Dating in recovery can be hard to navigate, especially when, in the past, you've used substances to calm your nerves or additional dating anxieties. However, a happy and successful dating life is possible without drugs and alcohol. For many, dating without substances is beneficial even if they aren't managing substance use disorder (SUD). If you have to use drugs or alcohol to be comfortable with the person you're dating, then something's missing.
Learning to date without substances is an excellent way to ensure your relationship grows on a foundation of trust and honesty. That goes for anyone trying to navigate dating without substances. Learning alternative ways to manage dating stress and anxiety can help you and your relationship in the long run.
Individuals with SUD typically struggle with other mental health conditions. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 7.7 million adults have a co-occurring disorder, and 52% don't receive treatment. That may include social anxiety disorder.
There is a connection between social anxiety and substance use. An anxiety disorder causes individuals to experience constant, intense fear about being around others. Social anxiety makes it difficult for people to function day-to-day at work, school, or in other social situations.
Additionally, social anxiety makes dating more challenging for people. Dating, in general, is anxiety-inducing, even for people who don't have social anxiety. That's why many people use drugs or alcohol to cope with their social anxiety symptoms. Substance use eases the nerves of some but can quickly lead to a dependency on substances.
If unaddressed, long-term substance use to manage dating jitters can lead to many problems. More people seem to experiment with self-medication because they lack healthy coping skills. Developing alternative ways to manage dating anxiety and mental health symptoms is vital to long-term recovery, overall wellness, and healthy dating relationships.
Whether you call it social anxiety, dating anxiety, or something else, it's normal for people to be nervous about meeting new people. Especially in the context of dating, meeting new people is stressful. Some people are able to go out, meet new people, and go on countless dates without batting an eye. However, for those with anxiety about meeting new people, finding healthy, alternative coping techniques is imperative.
Thankfully, NorthStar Transitions can help you learn many ways to overcome social anxiety. Some tips to try if you want to manage your dating anxiety include:
The many ways to manage your dating anxiety without substance use can help your overall well-being and benefit your dating life in more ways than one.
Dating without substances has its benefits. Getting to know someone without alcohol or drugs is essential to developing strong relationships. Drugs and alcohol alter a person's mood, behaviors, and overall personality. When substances are involved, it's hard to tell if the person sitting across from you is being their authentic self.
Some of the benefits of dating without substances include:
If you use substances to alter yourself for dates, you risk not building an authentic relationship with someone. In order for a relationship to thrive, it must be built on honesty, trust, and open communication. Drugs and alcohol can hinder this from happening. Substance-free dating increases the chances of your relationship being healthier, stronger, and longer lasting.
In addition to creating a more authentic relationship, dating without substances is also necessary for long-term recovery. Being open and honest about your SUD is necessary if you hope to create a successful relationship. Dating without substances helps you ease into the conversation. Honesty about your issues with substance use is challenging, but it is crucial to be honest with a potential partner.
Most people could benefit from dating without substances, but it's critical for those with SUD. To learn more about how you can successfully start dating without substances and maintain sobriety long-term, call NorthStar Transitions today.
Dating can be a complicated process for anyone. Tensions run high, and people often struggle to manage their nervousness, especially if they have social anxiety disorder. To handle their nerves, many will turn to substance use. However, utilizing drugs and alcohol to cope with dating anxiety can be a slippery slope toward substance use disorder (SUD). That's why dating without substances is necessary. Dating without substances is also beneficial for other reasons, even if you don't have SUD. It keeps the relationships authentic and allows the lines of communication to remain open and honest with the person you're dating. For help learning how to date without substances, call NorthStar Transitions at (303) 558-6400.
