The early stages of recovery include feelings of happiness and hope. You’re new to recovery and feel confident in maintaining your sobriety. This period is called pink clouding. You’re in the recovery honeymoon phase.
What Is Pink Clouding?
When you finish substance addiction treatment (or detoxification) and begin your recovery, you feel great. You can’t imagine anything will threaten your sobriety. Why? Because when the harmful chemicals from your preferred substance(s) leave your body, you feel healthy. The beauty of things and the people around you can seem endless. Every day is another opportunity to go out into the world and make a difference.
Other signs of pink clouding include:
- Euphoria and extreme happiness
- Optimism about recovery
- An enthusiastic outlook
- Feeling inner peace
- Solely focusing on the affirmative parts of recovery
- Dedication to healthy lifestyle changes
Having these feelings is fine, but don’t forget to acknowledge the difficulties you can face while maintaining your sobriety. Life isn’t perfect. Various situations will challenge your sobriety. Remember the work you need to put into recovery.
When Does Pink Cloud Syndrome Begin?
Everyone is different in their recovery, so it’s difficult to say when you might pink cloud. Also, because people are different, you may have a longer or shorter time when you’re pink clouding.
Is Pink Clouding Good?
Substance addiction places strain on relationships. Maybe you were emotionless while you were using a substance. The idea of feeling emotions seems impossible.
Pink cloud syndrome shifts your perspective. Instead of feeling numb, you feel hope, enjoyment, and the urge to be involved in your life. The vision you have while pink clouding makes life and recovery enticing.
Once the chemicals leave your body, your emotions are intense. Perhaps you lost hope or interest in life while drinking or using drugs. However, the resurgence of healthy emotions can increase your dedication to remaining sober.
What Is the Downside of Pink Clouding?
Recovery isn’t easy. The effects of pink cloud syndrome create a sense of separation from the real world. This means you probably aren’t thinking about daily routines. The realization of chores, obligations, and expectations can cause a crash.
You need to work on your recovery after you complete substance addiction treatment. A large part of your work includes integrating healthy choices and coping skills into your routine. You will also begin to repair fractured relationships and create a plan for your future. Unfortunately, the reality of life makes it impossible to sustain a pink cloud. When that realization happens, and life floods in, you may be more likely to relapse.
There are ways to prevent release. Utilize your treatment center’s resources like their alumni group. Join or attend support groups. And always be honest with yourself.
Pink cloud syndrome can happen during early recovery. First, knowing the signs helps you create a safety plan to prevent relapse. Second, use your resources—friends, family, or support groups—to decrease the chance of relapse. The Guest House, located near Ocala, Florida, believes recovery starts when you stop drinking or using drugs. The coping skills you learn while in treatment can carry you through life’s realities. We’re here if you need help. You can attend our alumni group and share your experiences with like-minded peers. Discover how our serene estate in Central Florida can help you heal. Call (855) 483-7800.