Similarly to the pink cloud in alcohol addiction or substance use disorder treatment, the pink cloud in depression can happen when a person is going through treatment for depression and feels good in the early healing stages. The feelings of euphoria that are caused by pink cloud can also cause a person to become overconfident which leads them to stop participation in their inpatient or outpatient treatment program. The feelings that come with pink clouding often occur because a person can see clearer and feel better after the drugs or alcohol have left their system.
The Pink cloud of recovery can be managed if the person realizes what they are experiencing and has the tools to stay on track. It is important for individuals to stay active in their treatment plan, even when it is going well and it feels like nothing could go wrong. This can lead to extreme feelings of disappointment, which may lead to a potential setback. This type of attitude is dangerous to addiction recovery because the recovery process is rarely perfect and there is most likely going to be struggles along the way. However, having too much confidence too early in the recovery process can be detrimental to a person’s success in the long run. Pink cloud syndrome describes when a person is gratified with their recovery and confident that they will be able to keep abstaining from the substance in the future.
Pink Cloud Syndrome
But in the recovery community, the term “pink cloud” has a specific and potentially sinister meaning. Social support is crucial throughout addiction treatment and recovery. If you’re experiencing pink cloud syndrome now, it’s important to take a step back and set realistic expectations. Since there isn’t scientific research surrounding pink cloud syndrome, we don’t have any official statistics on how long it tends to last for most people.
Tips for How to Help a Loved One With a Substance Abuse Problem
The person feels such confidence and excitement about their recovery that it borders on unrealistic. In addition to opening up to your loved ones, it’s helpful to connect with other people living a sober life. Lyter says it’s important to learn about the stages of early recovery and what emotionally happens often during those stages so you’re better prepared to navigate them throughout treatment.
Pink Clouding in Mental Health
Whether you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. It is essential for those in recovery to recognize that the ‘Pink Cloud’ is temporary and to prepare for the emotional fluctuations that may follow. While this period can provide a motivational boost and reinforce one’s commitment to recovery, it is also important to stay grounded. They may also have a newfound enthusiasm for their sobriety and the changes they are making in their lives. This emotional high is often experienced after the acute withdrawal symptoms subside and can last for days, weeks, or even months.
- The term “pink cloud” is believed to have roots in Alcoholics Anonymous and is used to describe a stage during early recovery where a person feels euphoric, optimistic, and exhilarated about recovery.
- Over time, these actions feel like they are normal in the relationship and the individual may think the narcissist truly loves them and they have a hard time leaving the relationship.
- Relapse prevention strategies can help a person stay on track with their recovery, overcome challenges and avoid situations like the pink cloud.
- “Pink cloud syndrome feels good, especially once you’ve gotten out of the cycle of addiction, where you’ve arguably been in a nightmare for however long,” Lyter says.
- Support programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, can help a person find support through each step of recovery, whether things are going well or going bad.
The Dual Nature of the ‘Pink Cloud’
There is no set time for how long pink cloud syndrome lasts — every person is different. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to establish healthy habits and develop your recovery plan because you’re feeling good and you have the energy and the motivation, she adds. Not to mention, the pink clouding can help you build confidence in yourself in recovery, Lyter says. While this phase feels great and full of positive feelings –– even euphoria –– it can potentially be misleading. When the happy feelings fade, and the person is left to face the reality of their recovery path, they may resort back to substance use to cope with those feelings.
The ‘Pink Cloud’ phenomenon is a phase of early alcohol recovery characterized by intense joy, hope, and optimism. Healthline describes it as a normal part of recovery that can inspire positive feelings and motivation. Educating oneself about the ‘Pink Cloud’ and seeking guidance from addiction recovery professionals can help maintain a steady course through the ups and downs of sobriety. Therefore, recognizing the ‘Pink Cloud’ and managing expectations during this phase is important to a sustainable recovery journey. Anabranch Recovery Center notes that the ‘Pink Cloud’ is often talked about as a ‘high’ on life, akin to the emotional highs experienced during active addiction, but without substance use. This phenomenon is characterized by intense feelings of optimism, joy, and a sense of invincibility, which can lead to an unrealistic perception of one’s progress in recovery.
However, they may soon realize that there are challenges in the reality of their recovery and healing journey and become discouraged and disappointed about their progress and their confidence in finding healing. When a person is looking forward to their recovery journey, it can also inspire them to change their perspectives and commit to their goals. When you think of pink clouds, you might think about looking up at a beautiful sky, feeling happiness, and forgetting about the world around you. For example, journaling about the amazing highs of sobriety can give a person in recovery something inspiring to read when they go through challenging times later. In recovery, they need to learn how to process those feelings and address them without substances. More experienced people in recovery recognize that this “honeymoon stage” will inevitably come to a crashing halt.
