How to Navigate Sober Dating

If you have been sober for some time, you may crave more connection with people. While you love extending your circle of friends to grow your support network, you may desire romantic relationships. During early recovery,  you may want to engage in sober dating, also known as dry dating.

While you may feel you are ready to start wading deeper in the dating pool, is that a good idea given the fact you are in recovery?

In this blog, you will learn how to navigate the world of sober dating. You will learn valuable tips on how to take part in sober dating without compromising your recovery. 

If you are looking to take the first step toward recovery, start your journey on solid ground and call Healing Pines Recovery. Our men’s drug rehab in Colorado offers individualized evidence-based care designed specifically for men. Set amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the forest, Healing Pines provides you the peace and solitude you need to break free from addiction.

Call us today and begin your journey toward healing.

What Are The Dangers Of Dating While In Recovery?

If you are reading this article and have been in recovery for a while, you may feel that you want to expand your social circle to include more personal relationships. You may yearn for more intimate connections in order to feel more complete as a person. While the idea of jumping back into dating might sound exciting, you may be getting in over your head. 

The first rule of recovery is to solely focus on yourself. This means that you need to focus on healing yourself and getting yourself mentally, physically, and psychologically healthy. It is often said you should wait one year before considering pursuing a relationship, and there are good reasons behind that statement. First and foremost, dating can be a major distraction to your recovery. When you are dating, you need to consider the needs of your partner–and you may not be ready for that commitment quite yet.
Secondly, the stress that is associated with dating can overwhelm you. If the relationship goes south, your mind may not be equipped to handle those emotions, and that can quickly lead to relapse. Thirdly, you can become consumed and addicted to the relationship much like you were to substances. Lastly, if the relationship ends, the depression and rejection you feel may drive you back to substances.

While the “year rule” is arbitrary, that time frame does allow you to develop a strong sense of self and self-esteem. In that year, you will learn to love yourself more and will be more able to give love to another person in a healthy manner. If you are ready for the world of sober dating, the next section will give you valuable tips on how to make your experience more enjoyable.

Valuable Tips For Sober Dating

When you first start dating sober, you will no doubt feel awkward. You may not know what to do or how to act. The following tips will help you date successfully in recovery while keeping your sobriety a top priority.

Be Honest About Your Recovery

When you first start sober dating, be upfront with your prospective partner about your recovery. You don’t have to confess everything or go into detail. Just let your date know that you are sober and that your recovery is sacred to you. If your sobriety is a problem with the person you are dating, it is best to leave that relationship.

Use Sober Dating Apps

Dating can be scary enough, let alone sober dating. Fortunately, there are an increasing number of apps that help sober people like yourself find meaningful connections with others. Examples of sober dating apps include Loosid, Sober Grid, and Clean and Sober Love. More traditional dating apps such as eHarmony and Match.com are also sober-friendly.

Choose the Right Setting

In more “traditional” dating scenarios, first and subsequent dates often take place in bars and nightclubs. As a recovering person, you need to be selective about the places you meet your prospective mate. When deciding on a location to meet, suggest meeting at a coffee shop, or suggest an activity such as hiking, stargazing, or even a karaoke night.

Take Your Time

Don’t rush into a relationship. Take time and get to know the person you are dating. When you take things slow, you can evaluate whether your date is a good match for you. 

Call Healing Pines Recovery Today And Transform Your LIfe

The thought of being in recovery can be both exciting and scary. While recovery is full of unknowns, finding the right drug treatment program will give you the tools and support you need to make your journey easier. Healing Pines Recovery is a top residential treatment center in Colorado providing men’s only drug rehab programs. With our luxury amenities, breathtaking scenery, evidence-based programming, and individualized approach, you will gain the confidence you need to transform your life. Call us today and begin your recovery journey on the right foot.