The euphoric high feels too good to be true (because it is), and you wind up feeling anxious about when it will end and how you’ll deal with things after it does. One of the biggest cons, or dangers, of the pink cloud is that it gives you a false sense that your work is done. Learn more about Ria Health’s online coaching support for people in early recovery. For example, if someone is feeling too optimistic, they may quit seeing their therapist or stop attending meetings. They may engage in risky behaviors, or even decide to drink alcohol again because they mistakenly believe they are over their dependency. During this time, it may appear to others that things are going well; one of the common reasons we see for relapses when things are good.
Making the Most of the Pink Cloud Phase
It’s important to note that self-care in recovery is not just about relaxation—it’s about putting the work into activities that build overall wellness and function for the long term, says Duff. “The pink cloud phase can’t last forever, but harnessing the motivation and energy that it provides to establish self-care routines is one of the best ways to maintain long-term recovery,” she says. Individuals under a pink cloud may have a false sense of confidence while not yet having a solid foundation for their recovery, adds Sternlicht. That’s why it’s so important for individuals in recovery to be aware of their triggers (and what potential high risk situations they need to avoid). “This way, they can do their best to avoid risky situations or be prepared to navigate them when they do arise,” he says. Typically, people in recovery begin to feel this way a few days into drug rehab.
- When the euphoria subsides, individuals might find themselves unprepared for the emotional lows and stressors that follow.
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- It is uncommon for someone to make it through a treatment program without making a few mistakes.
- “Pink clouds also offer a shift in outlook in life that is much needed in early recovery.
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This psychological shift is a natural response to the newfound sense of control and possibility. Dr. Rufus Tony Spann is a nationally certified school psychologist, licensed professional counselor, yoga teacher and reiki master. Over the years, he has served as a department chair, adjunct professor, assistant professor, speaker and trainer. Dr. Spann is a founding team member and the former chief clinical officer of Hurdle, a digital health platform for people of color. Heidi Borst is a freelance journalist, healthcare content writer and certified nutrition coach with a love of all things health and wellness. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Good Housekeeping, MSN, Yahoo and more.
If a setback happens, it is best to examine the circumstances that lead up to the setback and try to avoid them in the future. Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers. Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone. Addiction Resource does not favor or support any specific recovery center, nor do we claim to ensure the quality, validity, or effectiveness of any particular treatment center. No one should assume the information provided on Addiction Resource as authoritative and should always defer to the advice and care provided by a medical doctor. If someone just started going through stages of change in addiction recovery and felt this rush of euphoria not long after sobering up, the chances are that the individual is going through this condition.
However, in reality, this stage creates a false idea of the help and support they need to find healing, and can end up feeling low, alone, disappointed, and discouraged. When a person is in a relationship with a narcissist, What Are Shrooms And Other Magic Mushroom FAQs they can experience both emotional and physical abuse because of the narcissist’s desire for control and power over the other person. It is important to remember that even when a person has a plan set in place, they can still experience hard times and setbacks. When this happens, it is important to take time, step back, and reach out for support.
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Your self-esteem can skyrocket, making you feel invincible and capable of overcoming the challenges of recovery. Although this may sound great, it can negatively affect your recovery. It is also referred to as “two-stepping” and is mentioned on page 113 of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Plenty of people have strung together months of happy sobriety only to be thrown off by an intense desire to drink. But you don’t want to develop an unrealistic expectation of what sobriety is like.
When does the pink cloud start?
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. Drug rehabilitation is a complex process that involves numerous stages and emotional phases. Each individual’s journey is unique, influenced by personal history, the severity of addiction, and the support systems in place.
Biologically, the absence of addictive substances allows the brain to begin repairing itself. Neurotransmitters that were suppressed or altered by substance abuse start to normalize. This can lead to a temporary spike in positive feelings as the brain chemistry adjusts to sobriety.
Try to enjoy this phase while it lasts, and use the boost to your mood to prepare yourself for the road ahead. You’ve probably heard of AA and other 12-step programs, but they aren’t the only approaches to dealing with addiction. Instead, focus on one or two changes you really want to make, and let go of what you think you should do. There will be plenty of time to tackle other self-improvement projects in the future. In most cases, you’ve just come through on the other side of withdrawal, which probably involved quite a bit of physical and emotional distress.