Many people who complete addiction treatment don’t know what to expect in the first year of sobriety.
While recovery is an emotional rollercoaster full of plenty of twists and turns, the pink cloud phenomenon is a common stage of addiction recovery. As an addiction rehab in Pompano, we know all about recovery from addiction and understand that many people go through a temporary moment of bliss in their first year sober, otherwise known as the pink cloud phenomenon.
What Is the Pink Cloud Phenomenon?
The pink cloud phenomenon, also known as pink cloud syndrome, refers to a natural high of euphoria and pleasure that many people experience during the early stages of recovery from addiction. This stage was coined as the pink cloud phenomenon by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). While it’s not a specifically defined term in the Big Book, most individuals who have undergone drug or alcohol addiction treatment have heard of pink cloud. This honeymoon phase of sobriety can be very pleasurable and often makes people feel as if they’re on top of the world. While pink cloud syndrome can make the recovering addict feel amazing, this feeling is often short-lived. Like any other life-changing process in life, recovering from addiction may present some challenges. Without support and consistency, a person may struggle to stay on track after the pink cloud stage of recovery has ended.
How Long Does the Pink Cloud Phenomenon Last?
While it would be nice if this constant feeling of happiness could last, it doesn’t work out that way. The pink cloud phenomenon may last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the person and the amount of support they receive after rehab. For some people, experiencing the pink cloud in recovery may occur several times and not just in the earlier stages.
What Happens When It’s Over?
Although the pink cloud phenomenon is a generally pleasant phase, it can cause some problems. Many recovering addicts who experience pink cloud in the early stages of their sobriety may develop unrealistic expectations of how the rest of their life will play out. It can also produce a false sense of security and blind the person to their obligations and responsibilities. When the pink cloud stage fades, it can also leave behind disappointment. That’s why it’s important to have a solid support system.
People in recovery should stay in constant contact with their sponsor and attend group meetings to connect with other recovering addicts. It’s also important for these individuals to have the skills they need for long-lasting sobriety. At Banyan Treatment Centers Pompano, we offer a relapse prevention program that can teach recovering addicts healthy ways to achieve their recovery goals.
Experiencing pink cloud in addiction recovery is common. It can be easy to get caught up in the euphoria of the early stages of recovery and ignore the challenges that lay ahead. It’s important to build a strong foundation of support in order to stay on track with your sobriety. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or with their sobriety, call Banyan Pompano today at 888-280-4763 for more information about our rehab center in Florida as well as our alumni program.
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