We thought this information, which is not in our book, might be useful for couples in recovery, especially those in the early stages.
First, by recovery, we mean from addiction to substances (such as alcohol or other drugs) compulsive behaviors (like overeating, gambling, or debting) or people (as in the case of as sex/love addiction, co-dependency).
Let’s talk first about the pitfalls or challenges:
2. Each person needs to work their own program.
3. Each person must have his or her own sponsor or mentor, and not make the other his or her Higher Power.
4. Because recovery involves huge transformation and a vigorous program of action, two people could find disparity in the rate of progress, and there is always the danger that someone may stop working a program and regress or relapse.
As an aside, if you are dating someone in recovery, are they a “good prospect?” Maybe – what you may want to look at, is not only longevity, but
a. Are they grateful for their recovery?
b. Are they committed to giving back?
c. Are they actively engaged with their recovery program and giving service?
These are all good signs.
5. It requires time apart from each other to work a recovery program.
6. It requires balance to keep nurturing the relationship.
NOW, what are the potential rewards or blessings?
We’ll end by saying that, when both people work a recovery program, those tools and spiritual principles can also be applied to achieving a peaceful and harmonious union– with multiple shared blessings!!