Dating an addict in early recovery

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 a single recovering addict be in a relationship?

The bottom line is this: Active addiction and romantic relationships do not mix. If the addict receives treatment and commits to recovery, however, a healthy and happy relationship is possible. Now, we’ll discuss tips for single recovering addicts, as well as the significant others and spouses of addicts in recovery.

How long should you wait before dating in recovery?

Early recovery can be a very lonely time, and addicts are told to avoid certain people, places, and things as they start to rebuild their lives. Why is waiting so important? All recovering addicts should avoid dating for the first 365 days of recovery.

Can you date after 365 days of addiction recovery?

Yes, waiting a full 365 days to date can be difficult. Addiction may have shattered important relationships in your life, and recovery may mean that you had to leave behind all your old friends. This can leave you feeling lonely and wanting to connect with others, which makes dating seem appealing.

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.

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.

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.

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 do recovering alcoholics and addicts deal with relationships?

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.

What does recovery from drug addiction look like?

When someone who is abusing or who is addicted to illicit substances decides to enter recovery, it is a challenging, scary and life-altering event. Recovery implies facing an unknown future with the knowledge that one’s main source of comfort and coping­–the drug of choice – will not be available as a source of relief.

How do you date a recovering alcoholic man?

Be Supportive: Depending on the individual needs of your partner, it’s probably going to be important that you avoid drinking or using drugs around him. Loving a recovering alcoholic may mean that your date or dinner plans also need to be worked around group meetings or support groups.