Seeing a mental health professional for individual therapy, especially one who specializes in SUD and addiction treatment, can help guide you on your recovery journey and aid in relapse prevention. While the pink cloud phase can make you feel on top of the world, it doesn’t last forever, and recovery isn’t necessarily a walk in the park. Based on her experience, Lyter says pink cloud syndrome typically occurs one to five months into recovery. While this all sounds great, there is a little bit of a downside to the pink cloud phase despite all the positive feelings. The name “pink cloud” comes from the feelings of euphoria and being on “cloud nine” and looking at the world through “rose-colored glasses,” Lyter says.
When Does Pink Cloud Start?
Many people in addiction treatment and recovery go through the pink cloud stage, and knowing that others have experienced similar challenges can help a person learn ways to find help and know that it is normal to go through. Well, it’s a term used by the addiction and mental health communities to describe the feeling of optimism and euphoria experienced by people after stopping drinking or using drugs for a prolonged period. When a person is in the pink cloud stage, they experience feelings of euphoria and confidence about recovery, but after this stage passes, they often experience an emotional crash. The high feeling of pink cloud syndrome may also cause people in recovery to avoid real-life challenges, thinking that everything will be fine because they are feeling so good.
Symptoms of Pink Cloud Syndrome
Many feel drained of energy, irritable with the people around them, battling with feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of low self-worth. When patients ascend to the “Pink Cloud,” it’s a welcome feeling of relief, especially after chasing an addiction for what might have been months or years. Unfortunately, it’s a short-lived feeling and as it dissipates the patient must return to the gravity of their situation and the long road of recovery stretching out before them.
Comprehensive Alcohol Addiction Treatment at The Recovery Village Cherry Hill
Verify your insurance today – treatment could be more affordable than you think. This is the best time of year to begin treatment. Get information and inspiration to help you live your best life.
- The term ‘Pink Cloud’ has its roots in the recovery community, particularly within Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
- They emphasize the importance of continued participation in support groups, therapy sessions, and adherence to recovery strategies.
- It gives them hope that they can cope without substances or alcohol, and a brief glimpse into what their life could be like in the future.
- Pink cloud syndrome is dangerous to addiction recovery because it can result in a person stopping their treatment process, thinking that they have overcome their substance use disorder and no longer need help.
- During this phase, individuals may experience both emotional highs and psychological shifts, which, if unchecked, can lead to unrealistic expectations about recovery.
Addiction Treatment
All in all, the pink cloud might not be permanent, but that doesn’t mean it’s not useful! The pink cloud tends to start in the early weeks or months of recovery and ends as reality sets in. While being on the “pink cloud” might feel great, the signs near the end of that list tell us that there may be a downside to excessive optimism. “Pink cloud” refers to a certain phase of recovery from alcohol misuse. You may have heard the term used by other people in recovery and been baffled. We are here to help you and those you love recover from addiction and begin a healthier, alcohol-free future.
In recovery, it’s essential to take care of your own needs. Look for support groups in your area, or ask your healthcare provider for some recommendations. The good things in life will still be there; they don’t fade when the euphoria does. It’s a lot easier to learn about and prepare for the challenges ahead when you’re feeling good and have an optimistic outlook. “It’s more realistic to experience life with rolling, manageable waves.
Tips to Manage the Pink Cloud Phase and Prevent AUD Relapse
It’s crucial to understand pink cloud syndrome and the realities of sobriety to ensure long-term recovery. Therapy, treatment plans and peer support programs like AA are designed to help a person through the steps of recovery and avoid the pink cloud. As described by people in AA, the pink cloud is a temporary feeling of euphoria toward their recovery process. If you are experiencing pink clouding in sobriety or on your journey to recovery, know that it is normal – even common.
Navigating the Highs and Lows of Early Recovery Euphoria
Recognizing the temporary nature of Pink Cloud Syndrome is essential in navigating the ups and downs of early recovery. Sometimes, it can last for a few days or even a few weeks while transitioning into the more challenging and realistic direction of maintaining sobriety. These may lead to you to start neglecting therapy or support groups, thinking you no longer need them.
