The pink cloud in recovery refers to a period where the client feels exuberant and confident. While these feelings as a whole can be enjoyable, some pitfalls can occur. It generally occurs in the beginning stages of recovery or treatment and is accompanied by a sense of extreme confidence in one’s recovery.
The Pink Cloud in Recovery
It is common to experience the pink cloud during inpatient treatment. However, it can extend past this point as you return to your daily life. During the pink cloud of recovery, you have a sense of excitement and confidence about how your life will look while substance-free. You have newfound energy and may even experience a sense of extreme peace. Common symptoms of the pink cloud in recovery include the following:
- An extremely optimistic view on life and recovery
- Feelings of delight and exhilaration
- Confidence that you are past addiction
- Little to no concern about relapse or future substance issues
- Feeling like nothing can derail you in your sobriety
These feelings initially sound enjoyable. While it is important to believe in yourself, the pink cloud of recovery includes being overconfident and unrealistic. This can occur to the extent that you lose the ability to be honest with yourself and the situation.
Pitfalls of the Pink Cloud in Recovery
There are two main problems of the pink cloud in recovery: overconfidence and honesty. Below, we will discuss each individually, as well as methods to find a balance between a positive outcome and a realistic view.
#1. Overconfidence
Confidence in your ability to change is critical in recovery. However, overconfidence can cause many issues. It has been found in all age groups; however, it is more common in more challenging tasks, such as addiction recovery. It is a normal tendency, as it can make you feel better than others.
However, overconfidence can be an issue in recovery. A feeling like you are above relapse can set you up with the expectation that nothing will derail you. Recovery is a long-term process with many ups and downs. It requires making changes and living them daily. That means that you may have days where you do think about substance use and need to seek help. Believing that nothing can derail your sobriety can set you up to feel like if it does, something is wrong.
Being confident in your recovery requires a balance. It means that you learn to gain confidence in the long-term process rather than expecting yourself to be past addiction. Sobriety takes continual work, and while it will get easier as you rebuild your life, there may be times — even years after treatment — when you need to reach out for addiction support.
If you are feeling overconfident, it may feel disappointing to acknowledge that sobriety takes lasting practice. The pink cloud of recovery may feel good immediately, but acknowledging its weak point can help you to prevent relapse.
#2. Honesty
One of the main goals of treatment is to decrease the risk of relapse; the main component of this is honesty. Being honest allows a person to address issues as they arise, reaching out for help or making adjustments as needed. While in the pink cloud in recovery, there is a lack of honesty. You can feel so exuberant and excited that you forget or glaze over other sensations or signals.
Research has shown that being completely honest is a helpful skill in preventing relapse. Recovery is a process of change, and part of becoming sober is acknowledging feelings and truths that you avoided by using substances. In the pink cloud in recovery, it can be easy to minimize issues, covering them up with optimism instead of addressing them.
Managing Expectations: Avoid the Pink Cloud in Recovery
Setting goals and managing expectations are ways to avoid the pink cloud in recovery. When you have an honest appraisal of what a life of sobriety looks like, you can set yourself up for success. High expectations often lead to shame or guilt if they are not met. At the same time, low expectations can minimize opportunities to grow. Finding expectations that you connect with and that help you grow is an integral part of treatment.
In recovery, as in life, there will always be ups and downs. Sometimes living a sober life may feel easy, while other times, you will need consistent effort and support. That is completely normal, and expecting it can help you be prepared. Knowing that there will be ups and downs helps, giving you time and reason to build a network of support that you can reach out to. At the beginning of recovery, you may not know what your life will look like without substance use. You will relearn daily life as well as what support you need as you move through detox and treatment.
In the beginning stages of recovery, the pink cloud can make your world look overly bright and optimistic. While positive feelings are nice, a realistic view of addiction, recovery, and expectations is vital in preventing relapse. Here at Pacific Sands Recovery Center, we offer individualized treatment plans. We teach skills that clients can take back into their daily life, including understanding what to expect. From professional care in detox to residential and outpatient care, we support you in order to live a healthy and sober life. Your time will be spent with other like-minded people looking for addiction and mental health treatment. Call us today at (949) 426-7962 to learn more.
