Breakups can be brutal. They rank up there with losing a job, moving to a new city, or discovering that your favorite ice cream flavor has been unexpectedly discontinued. Before you sought treatment for your substance use disorder, your first instinct may have been to drown your sorrows with your favorite whiskey, wine, or beer. Today, however, you know that sustaining a long-term recovery means finding healthier and more productive ways to move forward. 

At St. Joseph Institute, we want our clients to know that self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days. It’s about taking care of your mental and emotional health so you feel confident enough to handle whatever challenges life throws your way. Let’s take a look at some of the steps you can take to heal your broken heart without putting your hard-earned sobriety at risk. 

Consider Temporarily Cutting Contact

It’s an admirable goal to want to be friends after a breakup, but maintaining contact with your ex can sometimes be a source of unnecessary pain. A period of no contact can help you regain your sense of self and allow you to process your emotions without interference. 

A digital detox may be beneficial during this time as well. Social media can often amplify negative emotions, and seeing your ex in updates from mutual friends can make it harder to move forward. 

Lean on Your Sober Support Network

When you find yourself missing your ex, reach out to friends and family for support. They can provide a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a warm hug. They can also remind you of all that you’ve accomplished since you graduated from residential addiction treatment and why it’s important not to give in to the temptation to slip back into old habits. 

If you’re in AA or a similar 12-Step group, your sponsor can be a helpful resource during this time. You may also want to consider attending meetings more regularly so you have the added sense of accountability.

Stay Active

Exercise is not just a great way to keep fit; it’s also a powerful stress reliever and mood booster. Whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a jog, or practicing yoga, physical activity releases endorphins that naturally lift your spirits. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to distract yourself from those heart-wrenching thoughts.

Ready to try something new in the fitness department? Check out the Shape website for 6 Workouts You Need to Get Over a Breakup. 

Pick Up a New Hobby

Romantic relationships can be wonderful, but they’re also time-consuming. Now that you’re no longer focused on planning the perfect date night, you can explore some solo interests that bring you a sense of fulfillment. Whether it’s learning to play an instrument, painting, or even trying your hand at stand-up comedy, a new hobby can keep your mind engaged and help you discover talents you never knew you had.

There are no “right” or “wrong” hobbies to help you get over a breakup, but activities that help you express yourself creatively can offer additional benefits for your recovery. And, as anyone who has ever made a breakup playlist can attest, romantic heartbreak can be a potent source of creative inspiration. 

Use Your Journal to Process Your Feelings

Sometimes, putting your thoughts and feelings down on paper can be incredibly therapeutic. Your journal is a safe space to express your emotions, organize your thoughts, and gain clarity about your situation. And, if you feel comfortable doing so, you can share portions of your entries with your treatment team to help you brainstorm ways to keep you on the right path with your recovery goals. 

Having trouble getting started? Ambitiously Alexa has 60 Breakup Journal Prompts to Help Soothe a Broken Heart. 

Focus on the Future

It’s easy to dwell on the past, but your future as a person in recovery holds so much potential. Visualize the life you want to create for yourself and set a course to get there. Then, celebrate your small wins—whether it’s going a day without thinking about your ex, completing a new hobby project, or reaching a fitness goal. 

Giving yourself regular positive reinforcement can go a long way in boosting your self-esteem and emotional resilience. This can also help you avoid the victim mentality that can put your recovery at risk. 

Be Patient

Remember that healing takes time. There’s no set timeline for getting over a breakup, and it’s okay to have good and bad days. Be patient with yourself, but know help is always available if you find that your breakup is making it hard to manage your cravings or causing you to slip back into negative behavior patterns. 

No matter what challenges you’re facing, the team at St. Joseph Institute is committed to your success. We offer a wide range of continuing care resources at our Pennsylvania substance abuse treatment center and can help you adjust your treatment plan as needed. Contact us today to learn more.