- The “Pink Cloud” or “honeymoon phase” of your recovery is a short-lived psychological and physiological experience.
- Addiction can create a lot of distress in your life and relationships with others.
- As long as the person can keep a realistic view of recovery, the pink cloud time could strengthen a person’s commitment to sobriety.
The initial euphoria may cause individuals to underestimate the need for continuous effort and support in their recovery journey. While the ‘Pink Cloud’ can provide a much-needed reprieve from the challenges of recovery, it is crucial to prepare for its subsidence and to continue engaging in supportive therapies and treatments. Individual anecdotes reveal that some people in recovery relish this phase as a time of heightened positivity and connection with others on similar journeys.
The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. Contact us to learn more about alcohol addiction treatment programs that can work well for your needs in recovery. While it can be a motivating factor in the early stages of recovery, it is essential to develop strategies to maintain long-term sobriety, as this phase is temporary. Awareness and education about this phase can help individuals prepare for the emotional fluctuations of recovery and maintain a realistic approach to their long-term sobriety goals.
Carry the positive feelings with you
This temporary euphoria can be motivating, making people feel as though they’ve conquered their addiction, but it’s important to recognize that these highs don’t last forever. Learn about Pink Cloud Syndrome, the euphoria often experienced in early recovery, and how to navigate this phase for a balanced, lasting sobriety. Science suggests that the pink cloud phase is more than just a figment of our imagination — it’s a science-backed experience and a real part of the recovery process. Buckle in, as we look at the colorful journey of recovery –– and separate fact from myth on “pink clouding.” It’s important to recognize that while the ‘Pink Cloud’ phase is temporary, the positive feelings and habits formed during this time can have a lasting impact on the journey to recovery. The ‘Pink Cloud’ phenomenon represents a phase of euphoria and elation that individuals often experience during the early stages of alcohol recovery.
When the feelings of euphoria and elation wear off, it can lower a person’s mood and state of mind. However, when this optimism becomes blinding, makes a person ignore reality, and encourages overconfidence, it can hurt their health and recovery journey. The pink cloud does not last forever, and usually wears off when the person starts getting back to their “normal life” for the first time. Others may experience pink cloud syndrome a few weeks after completing detox.
Charlie Health’s virtual eating disorder treatment program for individuals with a primary eating disorder diagnosis is only available in select states Charlie Health’s virtual substance use disorder treatment program for individuals with a primary substance use disorder diagnosis is only available in select states. If pink cloud euphoria this is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, mental health tips, mental health in the news, and expertise on managing mental health.
Our experienced professionals at Avenues Recovery have helped thousands of individuals through the pivotal pink cloud stage, helping them make the most of this auspicious time. Its duration is unique to each person, shaped by their individual recovery journey. The duration of pink cloud syndrome can vary, ranging from a few days to several weeks or even months. This can lead to complacency, and when life’s challenges or triggers eventually arise, individuals may find it difficult to cope without their usual support mechanisms. Join Avenues Recovery, leaders in addiction rehabilitation, as we explain what pink cloud is, how long pink cloud lasts, and how you can make the most of it.
What Is 13th Stepping in Recovery—and Why It’s a Problem in 12-Step Communities
When challenging events or difficult feelings arise, the honeymoon period of sobriety ends, and the individual can feel very discouraged or disappointed about their recovery and fall into unhelpful thoughts and habits. In the honeymoon period, a person feels confident and optimistic about their sobriety and recovery. Relapse prevention can help a person plan for the challenges that can come after the pink cloud has worn off.
The euphoria experienced during this time may lead to a false sense of security, potentially masking the ongoing challenges of long-term sobriety. The euphoria of pink clouding can make you feel like you’re, well, in a cloud. If you’ve recently started your recovery process and are feeling pretty great, you’re probably pink clouding. 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. Britney Elyse has over 15 years experience in mental health and addiction treatment.
