Andy Reid's excellent season continued as he put Forest in front after just three minutes but in a game with a host of chances at both ends it was never likely to be the only goal.
Sordell equalised for the struggling Addicks just after half-time to end a run of defeats for Chris Powell's men.
Billy Davies shuffled his pace with Dexter Blackstock and Matt Derbyshire starting the game up front. He will have left South London reasonably satisfied with a point that pushed the Reds up to fourth in the Championship table.
***Update*** Davies took time to praise the home side after the match, feeling that Forest 'didn't perform' although he was happy enough with the final result.
"I'm told we caught them on their best performance of the season so a point away is very good."