Pink Cloud Stage of Addiction Recovery
Key Takeaways
- Pink clouding is a temporary euphoric stage during early recovery from addiction - Jump to Section
- Pink clouding starts after withdrawal, featuring joy and increased confidence - Jump to Section
- Symptoms include euphoria, optimism, and a peaceful state of mind - Jump to Section
- Pink clouding can last from a few days to a couple of months - Jump to Section
What is Pink Clouding?
Pink cloud syndrome (PCS) or "pink clouding" refers to a phenomenon where a recovering person loses enthusiasm for addiction treatment during early recovery.2,3 It's often called the honeymoon phase of addiction recovery.
To some, pink cloud syndrome can feel like a natural high. It can be very similar to the high felt during active use of drugs or alcohol.1
The Pink Cloud Foundation defines PCS as a state of mind characterized by:
- Sudden joy
- Euphoria
- Overconfidence
Sponsored
Online Therapy Can Help
Over 3 million people use BetterHelp. Their services are:
- Professional and effective
- Affordable and convenient
- Personalized and discreet
- Easy to start
Answer a few questions to get started
What Causes Pink Clouding During the Recovery Process?
Pink clouding typically begins after withdrawal symptoms have subsided. It often comes with a feeling of increased self-esteem and confidence after a person has experienced a period of sobriety.
Drugs and alcohol affect the central nervous system (CNS) by numbing emotions. During recovery, addicts may start to experience positive feelings that their addiction has suppressed.
Although recovering addicts start their road to recovery strong, they'll lose their enthusiasm as they experience more positive emotions. However, this doesn't mean they're cured.
Sponsored
Get Professional Help
BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.
Answer a few questions to get started
How to Recognize the Pink Cloud Stage of Sobriety
Symptoms of pink cloud syndrome include:
- Extreme joy and euphoria
- Positivity and optimism
- Increased emotional awareness
- A peaceful state of mind
- Confidence about staying sober
- Commitment to positive lifestyle changes
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), women are more likely to experience pink cloud syndrome. This is because they're more susceptible to cravings and relapse than men.4
Other people more susceptible to developing pink could syndrome include:
- Younger people
- Those with a lower income
How Long Does the Pink Clouding Stage Last?
Every person is different. There's no set timeline for when pink clouding starts and ends. However, the pink clouding stage usually lasts a month or two.
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.
Nevertheless, the pink cloud phase doesn't last forever. As it fades, the recovering person’s emotional state changes again.
Sponsored
Phone, Video, or Live-Chat Support
BetterHelp provides therapy in a way that works for YOU. Fill out the questionnaire, get matched, begin therapy.
Answer a few questions to get started
Is Pink Clouding Dangerous?
Pink cloud syndrome can help many people continue to stay sober. The pink cloud phase can be a very positive experience for many.
Pink cloud has several benefits, including:
- A new perspective on things
- Feelings of optimism
- A chance to rebuild relationships
- Motivation to get the recovery going
- A chance to get back in touch with emotions
- Makes a person long for sobriety
Pitfalls of Pink Clouding
Although there may be benefits to pink clouding, there are some cons. For example, pink cloud syndrome can:
- Create unrealistic expectations of an easy addiction recovery
- Give a person a false sense of recovery
- Lead to a person ignoring real-life risks and challenges that come with recovery
- Cause depression or disappointment when the pink cloud fades
Someone who is on a pink cloud may:
- Not be attached to reality
- Become so preoccupied with positive feelings that they forget about the hard work they still need to do
- Feel higher than life and disregard their responsibilities in recovery
Can Pink Clouding Cause a Relapse?
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.
You might have been discharged from a treatment facility or finished a rehab program during this vulnerable pink cloud phase. You'll need to learn techniques to manage your emotions to avoid relapsing.
Consider entering a sober living home to help you transition back into normal life. This can help maintain sobriety and avoid relapse.
How to Manage Pink Clouding
After detox or rehab, it’s easy to be overtaken by the pink cloud. The key to lasting recovery is ongoing support and participation in treatment.
The pink cloud stage doesn’t last forever. But other stages of recovery will challenge them.
No matter how motivated you are, you still need help maintaining your new sober life. Here are some ways to manage pink clouding:
1. Practice Self-Care
Remember to take care of yourself and practice self-care. This can help avoid a relapse, which can happen because of significant emotional changes.
Ways to practice self-care include:
- Getting adequate sleep
- Maintaining healthy eating habits
- Exercising
- Drinking enough water
2. Develop Positive Coping Skills
Educate yourself about the stages of recovery, including the pink cloud stage. Be mindful that a successful recovery involves hard work.
To help you navigate your emotions, substance abuse treatment professionals can help you develop positive coping skills. Learning how to handle life challenges without depending on drugs is essential.
3. Stay Involved in a Treatment Program
Treatment programs should provide access to medical professionals who can:
- Monitor progress
- Provide counseling and support
- Help prevent a relapse
Examples of such treatment programs include:
4. Live in a Healthy Environment
As you recover, you are more vulnerable to relapse. This is why a healthy, drug-free environment can help minimize stress and help you focus on recovery. Surround yourself with loved ones who support your recovery journey.
5. Seek Peer Support
Peer support groups and 12-step programs can also help. A great example is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These groups can help the recovering person find comfort from others at a similar stage in their recovery journey.
AA meetings can provide relief and help navigate the different emotions of recovery. Attendees receive positive encouragement and help in maintaining a new, drug-free life.
6. Create and Pursue Manageable Goals
Some recovering people may feel confident that they can change right away. However, ensuring your goals are easy to track and maintain is important.
People undergo dramatic changes during recovery. Creating manageable goals will help ensure long-term success.
What's Next?
Sponsored
Get matched with an affordable mental health counselor
Find a TherapistAnswer a few questions to get started
Related Articles
- "Who We Are" Pink Cloud Foundation.
- "Is there an Alcoholic in Your Life?" Alcoholics Anonymous.
- "The Pink Cloud and After" Â AA Grapevine.
- "Pink Cloud Syndrome Among Ruled Drug Users in Iligan City Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (ICDTRC)" Journal of Nursing and Health Care (JNHC).
- "Post–Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, Relapse Prevention, and Homeopathy" Alternative and Complementary Therapies.
- "Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)" Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.
