Before people enter into the world of recovery, they are often under the misconception that they won’t be able to do any of the things that they love. One example is dating. However, the idea that you can’t date in recovery is simply untrue. In fact, it can be easier to date in some ways when addictions and mental health issues have been addressed. The life that was once taken over by alcohol or other substances will be freed up from those toxic distractions. This is good news if you want to date in recovery.
Getting Back to Everyday Life in Recovery
The reality is that life in recovery is not always easy. There are many times when you may question whether you will make it through. But, with the right help and the right tools, recovery is the best road you will ever take.
Yes, in early recovery, the main focus is almost certainly on avoiding and detoxing from alcohol and other substances. Then, it becomes time to navigate what it means to live a safe and sober life. This includes how to live a charitable and empathetic life by helping other people in recovery.
However, eventually, it becomes time to get back to everyday life in recovery. One of the best ways to do this is to work The Twelve Steps of recovery. These Twelve Steps offer a “design for living” that allows you to navigate your recovery and comfortably live your life to its fullest potential. But this does not mean that you can let your guard down when it comes to toxic “people, places, and things.”
People, Places, and Things: Getting Comfortable in Social Situations in Recovery
When we discuss the term “people, places, and things” in recovery, we are referring to the things that may cause you to relapse. Also, you may not realize just how common relapses are in recovery. This concept means that you should be wary of returning to the places that you once drank or used at, or the people you once drank or used with, or the situations that may cause you to make dangerous decisions.
Now, it should be noted that avoiding “people, places, and things” is particularly important in early recovery. But in sustained recovery, you should gain the tools where you can go anywhere and be around anyone or any situation that you please. This is because, as they say in 12-Step recovery, you are “in fit spiritual condition.” This includes being fit for situations you might be in if you choose to date in recovery.
How to Date in Recovery
Dating in recovery can be an amazing experience. The key is to have the right intentions. Many people who get sober from alcohol and other substances try to replace those addictions with behavioral addictions. These addictions include online shopping addiction, gaming addiction, gambling addiction, and sex addiction.
This is why it is important to know that your intentions in dating are honorable and to take into consideration the feelings of the other people. Remember, addiction is a self-focused state, so it is important to stay away from selfish acts in recovery.
One of the best tools for those who wish to date in recovery is to have a mentor or “sponsor” in recovery. This is an individual who can be relied upon when questions arise in recovery, such as how to date comfortably and safely in recovery. They can also be available to take a phone call if anything “triggering” happens on a date.
How to Date in Recovery: Repairing Relationships
It is also true that many people in recovery want to repair their romantic relationships. Of course, that is up to the other individual if and when they want to forgive their loved one now in recovery.
A big part of gaining that forgiveness is making amends in recovery. Also, these amends must be more than a simple “I’m sorry.” It must be a “living amend,” which shows others that you are willing to live the moral and healthy life that you are proclaiming verbally.
Now, what if that person does not want to forgive? You must be willing to understand that that is their choice and they have every right to make it. After all, imagine all that they have been through. Perhaps, one day, they will be ready to date in recovery, but you must not push it. At some point, you must protect your sobriety by honoring the concept, “live and let live.”
Finding Lifelong Success With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in lifelong success over short-term “fixes.” That is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
You must remember that You can live the life you always dreamed of while in long-term recovery. The key is to trust the process and take the next right steps. There is a new freedom waiting. Recovery is possible. It’s time to go out there and get it!
It is important to understand what safe dating looks like in recovery. This includes telling a date that you are sober and choosing activities that don’t involve drinking. The good news is that recovery is not about limiting choices but about opening up a whole new world of opportunities (including dating). If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of mental health, addiction, or both, we can help get you on the right road to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about dating in recovery, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
