Yes, there are no fraternization rules, but they do suggest not to start a new relationship (romantically) with anyone (even someone who is clean and sober) in the 1st year of your recovery. The reason being is that this is a time when one really needs to focus on themselves and be a little bit selfish in that endeavor. To start a relationship takes the much needed focus away from you and can be counter productive.

Sure. But there are rules... No suggestions, we work a program of suggestions, meaning many things are suggested, no one is forced to do these things. 1. Don't date your sponsor/sponsee - this is commonly called a 13th step. And is usually a "bad" idea. If you are attracted to your sponsor/sponsee then it is best to leave off with that kind of relationship and get a new sponsor. Even the romantic interest in this sort of relationship can be harmful to the process of sponsor/sponsee work. Thus if you are romantic to one another then new sponsors/sponsees are the best idea. Even if you do NOT pursue the romance. 2. Wait a year after becoming clean/sober before pursuing or working on a relationship. The first year of recovery is for most of us the hardest and the most intensive when it comes to self discovery. It is difficult to find ones self when single, "self" is lost in relationships and we find that many who do get involved in that first year either come to loath the person they are with (because they have changed) or go back to drinking/using. 3. Addicts/Alcoholics rarely have "healthy" relationships. Its in our nature. What makes it worse is if we are with a normy - meaning we are in a relationship with somebody who does not share in addiction/alcoholism. Two people in program working their steps and their program together tend to have a much higher chance of staying clean and sober than a person in a "mixed" relationship (or single). So on one level it is an "ideal" situation. 4. Since you are now dating with in your "group" its high time that you understand that you have earned membership to alanon. all it requires to join AA is to be a drunk, To join alanon is more classy, you have to know the right people to join (a drunk or addict) Although I say this jokingly, I am serious. You will need the tools to deal with the addiction/alcoholism of another person. Remember just because we stopped acting out on our addictions doesn't mean we stopped having addictive personalities. We carry with us those tendencies and character defaults which lead to our "little problem" to begin with. Those behaviors and character defects affect us even when we haven't drank or used in decades. Alanon/alateen provide us with insight and understand and coping tools to work with our loved ones with alcoholism/addiction. and yes you will learn a bit more about yourself as well.

dude, it happens all the time. My b/f is in N.A. and though i'm not in it all his friends are involved with women from the program...

I would have thought a relationship during recovery would just add more stress to the situation and make you more likely to fall off the wagon so to speak!

Yes, but it is recommended that if not currently active in a relationship that one dedicate oneself to sobriety for at least a year before engaging in dating.

You can, but they don't recommend it. You are in there to take care of yourself 1ST! I am a member of NA, CA, & AA & the first thing that they tell you is to NOT get into relationships because uyour own life is so f'ed up right now, you need to focus on getting back to YOU! In the 1st yr, they say to get a plant & if it is still alive after 1 year, then get an animal. If the animal is still alive after a year, then you can TRY to have a normal relationship where you are out of the "danger zone" of another dysfuctional relationship. Plus the relapse rate is greater if you are with someone that new to recovery. If they decide to drink & you are fighting your inner demons not to, you may succumb to the demon & have to start all over.

It is generally discouraged until after at least a year of sobriety. It may be better to consider working through steps 8 & 9 before entering into a new relationship and it helps if both individuals actively work their sobriety program.

As long as your car doesn't break down when you're having sex.

Only if you get moist, creamy, anal sex out of the deal...

As long as you both dont get drunk on a date ;)