The Use of Volunteer Sponsors in the Rehabilitation of Skid-Row Alcoholics

The study analyzes a rehabilitation program for skid-row alcoholics that utilizes lay volunteers as an integral component in the rehabilitation, reentry, process. Primary data were responses to a questionnaire by 15 of the 22 sponsor households (68%). The sponsor groups consist of two to six individuals recruited from local churches. We found that while the sponsors are significant in the recovery process, the middle-class values and life-style of the sponsors sometimes conflicts with the lower-class values of the clients. Sponsors are most effective when their primary role is friendship rather than the major responsibility for the recovery process. Primary motivation and reward for volunteering is helping others, with knowledge about alcoholism a significant factor. Sponsors felt they are significant in their client's recovery; sponsor-client contacts need to be made early in the rehabilitation process and much assistance is needed in the initial stages.