Individuals may skip therapy sessions or support group meetings, falsely believing they have regained control over their addiction. This emotional high, often described as a natural euphoria, can be a powerful motivator for individuals in the initial stages of sobriety. Organizations such as Magnolia Ranch Recovery emphasize the importance of navigating the ‘Pink Cloud’ safely by balancing positive emotions with a realistic approach to long-term sobriety. It’s advised to enjoy the benefits of this phase but to remain cognizant of the ongoing nature of recovery. As the brain begins to heal, neurotransmitter levels, particularly dopamine, start normalizing, contributing to feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
Making the Most out of Pink Clouding
You’ve probably heard of AA and other 12-step programs, but they aren’t the only approaches to dealing with addiction. Overloading on goals or new habits can backfire if you get burned out and don’t feel up to doing much of anything. What would you — the pink-cloud you who’s filled to the brim with hope and optimism — want to say to your future self? A mental health professional can also help you with this down the line (more on this later).
The term “pink cloud” can also apply to abusive relationships, especially with narcissists. However, this stage comes to an end when they realize the challenges that can come after assault and the recovery journey. When it comes to trauma like experiencing assault or abuse, it can be very difficult to process your feelings and experiences. Pink cloud in depression can hurt a person’s healing journey because it can create a false idea of recovery and cause them to neglect important parts of their daily lives and their healing process.
Addiction Treatment
However, experts like Dr. Ahmed Zayed caution that this syndrome can lead to overconfidence and the misconception that recovery is a simple switch rather than a prolonged process. Recognizing the ‘Pink Cloud’ as a temporary and natural part of recovery is crucial. Understanding the ‘Pink Cloud’ is crucial for those in recovery, as it can be both a positive and a negative force. “My life has became something that I’m proud of and something I can be grateful for.“ Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life.
- A narcissist will leave their partner feeling very confused about their feelings which can make it difficult to get out of the relationship.
- Recognizing these feelings is important for maintaining a balanced, sustainable approach to sobriety.
- Plus, there are plenty of fun and mood-boosting things to do that don’t involve alcohol!
- The initial euphoria may cause individuals to underestimate the need for continuous effort and support in their recovery journey.
Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. Find out how our professional addiction treatment plans can help and take the first step toward a healthier future. Setback preventionfocuses on making changes in a person’s life to set them up for success in recovery. Studies have found that people withalcohol use disorderswho do not participate in a treatment plan are more likely to relapse into alcohol use than those who do participate in treatment. Yes, it is possible that pink cloud syndrome can lead to relapse. Pink cloud syndrome is when a person feels exhilarated or overjoyed during their first stages of recovery from a substance use disorder.
Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. Specifically, we can use this time to set realistic goals and connect with others in recovery who will be there for us when things get tough. It can be a great jumpstart for the recovery process, providing us the boost of motivation we can use to build momentum. If you sense a descent coming, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, support groups, or professionals. Plus, there are plenty of fun and mood-boosting things to do that don’t involve alcohol! Clouds are ephemeral, but our commitment to recovery is enduring.
Before Your Deductible Resets, Invest in Your Recovery
A person with pink cloud syndrome who is living “in the clouds” may have no fear of resuming substance use or believe that there is no possible way their feeling of joy could go away. The pink cloud feeling was first described in people who were in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which is an effective program to help people recover from alcohol use disorders. This is why it’s important for a patient in recovery to continue attending alumni meetings or other support meetings so that they will continue their recovery rather than relapsing to drug or alcohol addiction. For some, pink clouding may not be a one-time event, as they may encounter it intermittently at different points during their recovery process. It’s important for individuals in recovery to recognize the pink cloud phase and use it as motivation to continue their efforts in maintaining sobriety.
Where does the term pink cloud come from?
Patients feel euphoric, joyful, and mentally and physically refreshed as dopamine and serotonin levels pink cloud euphoria swing to an imbalanced state in the brain and the receptor experience overload, leading to the effect. Sooner or later the “honeymoon phase” of your recovery ends and you have to accept the fact that you’re in this for the long haul. If your dealing with a descent from the Pink Cloud and you don’t know how to deal with it, here a few a few tips to help you through the transition back to reality safely, and continue your journey to making a full recovery. If you’re going through recovery in an inpatient program, you’ll have the resources available to you to navigate this phase.
This process involves developing techniques to deal with conditions that might trigger a craving and building a support system that will encourage you to stick to your plan. It is uncommon for someone to make it through a treatment program without making a few mistakes. It is beneficial for individuals recovering from addiction to understand the realities of the process.
Your eyes open to the great things in life, and you look forward to every day with enthusiasm and hope. Suddenly, you finally begin to feel really, really good. 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.