Sobriety has many different stages. First, you have to get through withdrawal. No matter what substance you are addicted to, this process can be physically and emotionally grueling.
Once you overcome withdrawal, you might enter a phase of happiness or even euphoria. This stage is called the pink cloud syndrome, which is similar to a honeymoon phase in a relationship.[1] Instead of being smitten with your partner, the pink cloud phase makes you feel exhilarated and euphoric about your sobriety.
Experiencing this syndrome can be both positive and negative. For starters, it helps you get over hurdles in the early stages of your sobriety. On the other hand, it will wear off, leaving you with a deflated feeling and putting you at risk of relapsing.
In this article, you will learn:
- What the term “pink cloud” in recovery is
- Signs of pink cloud syndrome
- What happens after it wears off
- How to stay sober in the aftermath of the pink cloud
What is the Pink Cloud in Recovery?
The pink cloud is a state of mind that you might enter after withdrawal ends or once you are stable on detox medications that limit your symptoms. This stage of recovery can begin as soon as you start feeling better after experiencing withdrawal. If you are on a pink cloud, you are experiencing feelings of euphoria, extreme joy, and elation about your recovery.
You might be thinking that the pink cloud sounds nice, and while it can be in the moment, it does pose a risk for relapse down the line. Unfortunately, it will wear off, and that natural euphoric high that you are experiencing will leave as well. This means you will have to deal with uncomfortable emotions for the first time as a sober individual.
Because this process can leave you feeling deflated, you need to have a strong support system in place. Thankfully, the pink cloud usually wears off while you are still in addiction treatment. This is ideal because you will have access to mental health support and relapse prevention techniques.
Signs of Pink Cloud Syndrome
Pink cloud syndrome involves a drastic change in mood. You will go from being sick and experiencing withdrawal to a feeling of euphoria similar to the effects of the drugs you were once abusing in active addiction.
The signs of the pink cloud phase include:
- Elevated mood
- Feelings of happiness and euphoria
- Increased energy and focus
- Eagerness to engage in recovery activities
- Having a positive outlook on life
- New motivation for daily tasks and recovery programs
- Unrealistic expectations about sobriety being easy
While the pink cloud makes you feel good, you should proceed with caution. Let your therapist know that you are experiencing these feelings. They will help you prepare for the comedown that will eventually take place.
What Happens After the Pink Cloud?
The pink cloud syndrome can cause you to feel like you do not need extra support from your recovery program. Because of how good you’ll feel, you might believe that you are fully recovered from drug or alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth.
Once the pink cloud wears off, you will experience the full range of human emotion. This means you might feel sad, irritable, angry, or even deal with grief about leaving drugs behind. Going from euphoria to negative emotions can be emotionally jarring, leaving you at risk of relapsing.
Additionally, this phenomenon might have made you believe that recovery will be a walk in the park. Once you realize that is not true, you might lose your motivation to continue bettering yourself. As a result, you must continue working with your therapist and leaning on your support system until you get to a place of stability in the recovery process.
How to Protect Your Sobriety When the Pink Cloud Wears Off
Once the euphoric phase is over, you have to double down on your recovery maintenance techniques to combat new emotions. You might deal with irritability, anger, guilt, shame, depression, anxiety, and more. Without having a defense set up, you could turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with these emotions.
Ways to cope with the period after the pink cloud include:
- Continuing Therapy – therapists can offer insight into the best ways to cope with new emotions, recovery barriers, and more.
- Attending Support Groups – support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous offer a step-by-step program to help you strengthen your recovery and cope with everyday triggers.
- Establishing Self-Care – Self-care is vital in recovery, as you need calming activities that help you stay happy, motivated, and focused on what is important. This might include a sleep schedule, eating healthily, exercising, and partaking in fun activities daily.
- Leaning on Your Support System – Your friends and family members are vital during the addiction recovery process. You should lean on them for support when you are feeling down.
Find Help for Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
If you or a loved one relapses after the pink cloud wears off, it’s time to seek professional help. The South Carolina Addiction Treatment Center is here to offer you the tools and support you need to achieve long-lasting sobriety.
Contact us today for more information on our drug and alcohol rehab center.
References:
- Forbes.com: What is Pink Cloud Syndrome?