While there is no fixed timeline for how long it takes for the brain to stop associating pleasure with a former partner, some experts suggest that it can take several months to several years for most people to fully recover from a breakup. The length and intensity of the relationship, the nature of the breakup, and the level of attachment can all influence how long it takes for the brain to stop associating pleasure with a former partner. Reminders of the ex-partner and certain coping strategies can also prolong the association between pleasure and the ex-partner.