Former addicts sometimes jump quickly into relationships after rehab. They might do this because they’re trying to recreate the rush of good feelings that they found in drugs and alcohol. While jumping into any relationship could be risky, depending on the circumstances, addicts who jump into new relationships might face additional risks.
Addiction and recovery could expose people’s vulnerabilities. People in recovery have accomplished great things in overcoming their addictions. But while they’re becoming physically and emotionally stronger, they could still be confused and a little overwhelmed.
They’re starting new lives that might be totally new. If former addicts have to find new relationships because their former acquaintances are still abusing drugs or alcohol, they might be lonely. Because of this loneliness, they might want to form new relationships, and form them quickly. This could prompt former addicts to enter into relationships with the wrong people.
These wrong people might include people who are still using. The substance use disorderrs might have a lot in common with the former substance use disorderrs. People are often attracted to people much like themselves.
Emotionally, there might be a connection between a current user and a former user, but physically, this type of relationship could cause trouble. Current users are still physically around alcohol or drugs. This places such substances around their partners. If their partners are in recovery, they might still crave drugs and alcohol. If they’re near such substances, they might struggle with their temptations even more.
Current users might consider substance use disorder to be acceptable. As a consequence, they might not encourage their partners’ newfound sobriety. The newly sober partners might try to convince the drug and alcohol abusing partners to seek treatment. Such radically different viewpoints might lead to conflict within the relationships.
Former addicts, then, might want to be cautious when embarking on new relationships. They should learn about their potential partners to determine if they will ultimately encourage or derail their recoveries.
