After successfully completing a treatment program, the next challenge is to successfully maintain a sober life. Because rebuilding relationships with loved ones can be difficult and often requires patience and dedication, it’s natural for individuals to seek love and approval elsewhere. However, it’s important for recovering addicts to avoid establishing any romantic relationships for at least six months to one year. Understanding some of the reasons why it’s important to avoid romantic relationships right after recovery will help individuals make healthier lifestyle choices that will benefit them in the future.

Reasons to Avoid Dating Right After Recovery

Individuals risk becoming codependent on their partners when they rush into relationships immediately following recovery, which is why it’s important for them to give themselves enough time to adjust to an independent sober life. Codependency eventually leads to relationship addiction, which breeds the same symptoms of drug or alcohol addiction. Codependent relationships can become one-sided, abusive, and emotionally damaging.

It’s also important for recovering addicts to avoid dating other recovering addicts, especially fellow members at a treatment facility. When two individuals are recovering together, the risk of relapse is high, which means if one person relapses the other person is sure to do so as well.

The first six months to a year of maintaining sobriety is often a challenge, but it’s possible. Remaining sober requires a high level of commitment, which means individuals will have to avoid putting themselves in situations that could trigger a relapse. For example, recovering addicts may have to leave social gatherings early, or avoid going to parties, bars, and clubs altogether. They may be called the ‘boring’ one out of their group of friends or family members. However, it’s important not to succumb to outside pressure. Doing so will give individuals the opportunity to build trust within themselves and prove to themselves that they have willpower and discipline. This will also keep them clear-minded and able to recognize any red flags within their own behavior and the behavior of others around them. They’ll learn their trigger points, and they’ll even learn how to live independently without being dependent on another person’s presence in an attempt to fill their own void.

Because substance abuse alters how individuals perceive themselves and the world around them, oftentimes during recovery they realize that have no idea who they are. This is another reason why individuals should avoid dating immediately following recovery. They need time to get to know themselves and discover their preferences and desires before getting involved in another person’s life.

Alternative Treatment Centers in Tennessee

Why Recovering Addicts Should Avoid DatingIf you have a loved one who is suffering from substance abuse disorder, enrolling them in an alternative treatment center may be the best option for their long-lasting recovery. At Discovery Place, we offer different treatment programs to assist individuals with their recovery journeys. Some of our services include a 30-Day Alternative Residential Addiction Recovery Program and a Long-Term Alternative Addiction Recovery Program. If you would like more information about our facility, call us to schedule a free consultation at (800) 725-0922.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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