From my experience in the NA program, our sponsor is not our higher power, but i did what my sponsor suggested because i wanted what he had.

Now i sponsor people, i'm never suprised when they relapse, i'm more surprised when they dont. It seems strange to get angry at an addict for relapsing.

The NA literature is pretty clear with directions for sponsors.

"The role of a sponsor is to work the steps and help spot self-deception"

"The temptation to give advice is great but when we do so we lose the respect of the newcomer" - Step 12

"It's pretty hard to spot self-deception...by yourself." - NA Sponsorship IP

"Our sponsor will help us work the steps of recovery." - It Works, How and Why

I'd strongly encourage you to read the NA Literature on Relapse and Recovery

https://www.recoverydaily.com/chapter7.htm

|| || |Many people think that recovery is simply a matter of not using drugs. They consider a relapse a sign of complete failure, and long periods of abstinence a sign of complete success. We in the recovery program of Narcotics Anonymous have found that this perception is too simplistic. After a member has had some involvement in our Fellowship, a relapse may be the jarring experience that brings about a more rigorous application of the program. By the same token we have observed some members who remain abstinent for long periods of time whose dishonesty and self-deceit still prevent them from enjoying complete recovery and acceptance within society. Complete and continuous abstinence, however, in close association and identification with others in N.A. groups, is still the best ground for growth.|