One of the major Red Flags and causes of relapse is the creating of a relationship early in recovery. Even though many individuals are coached to avoid creating relationships in early recovery, many ignore the suggestion and do it anyway. When a person comes into recovery he or she is in a depressed emotional state. Intentional focus should be directed towards or upon the individual alone, upon the person figuring out how one is sourcing his or her experiences into life. This will require an inner journey. Most likely this journey will not be one of pleasure or joy. If a person creates a relationship early in recovery the work will most likely not take place. In addition to the focus now being upon the relationship and not the individual, the pain that must be looked into will be avoided, rather taking on the pleasure of a relationship, esp the sexual aspects of a relationship. If given a choice we will, as human animals, move towards pleasure and will avoid pain. Part of recovery requires that pain be faced and moved into and not avoided. Creating a relationship early in recovery is a major Red Flag.
