Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026

The Motivation for Alcohol Reward: Predictors of Progressive-Ratio Intravenous Alcohol Self-Administration in Humans
Published on: April 28, 2022
An Exploratory Investigation of Important Qualities and Characteristics of Alcoholics Anonymous Sponsors
Edward B Stevens1, Leonard A Jason1
1DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois.
Abstract:
Alcoholics Anonymous recommends members to have sponsors, especially those early in their recovery, yet little research has been done on the qualities of an effective sponsor. 245 adults (117 females, 128 males) currently in substance use disorder recovery participated. 231 of these individuals had experience as a sponsor, sponsee or both (109 had experience as a sponsor). Qualitative results suggest effective sponsors are currently engaged in the program on a personal level, are trustworthy, and are available although a wide variety of attributes were cited. In a choice and ranking exercise, 12- step engagement and qualities of character were also most often ranked highly. No significant differences were found between genders or sponsor/sponsee roles. Implications based on breadth of responses and dominant themes are discussed as well as the need for further research on sponsor/sponsee characteristics, satisfaction, and recovery outcomes.
More Related Videos
08:05A Prediction Error-driven Retrieval Procedure for Destabilizing and Rewriting Maladaptive Reward Memories in Hazardous Drinkers
Published on: January 5, 2018
05:12Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Surveys
Desirable Characteristics in Others
Acidity and Basicity of Alcohols and Phenols
The Stanford Prison Experiment
Theory of Attribution I: Correspondent Inference Theory