However, stable recovery comes first. Many experts, as well as 12-step guidelines, recommend not dating for at least a year after being sober. The philosophy behind this recommendation is understandable. During early recovery, we must focus on ourselves, learn to cope with stress, and try to minimize emotional triggers.
People in recovery should wait at least one year of sobriety to be safe. During this year, people can work to develop an identity and develop confidence and self-esteem. Once a person fully learns to love themselves, they can be open to loving another person. A year of sobriety allows a person to learn and practice healthy coping mechanisms, as well as learning to maintain emotional stability.
Of course, being sober doesn't mean you have to give up on finding love. So how long should you wait before going out again? While the answer will be different for everyone, it's important that you wait until you've maintained your sobriety for a significant period of time before jumping into the dating group. Most experts recommend waiting until you've been sober for at least a year. This will give you time to readjust to sobriety.
Cleaning up means changing many aspects of your life, including your routine, your way of thinking, your hobbies, and your social life. Waiting a year before dating someone allows you to feel more stable in your sobriety and will give you space to discover how a romantic relationship might fit into your life and what you're really looking for in a partner.
