Posts Tagged ‘addiction recovery’

Overcoming an addiction to drugs or alcohol is an emotional yet rewarding journey filled with many ups and downs. Some people may have been dependent on substances to deal with a difficult marriage or other significant relationship, divorce, or feelings of loneliness. Discovering that you can handle stressful situations in a healthier way is empowering.

This newfound confidence may have you ready to get back into dating. The following dating tips in recovery from addiction can help you keep your commitment to sobriety while expanding your horizons and seeking a new, fulfilling relationship.

Establish Stability in Recovery First. Addiction specialists generally agree that people in recovery should consider waiting at least a year into their sobriety before dating. This time allows for personal growth, self-discovery, and a strengthened commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Dating can trigger a lot of different feelings, not all of them good, making a relapse more likely.

However, everyone’s experience with addiction recovery is different, and some people may need a little more time before dating, while others may be ready before the first year is up. Check in with your sponsor, therapist, or another trusted member of your support team to ask for their thoughts on your readiness to begin dating.