Dating for recovering addicts

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.

Should you take on a relationship with a former addict or alcoholic?

This is especially important when you are considering taking on a relationship with a former addict or alcoholic. There is a tendency for people in recovery to create codependent relationships, which can be damaging for both people.

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.

What happens if your partner relapses and/or returns to addiction?

If your partner ends up relapsing and/or returning to active addiction, your relationship will no longer be a priority. Drugs and alcohol always come first to an addict, and the people who get hurt most are those who love the addicted person.

What does it mean to date a recovering addict?

When dating a recovering addict, it is very important to be aware of their triggers. While many people think that dating an addict just means avoiding bars and parties with alcohol, it’s actually a lot more complicated than that. Addicts can be triggered by something as minutiae as a smell, sound, or sight.

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.

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.

What should I do if my partner relapses?

And if relapse happens, get help again. Many people need more than one stay in alcohol or drug rehab to overcome the power of addiction. Finally, do not blame yourself or your partner for a relapse. Addiction is a formidable foe and the journey to sustained sobriety can take years.

Does your significant other’s Addiction Relapse?

Even when your significant other has sought help for their addiction, and through hard work and dedication has seemingly broken free from the overwhelming urge to use, the war is often not over. In fact, it rarely ends with the first battle. Relapse is common, and to watch the dependence resurface and the behaviours return is devastating.

Is a relapse a failure?

Do not take a relapse as a failure. It’s part of the recovery process and can actually give a loved one the opportunity to learn more about themselves and their triggers, strengthening their recovery in the long term.

What is a substance abuse relapse?

Substance abuse relapse occurs when a person who has been away from using a substance for some time begins using again. A lapse is viewed as the initial or one-time use after not using, while a relapse is characterized by uncontrolled or continued use of substances.