“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson You did it. You made it through detox and treatment. Now, the world is your oyster. But, as Alcoholics Anonymous and other programs suggest, you should not partake in any intimate relationships for at least a year. Love, relationships, and sex are a part of life. How do you know you won’t meet “the one” next month? After completing treatment you are reintroducing yourself to the stressors of everyday life. You are leading a new sober life and learning how to excel at it. The guidelines for dating after recovery are there for a reason. You are learning how to navigate without the crutch of substance abuse. You are learning how to love yourself and appreciate the new life you have. You are learning a new way for doing things, coping with things, and solving problems. You are getting back on your feet and taking charge of your life. These are a lot of things to learn and important things for your sobriety and for your life. Everyday gets a little easier but as anyone recovering and anyone who knows someone who is recovering from addiction, it is always recovery it doesn’t go away, it doesn’t get cured. Everyday you are making the choice for healthiness and betterment.
The First Year in Recovery
The first year after treatment is an important time for you to learn all these things and more. It is an important time to find solid footing in this new sober life. It is a time for growing and becoming a stronger individual. You learn that support groups and others who support your sobriety are important and to lean on them when you need extra strength. Other people who have been through treatment, sponsors, family members, and friends who all encourage your sobriety. This time is a period of learning how to rely on yourself and what you have learned instead of your substance. Learning all these things can be difficult on their own without adding other emotions and issues that arise when participating in an intimate relationship with anyone. Participating in dating and relationships can bring about emotions, stresses, and triggers that you may not be ready to handle in this first year. Your priority is your sobriety and you shouldn’t put that at jeopardy. Even with the best of intentions relationships can be difficult. Dealing with and getting a grasp on your own life can be difficult without the added pressures of someone else’s.
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If you are ready to live a life free from addiction and needs help, please call 1-888-986-7848 or contact us here. Our admissions team is ready to help you find the best addiction treatment available.
After the first year after treatment you will have a better handle on your sobriety, things in your life will become more stable. You will have a better understanding of how to maintain your sobriety and how to find new friends and possible significant others who support your sobriety. When meeting potential dating partners, you should always be honest about your sobriety and make sure it is something they will support. Someone who puts your sobriety at danger, is putting you in danger, and isn’t someone who truly cares about you or loves you. Potential partners should know the stressors and triggers you have so that they do not place you in situations that could be detrimental to your sobriety. If going to a bar causes the urge to drink, you shouldn’t go on dates at a bar, etc.
Finding Love in Recovery
Just because you are recovering addict doesn’t mean you cannot or will not find love. The guidelines administered by these programs is for your benefit. Taking the time for yourself and your sobriety is a good and healthy thing. Learning things about your sober self, seeing the things you have to offer someone and a relationship and learning what things you want and need in a partner are all good things. If you do meet someone before a year after completing treatment, you don’t have to push them away. If this person supports your sobriety there is no harm in developing new friendships which after all make the best basis for healthy and long relationships. Use this time to focus on yourself and bettering yourself. If you are in your first year after treatment and single, Valentine’s Day can seem mocking or unfavorable. Valentine’s Day has been called a “hallmark holiday” by many. The important thing to remember is that is that this day is just another day to celebrate love, platonic and romantic. It is a day to remind yourself and others of the love you share. Show the appreciation you have to those in your life who have helped you come this far, who support your sobriety and offer their time and help. Love comes in many different forms and all are important, acknowledge and nurture those relationships.
Start your recovery journey with Recovery Ways
If you’re ready to live a life in recovery, without the pain of addiction or mental health issues, please reach out to us today. Out team of admissions coordinators can help review your insurance and find the best option for addiction treatment for you. Please contact us here or call 1-888-986-7848.
