If you're single and navigating the dating world, or thinking about it, you need to get sharp on recognizing red flags.

Today, let’s dive deep into the recovery space specifically, treating it as a lens to see what's really out there – because, believe me, it has a serious catfish vibe.

So let's be real about what happens when recovery spaces go off the rails – and no, it's not about cutting loose with a sober-birthday cake party.

Imagine this: a pandemic strikes, everyone’s home, glued to their screens, doom-scrolling through endless feeds, and then, out of nowhere, these unregulated digital recovery spaces start cropping up like mushrooms after a storm.

But heads up, because not all of these mushrooms have healing powers, if you get my drift.

Welcome to the Recovery Space Jungle

You know how they say the road to recovery is already rocky enough? Well, honey, add in some unregulated digital platforms, and you've got yourself a whole obstacle course designed by narcissists with a PhD in manipulation. While AA and CODA are over here with their structured support and certified leaders, these new digital spaces were basically hosting an open mic night for anyone with a savior complex and suspicious intentions.

The Love-Bombing Recovery Special™

Picture this: You're newly sober, your emotions are raw like a fresh tattoo, and suddenly someone's offering you all the validation your nervous system's been craving since... forever? They're serving attention like it's free coffee at a meeting, and honey, they've got refills. This isn't just regular love-bombing; this is love-bombing with a "recovery expert" label slapped on it.

The Manipulation Meetup: Now Available in Digital!

Let's decode some classic predator moves in recovery spaces:

• "I've been where you are" = "I'm about to use your vulnerability as a GPS to your wallet"
• "You need stricter accountability" = "I'm collecting receipts faster than your local CVS"
• "Your other support system doesn't understand" = "Please isolate yourself so I can be your everything"
• "Trust the process" = "Don't question why I'm asking for your life savings"

When Flying Monkeys Join the Recovery Circus

Here's where it gets spicier than a 24-hour chip drama: these predators don't operate solo. They've got a whole cast of unwitting enablers, each one convinced they're starring in their own recovery success story. If someone's recovery group looks more like a fan club, it's time to make like a sponsee with a solid exit strategy.

The Financial Sobriety Shakedown

Because nothing says "working the steps" like emptying your bank account for unqualified "coaching," right? These recovery space sharks have turned trauma bonding into a business model. They're not just after your emotional stability – they want your financial sobriety too.

The Predator's Playbook: Recovery Edition

Let's break down the tactics:

1. Find someone newly sober (aka emotionally vulnerable)
2. Replace their addiction high with attention bombing
3. Isolate them from legitimate support systems
4. Create financial dependency faster than you can say "powerless"
5. Bonus points if they convince you to leave your actual therapy

The Emergency Recovery Room (In Case of Predatory Emergency)

If you find yourself caught in a recovery shark's feeding frenzy:

1. Trust your gut (it's finally sober enough to have opinions)
2. Keep your sobriety date closer than your Venmo
3. Remember: real recovery support doesn't require your firstborn child
4. When in doubt, run back to the rooms with actual traditions

The Reality Check Department

Here's the sobering truth: recovery is hard enough without adding digital predators to the mix. Your journey to healing shouldn't come with a side of manipulation and a dessert of dependency. Real recovery feels like freedom, not like trading one addiction for another person's control.

The Recovery Receipt

To all the recovery space sharks out there: your "qualification story" is showing more red flags than a narcissist's dating profile. When someone's working a legitimate program, your manipulation doesn't just fail – it becomes their next share at a meeting about what NOT to do.

Remember, folks: Real recovery support feels like growth, not like handcuffs with inspirational quotes attached. If someone's recovery guidance comes with more terms and conditions than your iPhone update, maybe it's time to find a different meeting.

And to those fresh in recovery: your journey is precious. Not every person sharing their "experience, strength, and hope" actually has any of those things. Some just have great marketing and questionable intentions.

P.S. If your "recovery coach" is sweating while reading this, that's not a spiritual awakening causing the perspiration.

The Bottom Line (Now With Extra Truth)

In the end, legitimate recovery spaces have structure for a reason. While the pandemic might have pushed us into digital rooms, it shouldn't push us into digital danger zones. Your recovery journey deserves better than becoming someone else's manipulation masterclass.

Remember: real support empowers you to stand on your own two feet, not kneel at someone else's throne. And if anyone tells you differently, well... there's probably a legitimate meeting starting somewhere in the world right now. Maybe go there instead.

Double P.S. If this essay made your "recovery guru" uncomfortable, consider that a free inventory step.