You're Sober and Dating!

Whether you are working on getting sober or have been in recovery for a while, it’s important to stick to healthy dating and relationship practices that reinforce positive lifestyle habits, so you do not relapse or return to abusing drugs and alcohol.

How should you open up about your sobriety on the first date? Maybe you don’t know this person well and you’re exploring the possibilities of a new relationship. The best rule of thumb is to always be upfront and honest with anything and everything in life so when it comes to discussing your sobriety on the first date, have no fear. Safe Haven Recovery offers couples addiction treatment and housing to, not only navigate sobriety, but relationship skill building too.

You are a strong individual who is willing to put him/herself out there in this weird world of dating culture we live in. Tell the person you are going out with either before the date or after you order beverages prior to the meal that you do not drink.

Do not feel as though you need to go into any elaborate detail regarding your past or why you’ve decided to get sober (if you do not feel comfortable doing so) – just point out to them that you made this decision and it’s important to your livelihood and quality of life that you stick to it. If the person makes a sarcastic remark or is rude about it, just leave. Hopefully, they will show support and admire your willingness and courage to make smart choices and live a healthy and stable lifestyle without tempting you into disregarding your core values and throw away everything you’ve worked for thus far.

Whatever you do, do not let the other person make you feel trapped into a decision that you will ultimately regret. Remember, this is your life and you must put yourself and your sobriety first. If they do not support your choices, there are plenty of other people in this world that will.

For those who are already in a committed relationship and experiences an uproar such as an argument, financial stress, job loss, or disruption due to either partner having to relocate or move for any reason at all– here are 10 tips to help you stay aligned and centered without getting off track in your recovery.

1. 15-20 minutes of daily meditation

2. A healthy diet

3. Time alone with a book

4. Self-care routine and proper hygiene

5. Talk to a friend or family member.

6. 1.5 hour of exercise you find most enjoyable (hike, light walk, gym, lifting, yoga)

7. Sit down and talk to your partner about your frustrations currently causing conflict in your relationship and try your best to agree on creating a plan to resolve the stress and tension and stick to it. Be reasonable with one another and listen intently.

8. Sit outside with a cup of chamomile tea and be alone with your thoughts to help calm down.

9. Stay far away from anyone who enables you or often triggers your desire to use drugs and alcohol.

10. Reflect on the way someone or a certain situation makes you feel so that you can remain centered and unharmed by harsh words, behaviors, and painful treatment brought on by other people in your life moving forward.

Safe Haven Recovery is a boutique Florida Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center located in Miami, FL. We specialize in Suboxone Maintenance & Detox, along with, Couples Addiction Treatment. Call us today at 866-447-4650.

About the Author

Matthew Koenig is the principal of Last Call Marketing, which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, SEO, primarily in healthcare and tourism concerns, Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.

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