Rehabs and recovery groups often warn people new to recovery about the ‘pink cloud’. This is a time when someone has first stopped using substances and feel elated, like their life is going great, and that just because they have stopped drinking or using, that they have no problems.
While this is a great introduction to recovery, if you are having a pink cloud, you should be wary for two reasons. According to experts from United Recovery California, pink clouds can cause an elation that leads you to putting your guard down, and may ultimately lead to relapse.
Secondly, pink clouds don’t last forever. It can be a crushing experience having spent a few months after rehab surfing on a cloud of apparently endless optimism, to suddenly being kicked back into the real world, with all the issues that this entails.
This article will inform you of why pink clouds happen, signs that you are currently experiencing a pink cloud, how you can safely enjoy your pink cloud, and what to do after you are out of it.
What Is a Pink Cloud?
A pink cloud is when someone in early recovery feels elated and like their life is going great. It’s often compared to being on a cloud, hence the name. This usually happens because they have stopped drinking or using substances and are feeling the benefits of sobriety. However, it’s important to be aware that this feeling is not always accurate. Just because you have stopped using substances doesn’t mean that all your problems have magically disappeared.
5 Signs that You are Currently Experiencing a Pink Cloud:
1. You Are Feeling Happier and More Optimistic Than Usual
If you feel elated soon after getting sober, you may be on a pink cloud. This is especially true if you are feeling happier and more optimistic than usual. It’s normal to feel good after getting sober, but be careful not to let the elation become too extreme.
2. You Start Taking Risks
A pink cloud can cause you to take risks that you wouldn’t normally take. This is because you may feel invincible and like nothing can touch you. However, this is often not the case and you may end up doing something that could jeopardize your sobriety.
3. You Become Isolated
When you’re on a pink cloud, you may start to isolate yourself from others. This is because you may feel like you don’t need anyone else and that you can handle everything on your own. However, this isolation can lead to problems down the road.
4. You neglect your recovery
If you’re on a pink cloud, you may start to neglect your recovery. This is because you may feel like you don’t need it anymore and that you can handle everything on your own. However, this can be a dangerous attitude to have and it’s important to stay focused on your recovery.
5. You Start to Believe That You Are Better Than Others
One of the signs of a pink cloud is starting to believe that you are better than others. This is because you may feel like you have it all together and that you are above everyone else. However, this is a dangerous attitude to have and it can lead to problems down the road.
How You Can Safely Enjoy Your Pink Cloud:
1. Be Mindful of the Dangers
While it’s important to enjoy your pink cloud, it’s also important to be mindful of the dangers. As mentioned before, a pink cloud can lead to relapse if you are not careful. It can also be a crushing experience when it ends, and you may find yourself feeling down and out.
2. Don’t Let Your Elation Become Too Extreme
It’s normal to feel good after getting sober, but be careful not to let the elation become too extreme. This can lead to problems down the road.
3. Stay Connected to Your Support System
While you may feel like you don’t need anyone on a pink cloud, it’s important to stay connected to your support system. This will help you stay grounded and that support system will be there for you when the pink cloud ends.
4. Keep Up With Your Recovery
Just because you’re feeling good doesn’t mean that you can neglect your recovery. It’s important to keep up with your recovery program and not let your pink cloud get in the way.
What To Do When Your Pink Cloud Ends:
1. Don’t despair
When your pink cloud ends, it’s important not to despair. This is because it’s a natural part of recovery and it doesn’t mean that you’re doing anything wrong.
2. Talk to someone
If you find yourself feeling down after your pink cloud ends, talk to someone. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or sponsor. Talking to someone can help you process your feelings and will give you some perspective.
3. Stay connected to your support system
Staying connected to your support system is important during this time. They can provide you with the love and support you need to get through this tough time.
4. Focus on your recovery
It’s important to focus on your recovery during this time. This means keeping up with your meetings, therapy, and sponsors. Recovery is the most important thing right now and it will help you get through this tough time.
The Takaway
While a pink cloud can be a wonderful experience, it’s important to be mindful of the dangers. This is because a pink cloud can lead to relapse if you are not careful. It’s also important to stay connected to your support system and keep up with your recovery during this time. If you find yourself feeling down after your pink cloud ends, talk to someone. This can help you process your feelings and get through this tough time.
