Dealing With A Breakup During Addiction Recovery
Going through a breakup is one of the most painful things that anyone can go through, and it can be downright devastating if your relationship breaks down while you’re in addiction recovery. Breakups not only affect one’s emotional and mental health; they can also take a toll on our bodies. According to medical and relationship experts, a breakup can cause appetite changes, weight loss or weight gain, headaches, and stomach pain. Moreover, recent research has shown that people who are coping with a breakup experience similar brain activity as they do when in physical pain. Coping with heartbreak while working towards sobriety can be challenging, but there are ways to get through it one step at a time. For your health and wellbeing, here’s how you can deal with a breakup while you’re in addiction recovery.
Create some distance
Upon breaking up, most people will find ways to mend the relationship, especially if the good outweighs the bad. Some issues, such as arguing over money, having insecurities, and communication problems can be fixed. But if your relationship is toxic and it’s hindering your growth as a person, then it may be better to let go and move on with your life. The first thing to do is to create some distance, as you’ll need to work on your sobriety instead of your relationship. If your ex happens to attend the same meetings, find another one so you can focus on what you need to do to recover. You may also want to move out if you live together. If you don’t have the means to live on your own right now, see if you can make an arrangement with your ex so that you don’t have to stay in the same room, or consider staying with a friend or relative.
Don’t ignore the pain
It’s normal to feel pain, both emotionally and physically, while you’re going through a breakup. Instead of tamping it down, find a positive way to relieve it. Mindful activities such as meditation and yoga can help you feel calm and at peace. You can also try a new exercise class or take a dance class to get the endorphins flowing, and endorphins are a natural painkiller because they bring about feelings of happiness and general wellbeing. You may also talk to a therapist or your sponsor so you can work through your feelings and feel safe and secure while you do so.
Reconnect with your family and friends
Coping with a breakup while in addiction recovery can be tough, and this is why you’ll need people to support you during this difficult time. Reconnect with family and friends, and spend time with them; let them know what you’re going through so they can help you. Don’t isolate yourself from the people who love you. Cutting yourself off from human contact can increase the risks of anxiety and depression and make sobriety even tougher to work on, so reach out and talk if you need to get something off your chest.
Experiencing heartbreak while working towards sobriety can be a challenge, but with some distance from your ex, the right coping methods, and the support of your loved ones, you can get through this, and eventually the pain will pass. Take things one step at a time, don’t forget to communicate with your sponsor, and work your way towards healing.