Valentine's Day Depression Proves Relapse Risk to People in Recovery

For those in addiction recovery, the blues over not finding a date for Valentine's Day can put them at serious risk for relapse. Mountainside's addiction psychiatrist offers tips for finding healthy relationships.

Canaan, CT (PRWEB) February 13, 2016

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, loneliness and depression are common this time of year for anyone not in a relationship. But for those in addiction recovery, the blues over not finding a date can put them at serious risk for relapse.

Dr. Alkesh Patel, Mountainside's Addiction Psychiatrist, says that with all of the daunting reminders to seek love and the fact that looking for love while in recovery is a major challenge, concern for relapse is heightened around Valentine's Day. Here's why:

• It is difficult to find someone who is not only compatible with a sober lifestyle but also sensitive to the unique needs of a person in recovery.
• Frustration and confusion over what are the most important qualities in a potential partner often leads to a detrimental emotional roller coaster for an individual in recovery.
• Mounting doubt over whether or not a person in addiction recovery is at their healthiest point in recovery to even search for a relationship.

When seeking a relationship, Dr. Patel advises individuals in recovery to make sure they are first at a secure place in their recovery, which will make opening up and sharing their lives with someone much easier and more rewarding.

He also adds that it is imperative for sobriety to remain a priority that is never compromised by a setting or an individual. Even if a person in recovery chooses to seek out a potential partner who is also in addiction recovery, they must make sure that any budding relationship is a healthy one for the both of them. "Don't rush into a relationship just because you want to experience being in love this time of the year," says Dr. Patel. "Take your time to make sure the person you are interested in will be a benefit to your sobriety long-term."

For more information about Dr. Patel or for interview requests, please contact Mountainside at 800.762.5433, ext 425

About Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center

Mountainside is nationally recognized for the effectiveness of its drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs. Our Integrative Care Model provides a comprehensive set of treatment and care offerings coordinated by a multidisciplinary treatment team to best fit the unique needs and interests of each client. We are lauded for our ability to partner with each client and the client's family and healthcare professionals in developing and executing individualized treatment plans that promote long-term sobriety.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/02/prweb13212150.htm