Recovering From Addiction? Here’s What To Know about "Pink Clouding"

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Learn to recognize the signs and causes of the pink cloud phase
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Pink cloud refers to the phase of addiction where you are overly optimistic about the future despite freshly entering sobriety. The pink cloud phase can be useful for staying motivated during the early stages of your sobriety, but it can also cause you to lose sight of how much work it takes to fully recover from addiction. To assist you through the pink cloud phase, we spoke to addiction counselor Tiffany Douglass and put together this article, where we explain the meaning of the pink cloud, signs you’re pink clouding, and how to make it through the pink cloud phase of recovery.

What is “pink cloud syndrome” in addiction recovery?

The phrase “pink cloud” is used in the addiction and trauma recovery communities to refer to the period of recovery after someone achieves sobriety after a long period of abuse. The pink cloud phase is characterized by euphoric, hopeful feelings and intense optimism about the future of recovery.

Section 1 of 6:

What does “pink cloud” mean?

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  1. The terms “pink cloud,” “pink clouding,” and “Pink Cloud Syndrome” are all used in addiction and trauma recovery communities to refer to the period of early recovery (often post-detox) where you’re feeling confident and optimistic about your ability to remain sober and avoid triggers. [1]
    • This period is characterized by feelings of euphoria, overconfidence, and optimism.
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Section 2 of 6:

Signs You’re In The Pink Cloud Phase

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  1. 1
    You’re feeling extremely optimistic about the future. Being optimistic about your recovery is great, but only focusing on the positive aspects of your life and being overly-optimistic about the future of your recovery is a big sign you’re in the pink cloud phase. Recovery is full of ups and downs, so if you’re only experiencing the ups and unable to acknowledge the downs, you’re probably pink clouding. [2]
    • Carrying these feelings of optimism throughout your recovery can help you maintain sobriety. Just don’t ignore the negative aspects of recovery that come with them.
  2. 2
    You’re experiencing euphoric feelings and have high expectations for recovery. Once you enter the pink cloud phase, your confidence and optimism may make you believe that recovery is going to be easy and without challenges. You may believe that you’ll be able to easily resist any temptations or triggers and remain sober no matter what. If you’re experiencing these feelings accompanied by a sense of euphoria now that you’re free from addiction or trauma, you may be in the pink cloud phase. [3]
  3. 3
    You’re extremely motivated to stay sober. Achieving sobriety and having a clear mind can be strong motivators for staying sober. If you are fresh out of recovery and are extremely motivated to remain sober, not only is that a good thing, but it’s a sign that you’re in the pink cloud phase. [4]
    • During this period, journal out your thoughts so that you can look back on them for motivation during the more challenging stages of your recovery.
  4. 4
    You’re ignoring key parts of your sobriety support system. Therapy, support groups, regular meetings, and a personal plan for sobriety are all crucial for staying sober after addiction. They provide a support system during the tough times of recovery. If you feel like you don’t need them because you’re cured or have overcome your triggers, you may be in the pink cloud phase. [5]
  5. 5
    You’re disregarding potential triggers. Something that comes with that overconfidence is the feeling that you can easily resist your triggers or temptations. You may believe that they no longer threaten you or that you can easily overcome them. If that’s the case, there’s a strong chance you’re pink clouding. [6]
  6. 6
    You’re starting to experience mood swings. Once reality sets in and you realize that sobriety isn’t easy, you may begin to experience mood swings . These mood swings can cause you to go from being excited about the future to being disappointed in your situation and increase your risk of relapse. [7]
    • Not only is this a sign that you’re pink clouding, but it is also a sign that you’re nearing the end of the pink cloud phase.
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Section 3 of 6:

Causes of the Pink Cloud Phase

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  1. Sobriety and the removal of mental noise may cause pink clouding. The mental clouding that comes with addiction tends to go away after you enter sobriety, which can make you feel like you’re euphoric and on top of the world. The reality that you’re sober after addiction or free from trauma can raise how confident you are in your recovery regardless of the circumstances. [8]
    • This initial hit of euphoria immediately after becoming sober is the root of the feelings behind the pink cloud.
Section 4 of 6:

How long does the “pink cloud” phase last?

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  1. There isn’t an official timeline for when the pink cloud phase starts or ends, but people typically experience it a few days or weeks after going sober. It can last anywhere from a few days or weeks to a few months. It all depends on your experience during recovery. [9]
    • Some people even experience the pink cloud phase multiple times throughout recovery.
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Section 5 of 6:

