Author: Charles Frank

Pink Cloud: The Euphoria of Fresh Sobriety

It’s better to get this kind of support in place before you deal with life challenges after the pink cloud phase. The euphoria of pink clouding can make you feel like you’re, well, in a cloud. And when you’re on top of the world, you might not give too much thought to ordinary life below. If you or a loved one needs help to overcome an addiction, now is the time to get the help you need.

1. It is important to understand why pink cloud syndrome happens and how to prevent it from negatively affecting your recovery.
2. Contact us today to learn more about treatment programs that can work well for your situation.
3. Don’t let the Pink Cloud give you overconfidence that you can beat addiction on your own and plan for the bad times that can come when the Pink Cloud disappears.
4. At the same time, even if we think someone is experiencing Pink Cloud Syndrome, that does not mean we need to smother their joy or make them afraid of what might happen later in recovery.

“It will help those in recovery to identify and work toward goals and develop structure while learning basic recovery skills. These skills can be utilized in times of need throughout their recovery, thereby preparing them for when their pink cloud experience may subside,” he says. It’s easy for those with alcohol use disorder to make a few key mistakes during the pink cloud phase, says Estes.

Individuals under a pink cloud may have a false sense of confidence while not yet having a solid foundation for their recovery, adds Sternlicht. That’s why it’s so important for individuals in recovery to be aware of their triggers (and what potential high risk situations they need to avoid). “This way, they can do their best to avoid [risky situations] or be prepared to navigate them when they do arise,” he says.

Why is the Pink Cloud Dangerous?

This is also a great time to connect with others going through a similar process who might be able to offer more insight about pink clouding and how to handle the road ahead. Here’s a look at the signs of pink clouding and tips for making the most of this recovery stage. The problem with pink cloud syndrome is that it doesn’t last forever, and coming out of this phase can sometimes have a negative impact on your recovery. Typically, People in recovery begin to feel this way a few days into drug rehab. Some people experience this happiness for a few days; others feel it for a few weeks. Pink clouding typically begins after withdrawal symptoms have subsided.

It might help to also come up with some loose plans of how you’ll deal with future urges to drink or use substances. “Many people return to substance use in the first 90 days of abstinence,” Turner says. Think of it as a honeymoon phase, says Cyndi Turner, LCSW, LSATP, MAC, the co-founder and clinical director of Insight Into Action Therapy in Virginia. BetterHelp makes professional therapy available anywhere through a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Educate yourself about the stages of recovery, including the pink cloud stage. During this phase, you’re probably also getting back into touch with your emotions. It can feel exhilarating to experience things like hope, joy, and excitement again. A large part of helping yourself through Pink Cloud and PAWs are knowing what they are and why you’re feeling the way you do.

Ride the Pink Cloud Carefully

Pink Cloud Syndrome is a phrase that developed within the recovery community to describe someone who is new to recovery (often just out of withdrawal) and riding a wave of bliss. The person feels such confidence and excitement about their recovery that it borders on unrealistic. More experienced people in recovery recognize that this “honeymoon stage” will inevitably come to a crashing halt. It’s important to note that self-care in recovery is not just about relaxation—it’s about putting the work into activities that build overall wellness and function for the long term, says Duff. “The pink cloud phase can’t last forever, but harnessing the motivation and energy that it provides to establish self-care routines is one of the best ways to maintain long-term recovery,” she says. Terry Hurley is a retired educational professional and freelance writer with more than fifty years of experience.

Dr. Spann is a founding team member and the former chief clinical officer of Hurdle, a digital health platform for people of color. Pink clouding usually begins after withdrawal symptoms have subsided or been managed with medication, says Pamela Duff, a substance abuse counselor at Red Coach Counseling in Orlando, Florida. However, everyone is different and not everyone in recovery goes through this phase, she adds.

Failing to do the hard work of recovery and thinking there is no need to avoid triggers or participate in recovery meetings can quickly set someone up for failure. The pink cloud phase of recovery can fill you with confidence and hope, and it’s pretty normal to get caught up in these feelings. If you’ve recently started your recovery process and are feeling pretty great, you’re probably pink clouding.

Pink Clouding and Relapse Risk

With prior knowledge that’s it temporary and steps to take when it disappears, you can be prepared for it. You’ll have often heard about the pink cloud early in recovery, but what’s so bad about feeling great? Let’s learn more about the pink cloud including what it is, what normally happens for addicts on the cloud, and how to protect your sobriety when that cloud disappears. If you are experiencing pink cloud symptoms, you may feel as if you do not need treatment. However, people tend to need at least three months6 in treatment to stay sober, and longer durations of treatment lead to better outcomes. You can work with a therapist who specializes in addiction treatment, or follow a different treatment plan while also working with a therapist to address other challenges in your life.

According to Jeffreis, pink clouding is a short-term period of hyper-positive feelings among people in early recovery. Staying engaged in rehab treatment, being realistic about the recovery process and practicing self-care are essential habits for managing pink cloud syndrome. Getting help during early recovery is critical for establishing these habits. Given the effects caused by pink cloud syndrome, people who are pink clouding can have a higher risk of relapse.

Simply knowing the Pink Cloud is temporary and likely to disappear can help many in recovery mentally prepare for oncoming issues. The indicators above sound pretty wonderful, but Pink Cloud Syndrome can be a sign that people have become overly confident in their ability to remain sober. As a result of becoming too certain of their sobriety, a person may then make decisions that place themselves at heightened risk for relapse. When you call our team, you will speak to a Recovery Advocate who will answer any questions and perform a pre-assessment to determine your eligibility for treatment. If eligible, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Who is at Risk of Pink Clouding?

In individual counseling sessions, you can process your emotions and work with a therapist to develop a relapse prevention plan. Group sessions provide an additional layer of support and a safe setting for discussing the difficulty of early recovery. Staying engaged in these services for an adequate length of time is essential. Regularly attending appointments with a therapist provides you with an opportunity to discuss your emotions during early recovery and receive education on what to expect. Attending support group meetings can also be helpful, as you’ll be able to hear about the experiences of other people in recovery and learn strategies for navigating the challenges of recovery. Preventing the risks that come with pink clouding is an important part of getting through the early recovery phase.