Pink cloud syndrome is an event that can occur during a person’s recovery from a substance use disorder. Learn about its effects and origins and how to overcome it.
Pink cloud syndrome is when a person feels exhilarated or overjoyed during their first stages of recovery from a substance use disorder. The pink cloud feeling was first described in people who were in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which is an effective program to help people recover from alcohol use disorders.
Pink cloud syndrome describes when a person is gratified with their recovery and confident that they will be able to keep abstaining from the substance in the future. However, having too much confidence too early in the recovery process can be detrimental to a person’s success in the long run.
What Is Pink Cloud Syndrome?
As described by people in AA, the pink cloud is a temporary feeling of euphoria toward their recovery process. Some people might describe it as feeling “high on life.” For people in AA, the pink cloud can potentially lead them to stop participating in the program or let their guard down when it comes to sticking to their treatment plan.
Pink Cloud Syndrome Dangers
Pink cloud syndrome is dangerous to addiction recovery because it can result in a person stopping their treatment process, thinking that they have overcome their substance use disorder and no longer need help. A person with pink cloud syndrome who is living “in the clouds” may have no fear of resuming substance use or believe that there is no possible way their feeling of joy could go away.
This type of attitude is dangerous to addiction recovery because the recovery process is rarely perfect and there is most likely going to be struggles along the way. The pink cloud may create unrealistic expectations for the person as they begin their recovery process. It is beneficial for individuals recovering from addiction to understand the realities of the process. Otherwise, a person experiencing pink cloud syndrome may be caught off guard if something does happen to hinder their recovery process. This can lead to extreme feelings of disappointment, which may lead to a potential setback.
The high feeling of pink cloud syndrome may also cause people in recovery to avoid real-life challenges, thinking that everything will be fine because they are feeling so good. However, when the pink cloud fades, the person may be left feeling hopeless and discouraged with their treatment progress.
Can the Pink Cloud Lead to Relapse?
Yes, it is possible that pink cloud syndrome can lead to relapse. When the happy feelings fade, and the person is left to face the reality of their recovery path, they may resort back to substance use to cope with those feelings.
On the other hand, if the feeling of euphoria lasts for a while, and the person believes they can manage their recovery on their own, they may stop participating in treatment. It is important for individuals to stay active in their treatment plan, even when it is going well and it feels like nothing could go wrong. Studies have found that people with alcohol use disorders who do not participate in a treatment plan are more likely to relapse into alcohol use than those who do participate in treatment.
Therapy, treatment plans and peer support programs like AA are designed to help a person through the steps of recovery and avoid the pink cloud. The Pink cloud of recovery can be managed if the person realizes what they are experiencing and has the tools to stay on track.
Tips for Managing the Pink Cloud and Preventing Relapse
In many cases, a setback will occur during a person’s recovery. It is uncommon for someone to make it through a treatment program without making a few mistakes. Relapse prevention strategies can help a person stay on track with their recovery, overcome challenges and avoid situations like the pink cloud.
Setback prevention focuses on making changes in a person’s life to set them up for success in recovery. Making a setback prevention plan can be helpful to know how to cope with situations like the pink cloud. This process involves developing techniques to deal with conditions that might trigger a craving and building a support system that will encourage you to stick to your plan. Despite having a plan, a setback can still occur. 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.
If you or a loved one are dealing with a substance use disorder and are looking for more support on your road to recovery, The Recovery Village can help. Contact The Recovery Village today to speak with a representative. Find out how our professional addiction treatment plans can help and take the first step toward a healthier future.
Kaskutas, Lee Ann. “Alcoholics Anonymous Effectiveness: Faith Meets Science.” Journal of Addictive Diseases, September 18, 2009. Accessed September 12, 2019.
Moos, Rudolf H.; Moos, Bernice S. “Rates and predictors of relapse after na[…]lcohol use disorders.” Addiction, February 2006. Accessed September 12, 2019.
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