Author: Alex Thompson

Pink Cloud: Meaning, Timeline & Why its Dangerous

Pink cloud syndrome is positive for your recovery as long as you are realistic and accept that the euphoric feelings will end. Although the pink cloud may seem like a positive experience because it is linked to optimism and euphoria, the truth is that it can be detrimental to a person’s recovery. People can feel invincible while pink clouding, and they may convince themselves that recovery is easy or that life will always be perfect. Unfortunately, the positive moods that come along with pink clouding tend to last only over the short term.

Educate yourself about the stages of recovery, including the pink cloud stage. 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. In short, the pink cloud is nice while it lasts, but it can also hinder long-term recovery, especially if it goes on for an extended period of time. 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.

Who is at Risk of Pink Clouding?

The highest likelihood of relapse is during or directly after this phase. People recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction still have mental health issues that make them vulnerable to relapse. 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. 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.

1. Those positive feelings can also be a nice relief from the strain of active addiction.
2. BetterHelp makes professional therapy available anywhere through a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
3. Staying engaged in rehab treatment, being realistic about the recovery process and practicing self-care are essential habits for managing pink cloud syndrome.
4. You have gone through addiction detox, and withdrawal symptoms have ended.

Some people even say the pink cloud comes at goes at various points throughout their life in recovery. Some people feel the effects within days of starting recovery, while others experience it a few weeks in. One of the most serious dangers of the pink cloud phase is the possibility of causing unrealistic expectations. The good feelings will come to an end, and you have to be prepared to do the hard work needed to stay clean and sober.

It’s healthy to make time not just for the things you have to do, but also the things you enjoy doing. Overloading on goals or new habits can backfire if you get burned out and don’t feel up to doing much of anything. It might help to also come up with some loose plans of how you’ll deal with future urges to drink or use substances.

Carry the positive feelings with you

“It can give people the energy and hope to mend broken relationships, reenter the workforce or school and prioritize a routine of engaging in recovery-based personal work,” she says. Pink cloud syndrome is akin to the honeymoon phase at the onset of a new relationship, says Sternlicht. “It’s an intense joy that some individuals experience when they stop engaging with their addiction. Pink clouds often take hold early in recovery—sometimes within the first few days,” he says, adding that the length of the phase varies from individual to individual. If you or a loved one recently got sober and is looking for additional support in recovery, Eudaimonia Recovery Homes can provide ongoing care in a safe and comfortable group living environment. With sober living homes in Austin, Houston, and Colorado Springs, we offer enriching living spaces for people in all stages of recovery.

For some people, experiencing pink clouding is not always a one-time occurrence. They say it comes and goes at various times throughout their recovery. Pink clouding has origins in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), where the term was initially used to describe the euphoria that people feel early in recovery. It has since been expanded to include the early stages of addiction recovery in general, regardless of whether a person is recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. While often used to describe a phenomenon that occurs in the early stages of addiction recovery, the term pink cloud syndrome has also been applied to the mental health arena. More specifically, case studies2 have revealed that people with depression may experience brief episodes of pink cloud syndrome.

Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Good Housekeeping, MSN, Yahoo and more. Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Borst is a lifelong runner and general fitness enthusiast who is passionate about the physical and mental benefits of sleep and self-care. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers. This can help avoid a relapse, which can happen because of significant emotional changes.

Whether you’re dealing with grief, want to improve your coping strategies, or you’re just feeling down – BetterHelp makes starting therapy easy. Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy. Her fields of interest include Asian languages and literature, Japanese translation, cooking, natural sciences, sex positivity, and mental health. In particular, she’s committed to helping decrease stigma around mental health issues. This gives you the strength and emotional fortitude to face the challenges ahead.

Those positive feelings can also be a nice relief from the strain of active addiction. Pink clouding, or pink cloud syndrome, describes a stage of early addiction recovery that involves feelings of euphoria and elation. When you’re in this phase, you feel confident and excited about recovery.

What is Pink Clouding? Meaning, Timeline & Why it’s Dangerous

However, ensuring your goals are easy to track and maintain is important. Look for support groups in your area, or ask your healthcare provider for some recommendations. If you haven’t felt optimistic or excited about life in a long time, you might feel even more enticed by this vision of what life can look like. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol or other drugs, call us now to speak with a Recovery Advocate. Heidi Borst is a freelance journalist, healthcare content writer and certified nutrition coach with a love of all things health and wellness.

Staying engaged in these services for an adequate length of time is essential. Given the effects caused by pink cloud syndrome, people who are pink clouding can have a higher risk of relapse. 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.

Get extra support

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. Did you know most insurance companies will cover the cost of treatment for drug and alcohol addiction? “An individual experiencing a pink cloud may also be less motivated to learn coping skills or implement them, as they may have a belief that they will never experience cravings to relapse,” says Sternlicht.

Have you ever heard of pink cloud syndrome?

Because they feel so positively during this stage, they may be in denial of the fact that they may be faced with triggers that put them at risk of relapse. Building a support system is equally important to prepare individuals for long-term recovery, says Sternlicht. Individuals under a pink cloud are bound to face challenges at some time in their life, and support systems are a helpful lifeline when things get hard. “Support systems help individuals through challenging times in their lives, give them encouragement when needed and provide social and emotional reinforcement,” he adds. Experiencing a pink cloud can motivate people to engage completely in the recovery process, agrees Sternlicht.