Addiction is a condition that affects every area of a person’s life. There is no such thing as being addicted and not facing consequences. Every person who struggles with addiction or has been addicted at some point in their life knows what it is like to lose control of their life. It does not happen overnight, but is like a sweater with a loose thread that unravels gradually, which is why it can be so difficult to detect it or understand its severity. For those who are struggling with addiction, it is very important to understand that eradicating addiction should be your primary and singular objective. Until a person can manage their addiction tendencies in a healthy way, they should not pursue any type of romantic relationship. If a person is already married when their addiction is confronted, it is normal and healthy to work toward saving the marriage. But when a person knows they need help managing their addiction, that is not the time to date.
If a person dates before they have brought their addiction under control, it can only end badly for them. Ending addiction takes an incredible amount of energy and focus, as does a new romantic relationship. When a person is addicted, they cannot afford to divide their attention between recovery and other life changes. They need to refrain from dating so as to focus on their mental health progression. Besides that, they have the other person to think about as well. It is irresponsible to date during addiction because addiction makes it impossible to treat a new romantic interest well. The very nature of addiction is to be compulsive, self-absorbed, unpredictable and unavailable. No decent person wants to treat someone they like this way, but they are the universal staples of addiction. Anyone who thinks they can indulge in their addiction and be above the unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that addiction creates is deluded. For the good of yourself and the likable people you meet, do not date until your addiction is resolved.