Be careful about new relationships in the first year

Don't put anything in front of your sobriety. For example, watch out for the 13th step (trying to pick up members for sex). This applies regardless of what your sexual preference is. Perhaps nothing can throw a newly recovering addict out of balance more than the emotional vicissitudes of a new sexual relationship. Accordingly, an adage heard at meetings is "no new relationships for the first year." Think carefully about whether to quit a job or make any big changes during the first year of sobriety.


To-do:

Focus on keeping an emotional "even keel." If you are tempted to act out sexually or to start a new relationship, ask yourself if it is worth your sobriety? Make sure you discuss any possible new relationships or big life changes with your Sponsor or therapist.