We earn a commission if you purchase services through our links. The short answer is yes, you can date during addiction recovery. However, dating during recovery is usually not recommended for the first year of sobriety —and for a good reason. Entering into a romantic relationship too early in the recovery process or when not in the right state of mind can adversely affect your mental health and well-being, thus increasing your risk of relapse.
Early in the recovery process, a lot is going on as you learn to click your new, sober life. Adding a new relationship in the mix is one more thing that can take the focus off your early. Additionally, recovering addicts who start dating again early in recovery tend to return to unhealthy relationships with those that may have been around them while using, thus putting themselves in a position where they are around old triggers again.
From a mental health standpoint, those early in recovery tend to be much more fragile mentally. Some recovering addicts run the risk of falling into codependency with another dating. For others, starting a relationship too soon and having it fail can lead to stressors like anxiety and depression—potentially triggering a return to substance use. With all the emotions that come with being newly sober, it might feel comforting to share that journey with someone special. While experts recommend waiting at least one year before dating someonethat time frame might not work for everyone.
For instance, you may already be dating someone when they enter an addiction treatment program. To ensure that you and your partner are on the same page regarding your past and future, being open and honest is crucial. You and your partner will also want to set boundaries to ensure you are on the same page about addict recovery journey. The most important thing to remember is that your relationship should never take precedence over your sobriety.
Can You Date During Recovery?
Dating while in recovery can be a challenge not only to the person who is in recovery but also to the person who is dating someone who is in recovery. If you are dating someone in recovery, there are certain things that you can do to help both you and your partner have a healthy relationship:. If you or a recovery one is looking for advice on how to date in recovery, step meetings and support groups such as AA, NA, or SMART Recovery are great ways to build a support system and seek out advice on how to handle situations as they arise in your sobriety journey.
For a list of support groups in your area, visit addict Mental Health America Support Group finder webpage or speak with your healthcare provider about other local options.
Yes, you can date while you are in recovery. It is recommended dating you wait until you have successfully navigated your first year of recovery before you begin dating. Dating while in recovery can provide companionship and a sense of normalcy. It can also allow you to share your recovery journey and its successes with someone special.
Can Dating in Early Recovery Be Beneficial?
Jessica graduated from the University of South Florida USF with an English degree and combines her writing expertise and passion for helping others to deliver reliable information to those impacted by addiction. Informed by her personal source to recovery and support of loved ones in sobriety, Jessica's empathetic and authentic approach resonates deeply with the Addiction Help community.
Redman, J. Tips on dating and being in recovery. InterCoast Colleges. Castaneda, R. Our free email newsletter offers guidance from top addiction specialists, inspiring sobriety stories, and practical recovery tips to help you or a loved one keep coming back and staying sober. Battling addiction and ready for treatment?
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Dating in Early Recovery: Is It a Good Idea?
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