I wish I had heard about ‘pink cloud syndrome’ before starting the treatment so I was better prepared for it. – A client at ChoicePoint.
The pink cloud begins during the initial stage of recovery. During this phase, a person becomes euphoric and confident about the recovery. Once this phase lifts, maintaining sobriety can become challenging for some individuals. Read on to find:
- What is the pink cloud?
- How long does the pink cloud last
- Fool-proof tips to navigate through the challenges of pink cloud
- What comes after the pink cloud
ChoicePoint, a premier drug rehab in New Jersey accepting most insurance plans, including Medicaid & Medicare drug rehab coverage, offers mental health and addiction recovery aftercare plans for lifelong sobriety. Call 844.445.2565 to schedule an appointment.
Table of Contents
What Is Pink Cloud? Understanding Pink Cloud Syndrome In Alcohol Addiction Recovery
Pink cloud phenomena are expected during the early stages of recovery. The term pink cloud was coined by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It usually occurs after alcohol detox or completion of treatment.
Drugs and alcohol make changes to the brain and balance of neurotransmitters. Once you complete detox, the fog lifts. You recover from the toxic effects of drugs and alcohol and enjoy newly attained sobriety. Your body readjusts the neurotransmitter balance, and you may feel euphoric. This phase is called the pink cloud or honeymoon phase.
The problem arises when this phase ends and you adjust back to reality. Some individuals find it difficult to adapt to real-life situations and may find it difficult to maintain sobriety.
How Long Does The Pink Cloud Phase Last?
The duration of the pink cloud may be different for every individual. It usually lasts from three weeks, but psychological symptoms may persist longer. The duration of the pink cloud depends on:
- How well you are coping with the symptoms
- The presence of co-occurring disorders
- Diagnosed with polysubstance abuse (using more than one drug) or using medications such as Xanax, Benzodiazepines, or Suboxone with alcohol
What Comes After The Pink Cloud?
Clients sometimes set unrealistic expectations during pink clouding. But, once they settle into sobriety, not feeling euphoric or dramatic emotions can feel unfamiliar and discouraging. I always tell my clients that this is their chance to dig deeper, find purpose, and experience a gradual but profound change – Jessica Plonchak (Licensed Addiction Counselor)
Clients sometimes set unrealistic expectations during pink clouding. But, once they settle into sobriety, not feeling euphoric or dramatic emotions can feel unfamiliar and discouraging. I always tell my clients that this is their chance to dig deeper, find purpose, and experience a gradual but profound change – Jessica Plonchak (Licensed Addiction Counselor)
Once the pink cloud ends, a person may feel various emotions. Recovery and adjusting to real life may seem overwhelming. Some individuals must start their jobs, face relationships, and adapt to daily routines. After pink clouding, euphoric and confident feelings may fade, leading to frustration and exhaustion. But with the right support system and coping skills, you can overcome this stage and enjoy your recovery.
Pink Cloud Syndrome in Recovery
11 Expert’s Tips To Stay On Recovery Track Once The Pink Cloud Lifts
The following tips will help you stay sober and find the motivation to continue your sobriety journey.
- Setting Realistic And SMART Goals
- Practice Gratidue And Self-Love
- Keep Your Support System Close
- Write Out Your Feelings To Understand Them Better
- Find Purpose In Your Life
- Adapt New Productive Hobbies
- Remember Why You Opted For Sobriety
- Acknowledge Your Milestones And Set Realistic Expectations
- Joining Support Groups
- Don’t Shy Away From Asking For Help
- Opt For Aftercare Treatment Programs.
1. Setting Realistic And SMART Goals
Setting a goal is different than running up and down the field but never scoring. Setting realistic goals will help you take responsibility for your actions and feel proud when you reach an important milestone. To make sure your goals are achievable, we recommend the SMART approach:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
2. Practice Gratidue And Self-Love
You have been through a challenging recovery journey. Do not be too hard on yourself; credit yourself for completing your treatment.
If you feel depressed or sad after the pink clouding effect, practice gratitude. Be thankful to all you have achieved. Appreciate little things in life. These can be as small as eating your favorite breakfast in a park or listening to birds chirping and children playing.
3. Keep Your Support System Close
Whenever you feel demotivated, lean on your support system to lift you. Your support system can be anyone who understands you: your spouse, family, kids, counselors, recovery groups, or peers. They will uplift you and help you ride this challenging time to emerge as a warrior.
4. Write Out Your Feelings To Understand Them Better
Writing or saying your feelings out loud can give you better clarity about your emotions and feelings. You can list down how you feel, what caused this feeling, and a plan to overcome like the table below:
Feelings |
Solution |
| Lack of motivation to go to your addiction counselor appointment | List the reasons causing this hold-back. Write the pros and cons of your decision to understand the consequences |
| Feeling depressed | Write exactly how you feel. Recall your recent interactions and try to identify the event that is making you feel depressed. Then, list possible solutions to resolve the conflict. |
5. Find Purpose In Your Life
Finding a purpose in life is essential to living life to the fullest and navigating the challenges of the pink cloud. If you have set goals and a clear direction in life, you can overcome any hurdle.
