When you’re in addiction recovery, most of your nights and weekends are spent building a routine, going to support meetings, and practicing healthy coping skills like meditation. You’re probably not even thinking about the possibility of meeting someone and starting a romantic relationship, but what if it happens?
It’s natural to be nervous about dating when you’re putting in hard work to reach lasting recovery. However, feeling some anxiety doesn’t mean you’re not worthy of being in a healthy relationship. Join us as we share five tips that can help you when you’re dating in recovery.
Tips for Dating in Sobriety
1. Be Upfront that You’re in Recovery
It’s common for people in recovery to be a bit apprehensive about sharing their journey to lasting sobriety out of fear of being judged. However, it’s best to be upfront about your addiction recovery. Being honest sets the foundation for a healthy relationship, and you won’t have to worry about explaining your current routine. For example, if your significant other invites you to a bar, you’ll have to come up with an excuse if they don’t know about your recovery.
Sobriety is part of your life, and there’s no reason to be ashamed of the progress you worked hard to achieve. If you’re comfortable with it, you can even share your experience with your significant other once you’ve built a strong relationship.
2. Take Your Time and Don’t Rush
When you’re in addiction recovery, it should be your top priority. While it’s ok to want a relationship, there’s no need to rush into it. Before starting a new relationship, seriously consider if this is the right time to do so. Many drug addiction professionals agree that jumping into a relationship in the early stages of recovery can be risky.
Early on in your recovery journey, it’s normal to have to relearn healthy ways to manage your emotions. By starting a relationship too early in recovery, you run the risk spreading coping strategies too thin. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with taking some time to avoid sober dating and focus on yourself.
3. Your Sobriety Should Be Your Top Priority
If you want to reach lasting recovery, you have to put your sobriety first regardless of relationship status. You want to ensure that your relationship doesn’t have a recovery routine or put you in any risky situations. To help keep your recovery the top priority, sit down with your significant other and explain your routine and coping mechanisms. Once your partner has a better understanding of your recovery, they’ll be able to respect the boundaries of sobriety.
4. Be Sure to Have Sobriety Time
Many of us have found ourselves caught up in the exciting feeling of a new relationship. Even if you’ve been swept off your feet by a new partner, remember to set aside time each day to be by yourself. Doing this helps you practice handling any stressors or cravings on your own.
No matter how great your new significant other is, you need to be the driving force behind your recovery. Talk to your partner about carving out some time each week for you to work through the steps of your program. That way, they won’t feel left out or unappreciated when you’re apart.
5. Try to Avoid Dating Someone from Inside Your Routine
There’s no question that structure and routine are critical to the addiction recovery process. If one of the staples of the routine becomes stressful, it throws the entire rhythm of your recovery off track. That’s why it’s sensible advice to avoid dating someone from any place you frequent that has a role in your recovery. While we know how tempting it can be to want to date someone you met at a sobriety meeting or during a weekly yoga class, you should try to keep the start of a relationship and addiction recovery separate.
Find Personalized Support for Addiction Recovery in Florida
At Footprints Beachside Recovery, we know how challenging addiction recovery can be, because we’ve been there ourselves. For over a decade, our expert team has helped people like you reach lasting recovery. At our family-run addiction treatment center in Florida, you can have a private and comfortable environment to heal.
Whether you need support in establishing and maintaining a new relationship, are experiencing cravings or are going through a relapse, Footprints Beachside Recovery is here to help you deal with any challenge you’re facing. Contact our admission team today to learn more about how you can reach lasting recovery.