Benefits & Dangers of the Pink Clouds

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  1. 1
    Pink clouding can be beneficial as it may motivate you to stay sober. The optimistic, euphoric feelings associated with pink clouding provide you with the tools to start your recovery off strong. It may feel relatively easier to resist the temptation to use and uphold your sobriety in the pink cloud phase. If you utilize the feelings that come with this phase, you may be able to maintain long-term sobriety. [10]
    • Pink clouding can also shift your perspective and get you in touch with feelings you disconnected from during your addiction, like hope, joy, excitement, and genuine happiness.
  2. 2
    Dangers of pink clouding include an overconfidence that may trigger relapse. The overconfidence that comes with pink clouding can put you into dangerous, potentially triggering situations. For example, you may feel like you can handle being around substances, so you attend a party where you have the potential to relapse. [11]
    • Pink clouding can cause you to be short-sighted when it comes to your sobriety, taking your focus away from the more challenging, rigorous aspects of long-term recovery, like idealization or looking back on your time with rose-colored glasses.
    • Once pink clouding ends, you may have trouble dealing with the hard work of recovery. You may struggle with getting to work on time, keeping your house clean, interacting with your family and loved ones, and committing to treatment and therapy.
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Section 6 of 6:

Making It Through the Pink Cloud Phase

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  1. Recovery is a long process. Even though it feels like you’ve done all the heavy lifting, there is still a long way to go. Once your euphoria starts to fade, you may deal with a lot of negative feelings. During this period, take things one day at a time by focusing on how you feel in the present moment instead of ruminating about the past or future. [12]
  2. 2
    Be honest with others about your feelings. Speak with others who have dealt with recovery and be honest about how you’ve been feeling during this stage. They can give you advice on making it through the early stages, especially if you’re pink clouding. This will help relieve any feelings of sadness and anxiety that you or another person may be struggling with. [13]
    • If you’re in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), speak up during meetings and tell your story.
    • If you need help for addiction recovery but don’t have the money to enter a program, Douglass recommends to “check in with your county. Most counties, if not all, have a department of drug and alcohol services that have a list of county-funded or private nonprofit treatment options available.”
    • If you’re struggling with substance abuse in college, Douglass says “to speak to the Office of Mental Health Services at your university. They are always going to be the first line in helping you navigate the next step.”
    EXPERT TIP

    Tiffany Douglass, MA

    Founder, Wellness Retreat Recovery Center
    Tiffany Douglass is the Founder of Wellness Retreat Recovery Center, a JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) accredited drug and alcohol treatment program based in San Jose, California. She is also the Executive Director for Midland Tennessee at JourneyPure. She has over ten years of experience in substance abuse treatment and was appointed a Global Goodwill Ambassador in 2019 for her efforts in residential addiction treatment. Tiffany earned a BA in Psychology from Emory University in 2004 and an MA in Psychology with an emphasis on Organization Behavior and Program Evaluation from Claremont Graduate University in 2006.
    Tiffany Douglass, MA
    Founder, Wellness Retreat Recovery Center

    Shame tends to be the root of addiction. So, be honest with your family about your addiction to hamper any feelings of shame, unless it’s unsafe to do so. Try family counseling sessions with a therapist who guides the process and opens up the conversation.

  3. 3
    Practice checking in with yourself and others. Check-ins are crucial for knowing where you are in recovery. If you’re dealing with feelings of euphoria and overconfidence, checking in with yourself and others can bring you back down to earth. Reflect in a journal or talk to a therapist, a sponsor, or trusted friends for an outside perspective on where you’re at in your recovery journey. [14]
    • If you’re in NA or AA, make an emergency contact list of fellow members so you can reach out to them during hard times.
  4. The 12 steps of NA and AA programs are crucial for staying on track during recovery. They encourage you to hold yourself accountable for your addiction while giving you grace during this difficult time. To make it through the pink cloud phase and continue along your journey of sobriety, keep working the 12 steps. [15]
    • If you’re tempted to relapse , Douglass suggests taking a pause to think about what will happen after you do. Ask yourself if it will be enough, how you will feel, and whether or not it’s worth the consequences that come with addiction.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/pink-clouding/
      2. ↑ https://canyonvista.com/blog/understanding-pink-cloud-syndrome/
      3. ↑ https://lakesidemilam.com/blog/pink-cloud-syndrome/
      4. ↑ https://www.charliehealth.com/post/pink-cloud
      5. ↑ https://news.llu.edu/health-wellness/importance-of-therapy-during-addiction-recovery#
      6. ↑ https://cornerstonehealingcenter.com/pink-cloud-syndrome-early-recovery
      7. ↑ https://fairoaksrecoverycenter.com/blog/what-is-pink-cloud-syndrome/
      8. ↑ https://westcoastrecoverycenters.com/blog/how-does-substance-abuse-impact-self-confidence/
      9. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5589495/
      1. ↑ https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/recovery/relapse/pink-cloud-syndrome/
      2. ↑ https://addictionresource.com/treatment/pink-cloud-syndrome/
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/human-beings-being-human/202201/live-better-being-more-present-in-the-moment
      4. ↑ https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/surviving-pink-cloud-tips-for-staying-sober-when-the-euphoria-wears-off
      5. ↑ https://www.sabinorecovery.com/relapse-prevention-tips-for-staying-on-track/
      6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365113

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