7 Recovery Risks to Be Aware of in Early Sobriety

Achieving recovery is a process that requires determination, reflection, and dedication. You’ve worked hard for your sobriety—don’t let anyone put you in a situation that jeopardizes all you’ve achieved.

Let’s take a look at some activities and patterns that are known for undermining recovery.

1. Jumping Into a Relationship

Too often, I see men and women leave incarceration or treatment and immediately jump into the arms of the first person who gives them attention. Shortly thereafter, the spark fades, emotional drama ensues, and the relationship falls apart.

The first year of recovery should be about your personal growth. To be in a healthy relationship, you must first be the healthiest version of yourself.

Devote your time and energy to healing, because in the end, that’s what leads to a relationship truly worth waiting for.

2. A Lack of Outside Interests

Hobbies are powerful because they connect you with others who share similar interests. They also allow you to have fun, which is an essential and often overlooked element of recovery.

By focusing on something other than abstinence from drugs and alcohol, you give yourself a much better chance at long-term success.

3. Dating Someone Who is Using

This should be self-explanatory, so don’t put yourself in this situation. Even if you think you can handle it, the temptation is strong, and the risk is high.

Through my work with people involved in the justice system, many of whom struggle with substance use, I’ve seen how quickly progress can unravel when someone begins dating a partner who is actively using.

4. A Lack of Healthy Coping Skills

People with substance use disorders often learn to cope with painful emotions and difficult situations in one way: by using substances. Treatment introduces healthier ways to manage stress, pain, anger, and shame without drugs or alcohol.

If you don’t take the time to discover which coping strategies work best for you, you risk suppressing emotions, which can ultimately lead to relapse.

5. Placing Yourself In Bad Situations

You’re only as strong as the environment you put yourself in. If you return to the same social circles that revolved around drinking or drug use, the likelihood of slipping back into old habits is high.

In my experience working with formerly incarcerated individuals, relocating to a new city—away from old influences—often has a powerful, positive impact. Forming new, supportive relationships significantly increases the chances of long-term recovery.

6. A Lack of Self-Awareness

Recognizing risks before they arise is a critical part of maintaining recovery. For me, being on the water triggers a craving for beer. Knowing that, I avoid boating altogether. It’s simply not worth the temptation or the consequences.

7. Embracing “Stinking Thinking”

“Stinking thinking” refers to destructive and dysfunctional thought patterns commonly discussed in recovery spaces. Sometimes called being a “dry drunk,” it describes reverting to old behaviors like dishonesty, resentment, or irresponsibility, even without substance use.

Being aware of when these thoughts surface is essential. Journaling, practicing gratitude, and seeking professional support are all effective ways to challenge and redirect this mindset.

Take the Next Step in Your Recovery

If you or a loved one needs additional support, finding the right treatment environment can make all the difference. Recovery.com can help you find drug and alcohol treatment centers that align with your needs, so you can build a recovery that lasts. Explore your options and take the next step toward lasting healing today.