Opiate Detox and Casual Relationships
So we’ve talked about how relationships can be bad for the success of your opiate detox, and we’ve talked about how opiate detox can be bad for relationships (not that drug addiction is good for relationships, but you know what I mean). Some people have asked me about casual relationships, both sexual in nature and platonic. So here’s what I think…
Sex-Only Relationships During Opiate Detox
Dangerous. Your time in opiate detox is uncomfortable to say the least. Many are uncomfortable with themselves in this vulnerable state, physically and emotionally. Getting involved with someone in a purely physical relationship is just too risky for this time in your life. What if you start to have feelings for this person? Or they start to feel for you? Especially if these feelings are unrequited in either situation, you’ve got yourself a problem.
You may or may not even really know yourself that well anymore, depending on how long you spent actively in your addiction. Sometimes people move too quickly into physical relationships because they are unsure of themselves, maybe don’t feel that they don’t have anything else to offer. Of course, this isn’t to say that this applies across the board or forever, but when you’re just starting out in recovery, it’s my opinion that you should find your entertainment in something more substantial.
Platonic Relationships During Opiate Detox
Is it okay to date or have a relationship that isn’t physical in nature? Yes and no. If there are feelings between you and someone else that go beyond friendship and you’re choosing to spend time together without taking it to a serious physical level, then you’re doing the right thing. Just make sure that you aren’t spending all your time with this person, making decisions about your future or opportunities that become open to you based on what this person thinks or wants or with an eye toward maintaining the relationship first. This is called codependency and it’s a common problem among those new to opiate detox and opiate addiction treatment.
Whatever you decide to do, take it slow. Make sure that you have a support system that extends beyond this relationship in your life. You want to give yourself every opportunity to succeed, not set yourself up to fail.
What about you? Do you have any experiences or thoughts on platonic relationships or casual relationships that are only physical in nature during opiate detox and recovery?
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