Dishonesty may have been part of active addiction. This is not to say that every person who has ever struggled with addiction will lie to you or that the person you are dating will lie to you. However, lying is often how people in active addiction manage to keep their use of drugs and alcohol a secret and avoid the consequences of substance abuse. It can also be an automatic response when asked a question if they struggle with insecurity. It can take some time for that to stop being the natural response, so be aware that not everything you hear may be 100 percent true.Emotions can run high. Physical addiction is usually addressed in the first few weeks of treatment unless the person is using medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to support their ability to stay sober. Once stabilized medically, the real work begins by addressing psychological issues that may have contributed to the development of addiction.Codependency is a very real risk. During active addiction, relationships are dysfunctional. Many people who struggle with addiction find others who are codependent to help them cover up drug use or take care of them while they focus on staying high. In recovery, it takes time to change those behaviors, and it may be natural for someone in recovery and a new relationship to grow intensely attached very quickly, to require a great deal of reassurances in the relationship, and to try to take either a submissive or dominant role rather than strive to be equals.Insecurity may be an issue. Just as codependency is a risk, it is also likely that someone in early recovery may feel unsure of what they have to offer in a relationship. Not everyone shows this on the surface, so it can take time to see if this is the case.Relapse does not mean the end of recovery. It is possible to relapse, or drink or use drugs, and then go back to life in recovery. It is not something to brush off. If someone you are dating has been in recovery for any length of time and they relapse, it is a red flag that they need to reconnect with treatment or recommit to their growth in recovery.Recovery is a lifelong process. Addiction is a chronic disease; therefore, it will be an issue for the person for their lifetime. They cannot have “just one.” They cannot binge drink on vacation and go back to sobriety when they get home. Any use of substances is a serious issue. Exposure to drugs, alcohol, or people who are under their influence can be significantly problematic, not just in that moment but also in the days and weeks to come.