Jewish Journal

Pharaoh is confused and needs guidance. The sheer terror of not knowing what is going on next paralyzes him. He is confused by his dreams.
 

Pharaoh looks around and is told by his chamberlain of the cupbearers about a young Jew who can guide him. Pharaoh has hit bottom and has nowhere to turn except to Yosef. This is very similar to a sponsor/sponsee relationship in 12-step programs.
 

The "dreams" are symbolic of the continual spiraling out that one experiences when they are in their active addiction. They look left, right, forward and behind but are unable to find solace. Nothing helps ease the addict's "dream."
 

When they allow themselves to find their Yosef, and turn over their will to the guidance of someone more experienced in these issues, they find their interpreter. Instead of the responses to their "dreams" that many other people try to interpret, they find a true interpreter, a sponsor, someone who understands their "dream" and can interpret them and help them move forward in their life.