These two words have a certain magical ring to them. What could be more attractive than an individual who has their head on straight, doesn’t make a fool of themselves by being a sloppy mess, is enjoying life, and is working on themselves to become a better human being? If you are sober and single, you’ve got a lot going on for you—more than you probably know. If Valentine’s Day, also known as Singles Awareness Day, has you feeling a little lonely, remember that you come first. Being single in early recovery is one of the best things you can do for yourself, and will pave the way for self-discovery and self-love that no relationship can match or replace.
If you’re new in recovery, single, and feeling ready to mingle, slow yourself down. Think about why you are wanting to jump head first into a new relationship. Your disease would love for you to dive-in. Why? Because a new relationship is a huge distraction to your recovery. Most of us have no idea who we are when we get clean and sober, and the process of getting to know ourselves takes a while. A new flame comes in between you working on yourself and figuring out what it is you want out of life—and out of relationships. If you are wholly focused on someone else and their needs, where does that leave you? Most likely, at the very beginning of recovery, your growth stunted and put on hold because you didn’t want to be alone for a little while.
Some of us may have attachment and abandonment issues, and many of us have a checkered relationship history. Why not use the time you have in early recovery to truly discover why you used or drank in the first place, so you don’t go back and do it all over again? Time alone is time well-spent if you are dedicated to self-improvement. There will always be opportunities for new relationships. This Valentine’s Day, hang out with your friends in recovery and enjoy being sober and single. You are not alone, and this time next year, you may have a whole new set of expectations of what (and who) you want in a relationship.
If you are battling addiction, we can help. Call The Lakehouse Recovery Center and begin your journey of self-discovery today. We will show you how to enjoy and love your own life, without having to have someone else fill the void. You can do this. Give us a call, we are available 24/7, toll-free at (877) 762-3707. We do recover, and so can you. Call now.