find it difficult to quickly and easily find a compatible sponsor, including someone who identifies as LGBTQ, an Atheist or is undergoing MAT. While this is a helpful practice, it is not required to meet the minimum requirements of this rule.
Evaluation
Are residents expected to find and sustain relationships with one or more recovery mentors or mutual aid sponsors?
Evidence
Evidence that this rule is uphold should be documented in the resident packet and leadership manual.