What is the “Pink Cloud”?

Addiction is a complex disease that can serve as the root cause of years of guilt, shame, sadness, and deep emotional pain. It might not always be noticeable in someone who is struggling with a substance use disorder, but the distress that they can experience can be profound and completely life-altering. So when a person gets into treatment and begins to come out of the thick fog that was their active addiction, it can be an eye-opening experience that produces feelings of happiness and joy. This is common for many people in recovery, but when these feelings become excessive and persistent, it can become problematic.

Overexcitement, excessive euphoria, and unshakable contentment are all symptoms consistent with pink cloud syndrome. Pink cloud syndrome occurs once a person has gotten sober, as they are “free” of their substance abuse and feeling filled with hope, possibility, and excitement for the future. And while being hopeful during treatment is extremely important, someone with pink cloud syndrome is not experiencing these emotions in healthy doses, rather experiencing them in a manner that keeps them disconnected from the reality of their recovery and riding a wave of a false sense of euphoria.

Recovering from addiction is not easy by any means, and going from a place of such significant struggle to being completely content and carefree is not a reality, which is why it is important to know what pink cloud syndrome is and why it can be dangerous.

Dangers Associated with Pink Cloud Syndrome

No one is going to tell someone in recovery that they cannot feel the feelings that they have. Recovering users will not be told to stop being happy or quit being hopeful for the future. But, when someone is suffering from pink cloud syndrome, it can be extremely important to bring a firmer sense of reality to that individual to prevent negative consequences from this state of being. This is because those who are riding the pink cloud tend to exhibit the following:

• Euphoria
• Grandiosity
• Arrogance
• Recklessness
• Impulsive behaviors

Each one of these symptoms, even on their own, can pose significant danger to a person in recovery, including the following.

Thinking the problem has gone away

When people get to a point in their newfound sobriety where they do not feel as though drugs or alcohol are needed in order to live a happy life, they can become euphoric to a point that threatens their recovery. The happiness that they feel can be so incredibly overwhelming and addictive in itself, causing some people to start thinking that they have somehow been “cured” or are no longer at risk for suffering from active addiction again. As a result, they might start thinking that things such as therapy or medication are even needed anymore and either become distant during their recovery or just stop engaging in necessary supports altogether.

Obviously, not getting treatment for a substance use disorder is extremely dangerous, as it often leads to further substance abuse and increased risk for overdose, which can be fatal. However, getting treatment but not playing an active role in recovery can be just as dangerous, as it can lead to relapse.

Feeling invincible

A false sense of reality often develops in people with pink cloud syndrome because they feel so good that they think that nothing bad can happen to them now that they are no longer using. The trouble with this thought process is that it is highly dangerous, as it threatens one’s recovery tremendously. Being overly-confident and behaving in a grandiose manner can stop those in recovery from getting the care they need. Their newfound carefree attitude and feelings of invincibility can make people feel like they do not need to participate in the recovery process because they are feeling as if they are better than their programs or treatment plans.

Acting impulsively

A major part of recovery is learning how to think prior to acting and reflect on one’s own actions. In doing this, clients are able to increase their ability to manage impulsive behaviors, which are commonly shared among addicts and alcoholics. However, having pink cloud syndrome can cause people to stop focusing on developing that skill, but instead do whatever they feel like doing in the moment. Impulsivity can quickly lead to relapse, because instead of attempting to work through a craving to use again, people in this situation are more apt to going for it and using whatever they want and when.

At some point or another, pink cloud syndrome dissipates and those who were struggling with it can be left with feelings of disappointment, sadness, and even depression. The reaction that someone can experience when the pink cloud clears can be enough to trigger the desire to use again, which can quickly cause him or her to spiral downward into the throes of addiction once more.

Dealing with the Pink Cloud

While pink cloud syndrome can be dangerous, it is not something that cannot be managed. It is common for people new to recovery to feel like they are better off than they really are, especially considering where they have come from. But, maintaining a steady treatment program can help make this period of time less threatening.

Understanding that the pink cloud is something that is not a true reality is step one in the process of handling this syndrome. From there, maintaining involvement in therapy and support groups, as well as continuing to take any medications as directed (if necessary) can keep individuals on the right path towards recovery. The pink cloud is absolutely something that can cause one to veer off track while trying to get sober, but understanding what this syndrome is and working through it despite grandiose feelings is the best and most effective way to stay on the road to recovery.

Get Help Now

The disease of addiction is one that can be difficult to manage, even when in recovery. At JourneyPure Clarksville, we can help you develop a strong foundation for your recovery so that you can continue to achieve success along the way.