Dating for recovering addicts

How do you date a recovering addict?

Before you dive in headfirst, you’ll first want to find out where the addict is at on their road to recovery, this is perhaps the most important part of dating recovering addicts. While this may seem like a trivial detail, knowing what stage of recovery they are at can actually make a huge difference.

Can you be in a relationship with a recovering addict?

Sobriety takes determination and commitment as does being in a relationship with a recovering addict. Recovering alcoholics and recovering addicts know the key to relationships is honesty and openness. Use the early stages of your relationship to get to know one another, discuss triggers, and even boundaries.

Is it normal to be hesitant about dating a recovering alcoholic?

Of course, it is normal to feel hesitant about making a full-time commitment to a recovering alcoholic or drug addict. But, knowing what to expect and prepare for with your future partner as they go through this recovery process can be the key to maintaining a healthy relationship.

How can I help my spouse recover from addiction?

Don’t Forget About Yourself: Recovering addicts often go to regular meetings and therapy sessions, along with spending a considerable amount of time working on themselves and their personal relationships. In all likelihood, your partner will encourage you to do the same.

Can you date a recovering addict?

Assess Their Sobriety: Recovering addicts can be some of the healthiest people you’ve ever met, but it takes a lot of hard work to get to that point. If you plan to date someone in recovery, it’s important that they have at least one year of sobriety under their belt and be actively involved in some kind of support program.

How long should you wait before dating someone in recovery?

Generally speaking, recovering addicts are advised to take a break from dating during their first year of recovery. (The starting point is the day they first became sober). If the person you’ve been seeing says they’ve been in recovery for under a year, you may want to think twice before getting too serious.

What does it take to recover from addiction?

Most recovering addicts (especially early on) need to see a therapist, attend several group meetings a week, and do a tremendous amount of self-care. While this may not seem like a big deal at first, you may soon find that all of these meetings aren’t super convenient.

What should you do if you’re in a relationship after addiction?

Accept the Baggage: Addiction leaves behind some pretty unique baggage. Some people in recovery may have accrued debt, legal problems or fractured family relationships. These are all issues that you will have to discuss at some point, especially if it is a long-term relationship.

How can I help my husband’s addiction recovery?

A spouse’s role can be one of the most important in helping an individual through addiction recovery. You can support your husband through every part of his journey to a better life, including his treatment, his aftercare, and everything in between.

How can I help my spouse recover from a divorce?

Recovery will make your spouse sensitive and insecure. They’re unsure of who they are and they’re not totally comfortable with where they’re at. Your spouse may need reassurance that you love the “new” them and that they are valued. Build up your spouse and help them to feel confident in their new selves.

Should I seek treatment for my partner’s Addiction?

But seeking treatment for an addiction might be the best decision your partner could make for your relationship. There are several key ways you can support your partner through their recovery. It may take some patience, forgiveness, and trust on your part. But in the end, your support can help them shed their toxic abuse patterns for good.

What should I do if my partner is in rehab?

Don’t try to be your partner’s only source for support. Your partner likely has other family and friends who will play a part in their recovery. Many rehabs offer counseling support for couples while their partner is in treatment.