Most people want to find a romantic partner to build their lives with. However, this process can be somewhat complicated while in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction.
It’s important to work on yourself first before you begin to bring other people into your life, which can take time. Accordingly, you must be cautious about dating to ensure it doesn’t negatively affect your progress. Here are a few key points to keep in mind.
Why Dating Too Soon Can Be Problematic
It’s sometimes possible to transfer unhealthy patterns related to drug and alcohol addiction to romantic relationships. This is known as codependence, which occurs when two people become dependent on each other for happiness and stability.
A healthy romantic partnership should fulfill you and make you feel happy, but it shouldn’t be a substitute for self-esteem and self-worth. There’s a greater risk of codependence when you date early in the recovery process, which is why it’s often beneficial to wait.
Recommendations from the Experts
Most recovery professionals recommend putting off dating for at least one year after becoming sober. This timeline ensures you have done ample work on yourself and that you’re steadfast in your recovery. It can also help you avoid issues with codependence, which is a major concern for all people working on their sobriety.
If after a year you’re wondering whether now is a good time to date, consider the following factors:
- You feel secure in your recovery
- You’re dating for companionship, not for a self-esteem boost
- You have healthy relationships with friends and loved ones
- You’re working with a counselor or therapist on maintaining good mental health
- You feel confident about yourself and your abilities
- You’ve fully healed from previous relationships
Remember, every person’s experience with sobriety is different, so it might take you more time to feel truly at peace with yourself when it comes to dating. By being honest with yourself you can make the best possible decisions about your life and romantic relationships.
The kind and compassionate recovery specialists at Duke City Recovery Toolbox in Albuquerque can help you navigate dating and other issues related to sobriety. Our team takes a holistic approach to recovery to ensure all your needs are met. We also provide counseling services to help patients face past traumas and overcome them. Call (505) 224-9777 to speak with a representative or contact us for more information.
