What do I need to know about dating a recovering alcoholic?
girly123 asked:
I met a great guy who was just very upfront with me and told me he is a recovering alcoholic and has been sober for 4 years. What do I need to know about recovery etc. should I choose to pursue the relationship - or is this too soon for him to be dating? I myself do not drink either (just have never been interested in it at all), so hanging around with me would be a very “safe″ place for him temptation-wise.
I met a great guy who was just very upfront with me and told me he is a recovering alcoholic and has been sober for 4 years. What do I need to know about recovery etc. should I choose to pursue the relationship - or is this too soon for him to be dating? I myself do not drink either (just have never been interested in it at all), so hanging around with me would be a very “safe″ place for him temptation-wise.
4 years is a pretty good track record.
Alcoholism is an emotional addiction, not chemical.
People use alcohol to temporarily forget about their problems,
If his life doesn’t take a turn for the worse, hes unlikely to feel the need for alcohol, and not being around it will certainly help.
just know that they are ver vulnerable, and can snap at anytime!
Good Luck!
4 years sober is plenty of time for him to start getting involved in a relationship. It is good that he is being upfront with you about his recovery. And the fact that you don’t drink is an added benefit.
Bravador is incorrect. This is a chemical disease. Alcoholics lack an enzyme in their brains that processes alcohol. They usually start drinking because of emotional issues, but they continue to drink and have problems with drinking because of this missing enzyme.
Talk to him and let him explain what the problems could be. He’s being open with you, you need to be open with him and express any concerns you have.
At four years the likelihood of relapse is very low (at five years, the chance of him relapsing is the same as of you becoming alcoholic yourself).
I am a recovered alcoholic, sober 10 years, and I can attest to the fact that most folks with years of sobriety are NOT ticking time bombs ready to go off any minute. We are actually pretty much like everyone else.
And as far as four years being too soon for him to date, that is absurd. He is fine.
as long as he is doing those things that will keep him sober-(keeping spiritually balanced, going to meetings, avoiding triggers, staying out of slippery places like bars) he’s not a high risk catch/date. since you don’t drink-you are a potential good fit for an individual in recovery.
i suggest that you pursue the relationship slowly & see if there is anything there,…
feel free to email if you have further questions,….
Maybe you should try something new. Have you ever went to new sites online to try to meet people like or if you need to vent about it?
Maybe you should try something new. Have you ever went to new sites online to try to meet people like or if you need to vent about it?