It can be hard to avoid the urge to “couple up” during the first year of recovery, but some treatment programs go out of their way to make it easier to stay focused.
What could be wrong with finding someone you connect with, who understands what you’re going through and wants to offer support and encouragement? Nothing —unless you’re in treatment. Most programs, including 12-step groups, ask that those in treatment or recovery refrain any romantic entanglements during the first year.
Why the one-year rule? Recovery brings about big changes. You’re relearning how to live out in the world, how to work and interact with others in new, healthy ways. It’s a lot of hard work that requires an almost-singular focus. Anyone who’s ever been in a relationship knows that the initial period can be all-consuming … something that’s hardly compatible with the work of ongoing recovery.
Setting the standard while in residential treatment is a big help. At La Paloma Treatment Center, there are separate dining areas for men and women and they reside on separate floors in residential housing. They’re simple steps, but they help head off treatment center romances.
For those still not willing to wait, ask yourself what you’re hoping that significant will bring to your life that isn’t there now? Chances are it’s a way to distract you from work you need to do to ensure you’ll be a better romantic partner down the road. And when the time is right, there are even sober dating sites to help you find a match who can support you in your recovery.
Tags: 12-step, La Paloma Treatment Center, Recovery, Residential Treatment, Sober Dating, Treatment Center Romance, Treatment Programs
