5 Tips for Dating Someone in Recovery : People going through addiction recovery go on dates and look for relationships like anyone else. They are normal people who deserve love after all. There are a few things to consider if you are falling in love with a recovering addict, however.
Here are 5 tips for those who are dating someone in addiction recovery.
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Do Your Research
Before getting into a relationship with someone undergoing addiction treatment or recovery, it is important that you do some research to understand their possible struggles and condition. It may be helpful to look up common triggers, withdrawal symptoms, and the nature of a specific alcohol or drug detox. This will help you get an idea of what to expect, and whether or not you are willing to help your partner with these things.
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Talk to Your Partner About Their Treatment
Although you may have done research, addiction, addiction treatment, and addiction recovery are highly individualized experiences. It’s important to establish open and trusting communication about what your partner needs for support. It may be a good idea to ask your partner about their triggers, withdrawal symptoms (if still relevant), and how you can help them.
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Take Things Slow
Although it is never a good idea to rush relationships, this is especially true when starting a relationship with a recovering addict. It is best to take your time getting to know each other before making things too serious too quickly. This is both for your sake and your new partner’s. Those in addiction treatment do best with stability, so you need to make sure that you feel serious about your relationship before incorporating yourself deeply into their life. Similarly, you should take the time to decide if you are ready for helping someone with sober living. “Although a person’s timeline for dating is a personal decision, we try to encourage people in treatment to wait before jumping into a relationship. It’s often a pretty challenging time for people in recovery, so adding a relationship to the mix can make things harder,” says Mathew Gorman, CEO of Briarwood Detox Center.
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Know Your Boundaries
Although your partner may need your help with their addiction treatment, it is important to understand that it is not your job to treat them. Therefore, it is important that you both set and acknowledge healthy boundaries for yourselves. This will help create a healthy and long lasting relationship. You can do this by talking openly to one another about your needs and lines that you will not cross.
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Don’t Neglect Your Needs
Sometimes it can be easy to get wrapped up in helping other people, but it is crucial that you do not completely forget about your needs while doing this. Along with setting boundaries and talking openly about what you need in a relationship, practicing self-care, having your own hobbies, and spending time with friends and family can be ways that you can take care of yourself. Neglecting your needs allows for the buildup of unnecessary resentment, which can make the relationship crumble. Taking care of yourself does not only benefit you, but your partner as well.
Conclusion
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering entering a relationship with a recovering addict. The first thing to consider is whether or not you are ready and able to help someone in addiction recovery. If you decide that this relationship is right for you, then it is also important to understand the nature of your partner’s treatment, establish clear communication and boundaries, remember to take care of yourself, and take things slow. Doing these things should help you create a healthy and successful relationship.
Related Videos about Tips for Dating Someone in Recovery :
How Relationships Effect Addiction Recovery
How love is the key to a partner’s recovery from addiction
‘RELATIONSHIPS DURING RECOVERY’
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Dating Advice : Dating a Person With a Drug Addiction
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