Dating someone in recovery can be challenging. After all, recovery affects both people in the relationship. If you’re dating someone healing from an addiction, it’s important to understand the tools for supporting both yourself and your partner. If you’d like more information on what to expect when dating someone in recovery, contact Washburn House at 855.298.3104. Our intensive outpatient rehab helps people in recovery and their loved ones.
The Experience of Dating Someone in Recovery
While everyone’s experience differs, many people encounter similar challenges when dating someone in recovery. Addiction can play a constant role in your relationship over a long period of time. Someone recovering from addiction may attend a treatment program, therapy, counseling, or support group sessions as ways to maintain their sobriety.
Tips for dating someone in recovery:
- Educate yourself about addiction and recovery
- Show patience, understanding, acceptance, and unconditional love
- Remain supportive but set boundaries and don’t enable
- Encourage healthier coping mechanisms
- Remind them of the progress they have made
Avoid meeting at specific places or certain situations that could trigger a relapse. It’s crucial to talk through these issues and your partner’s triggers with your partner, so you can build a romantic relationship that works for both of you.
How to Love Someone in Recovery
A healthy relationship depends on a variety of factors, such as:
- Your own life situation
- Both of your expectations
- Where your partner is in their recovery journey
- How you both act towards each other in the recovery process
It can be difficult to support someone recovering from a drug addiction or alcoholism. You may believe you’re powerless and that recovery is a solo endeavor, but that’s not true: You can offer a great deal of encouragement and support. This may include:
- Accept your partner’s current journey to recovery – Long-term recovery may involve attending a treatment center or mental health treatment. If you can show understanding about the importance of these treatment options, then you will help someone in recovery to feel understood and respected.
- Keep communication open – You can only support a person if you know what they’re going through. Let your partner know they can open up to you without feeling judged. Offer sympathy when speaking about the struggles of recovery.
- Consider yourself – Dating someone in recovery can make you feel like you’re saving them from addiction. It’s important to avoid this kind of dynamic, as it can raise your levels of stress and worry, preventing you from living your own life. Instead, try to build open communication in the relationship. Talk to your potential partner about what you expect from the relationship and remain open as things change and grow. Your own mental health is just as important to a healthy relationship.
Find Support for Dating Someone in Recovery with Washburn House
Dating someone in recovery isn’t simple, but it can be worth it. By keeping the above points in mind, you can make the whole experience smoother for both of you. Maintaining strength and compassion in this situation will give you the best foundation on which to build a healthy romantic relationship. If you or your partner struggle with substance abuse, Washburn House is an addiction treatment center in Worcester, MA that can help. Contact a caring team member today to begin your road to recovery.