When I was active in alanon, for several years, I had a sponsor. I attended several
different meetings, sometimes in the next town. I found a group, just the right size,
with members who were very experienced and willing to help by sponsoring new
comers. I attended meetings for a couple months, and observed others with the
intention of finding someone whose participation in the meetings matched what I
needed. She was one of the many "legs" of my support system. I could meet with her
before meetings, call her anytime, she guided me through the 12 steps. I also
had a counselor at the time who was trained in addiction therapy.