We met someone. They came out of nowhere when we were least expecting it. Fireworks go off! The connection is instant!
The time together flies, the conversations are intense, powerful, and beautiful! It feels magical, and bliss sets in! The relationship status on social media changes. Love is amazing! Our whole outlook on life changes!
… but wait, we just committed ourselves to recovery, to focusing on ourselves, on our healing.
Does a choice need to be made? What should happen? Can a relationship work in early recovery?
What if this person is the one? My sponsor says I shouldn’t date for a year, but I don’t think I can wait. Help?!
Ways a Relationship Can Work in Early Recovery
- If your partner honors your need to be in safe, sober spaces.
- If your partner respects that recovery needs to continue to be a priority in your life.
- If your partner is committed to their own path, their own healing, their own progress.
- If limits and boundaries around time together are held firm and aren’t manipulated.
- If your partner and you each spend time with our own community, friends, and family
- If you and your partner know each other’s triggers and are sensitive to them.
- If you and your partner see and hear each other, but don’t try to ‘heal’ each other.
Leave the complex processing and trauma work to therapists and psychiatrists.
- If you and your partner are honest about any need for space and time. If that request is honored with understanding even if it hurts. “Not right now” doesn’t mean “never.”
- If you and your partner remember that recovery is a collaboration, not a competition.
- If you and your partner remember that the most important relationship you will ever have is with yourself. It has to come first!
If you are seeking support with mental health and addiction, and are wanting to rebuild the relationship you have with yourself, contact us at Alma Loma. We are a transformative recovery center located in Georgetown, Texas.
Our staff is committed to your psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We provide life skills education, recovery groups, and specialized treatment so that you can be your best self and have the relationships you want. Call us at 866- 457-3843.