While finding a purpose may come naturally to some people, others may find it challenging. Here is how you can identify your purpose:
- Identify the things you value
- Reflect on what matters the most to you
- Identify your talents and strengths
- Imagine your best possible self
- Write where you want to see yourself in the next 10 years.
6. Adapt New Productive Hobbies
Jessica Plonchak (Executive Clinical Director) recommends adopting a productive habit to distract yourself from the treatment challenges.
“I always tell my clients to adopt a hobby. This can be anything you love. It can be as simple as walking a dog, writing a journal, or trying new recipes.”
Hobbies make you happy and relax your mind. They give you a sense of productivity and occupy your mind so you have fewer lonely or depressive thoughts.
7. Remember Why You Opted For Sobriety
If adjusting to an addiction-free life becomes overwhelming to you, remember why you chose to be sober in the first place. It must be to reconnect with your loved ones or feel your best version. Transitioning to real life may seem difficult initially, but remember, it is just a phase. Soon, you will enjoy your sobriety, be with your loved ones, and feel the mental peace you longed for.
8. Acknowledge Your Milestones And Set Realistic Expectations
Remember, addiction and mental health recovery are small steps in the right direction. If you start to doubt yourself after the pink cloud lifts, take a moment to remember your progress. Celebrate all the milestones you have achieved during recovery. This will help you stay motivated. You have come this far. You are strong enough to navigate the triggers and stay on the path to sobriety.
9. Joining Support Groups
Nothing is better than sharing your struggles with someone who has been in your shoes. Support groups or group therapies give you a sense of belonging.
“Support groups are more than just connecting with like peers. These are safe spaces created to help you speak your heart out without the fear of judgment. These offer emotional support, friendships, personal experiences, and firsthand coping strategies to help you commit to recovery.” – Cheryl Holman (Peer Recovery Support Specialist)
| Suggested read: 10 transformative CBT group activities essential for substance abuse recovery |
10. Don’t Shy Away From Asking For Help
Please do not hesitate to ask for help if self-help techniques are not improving your condition. Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider. They will guide you in overcoming the blues you are feeling.
11. Opt For Aftercare Treatment Programs
Aftercare programs are usually recommended for individuals who have complete inpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment. The care plans are specifically targeted to teach you:
- Coping strategies to overcome triggers
- Relapse prevention techniques
- Improving emotional regulation
- Seamless transition to an addiction-free life.
Call 844.445.2565 to receive online or on-site help from insurance-covered rehab in NJ.
Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.
Pink Cloud In Mental Health And Depression Treatment
Pink clouds can also occur during depression treatment. You may begin to feel good during the early stages. This may result in a person thinking that they have fully recovered and may become overconfident. They may mistake it for healing and discontinue their treatment. However, once the pink cloud lifts, you may feel discouraged or disappointed about the progress. During this time, it is essential to seek professional help so that mental health experts can help you with long-term sobriety.
Sobriety Maintainance And Aftercare Recovery Program In New Jersey
The most effective strategy to get over a pink cloud is to talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you understand your feelings. ChoicePoint offers an aftercare long-term mental health healing at a New Jersey-based alcohol and drug rehab center. Our aftercare programs include:
- Solution-focused therapy sessions
- Online assistance and support
- Custom coping mechanisms for triggers
- Mental healing strategies
Feeling sad or depressed? Our online addiction therapists can help you process your feelings. Call 844.445.2565 to schedule an appointment or verify your insurance plans, as we accept most insurance plans in New Jersey.
We Accept Most Insurance Programs
Additional Questions Related To The Pink Cloud Syndrome
We often get these questions related to the pink cloud phase.
What To Do if I Am Experiencing Pink Cloud Syndrome?
Remember, this phase is temporary and will pass. If you are experiencing a pink cloud, we recommend you talk to your healthcare provider. Commit to your treatment plan and apply the coping techniques learned during your treatment.
What Causes Pink Cloud?
The exact reason for the pink cloud is unknown. But drugs and alcohol mess up your body. Once you detox, your body adjusts the balance of neurotransmitters, and you begin to feel good and euphoric.
What Does Pink Cloud Feel Like?
A person may feel euphoric, experience extreme happiness, and experience intense optimism. They may also feel overconfident about their recovery.
Does Pink Cloud Lead To A Relapse?
Pink cloud may lead to a relapse if you discontinue your treatment. You will triumph in this phase if you commit to the treatment and your goals.
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
Get the Support You Need Right Away!
Get the Support You Need Right Away!
