On Addiction: Pink Cloud
Welcome to the third of our multi-part series on understanding addiction. In this series, we will take a dive into all aspects of addictions recovery to set you up for success wherever you may be along your road to sobriety. We continue to learn with Chrissy LaCivita, LCSW, LCDC-intern. Chrissy is an expert and advocate in addiction recovery and is the newest member of our team of therapists, here at Salyer Counseling Group.
This series focuses on points to be aware of when you first get sober from an experienced addictions therapist. Today we will take a deeper dive into the pink cloud.
PINK CLOUD
Speaking of attitude, anyone who has ever been in the recovery world has heard of the pink cloud. The cotton candy, la-la land, rose-colored glasses portion of early recovery, which may sound great in theory, but is actually the biggest risk to early sobriety.
Euphoria, excitement, elation, total confidence, and a complete desire for sobriety describe this syndrome. Liken to the honeymoon phase of a relationship, we are totally IN LOVE with sobriety and any potential pitfalls or red flags are blurring on the side of the road. Which is exactly the problem. Though there are other signs of pink clouding, the aforementioned pretty much sums up what to look out for in most people.
RAINBOWS COME WITH STORMS
Gratitude and a positive mindset are recipes for success in all aspects of life, however when we are completely obsessed with the rainbows and ignore the storm clouds, we might get wet.
One issue that accompanies addiction is lack of balance or moderation (duh). But it’s not just moderation with substances that addicts struggle with. Just like in our use, substances fogged up our judgment or dulled our senses to make dealing with life easier or maybe even made living more fun.
Financial stress too much to deal with? Relationship issues making you sad? Mental health symptoms that only seem to go away after a shot or 2? Pink clouding acts like the band-aid drugs and alcohol used to be. “No, everything is wonderful, even though my husband still is emotionally abusive, I’m sober and it’s all great and nothing can touch me!” “Yeah, I can totally go to that party where there’s alcohol, even though I have really bad social anxiety and used to drink to deal with it, I can handle it because I’m in recovery!”
THE FALL FROM THE CLOUD
Though positivity can make the recovery process easier, the fall from the cloud can be devastating. Like in our addictions, we come down off that high, we want to be back on it. We know from experience that substances can lift our mood back up and after falling off the cloud, it sounds pretty tempting. This is the time where our recovery is most at jeopardy because reality comes and smacks you right in the face to remind you that everything is not great. Don’t get me wrong, the world is wonderful and full of great things, but not EVERY aspect of it is great and often, it’s just sort of ok. Our addict brain will tell us that drugs can make it all great after that pink cloud passes over head.
There is no consistent data at this time for me to tell you when exactly the pink cloud shows up and when exactly people fall off of it. It is as random as the disease of addiction itself and is just something to be aware of or to look out for. In reality, the person experiencing the pink cloud has no idea it is happening and more often than not it is someone in your recovery circle who tells you you’re on one.
If you find yourself here, it’s not a death sentence and you are not doomed to a miserable life after the come down or an imminent relapse. What it does mean though is you’ll have to be a little bit more careful and really be open to feedback from others on how to handle the situations of your life.
Challenge yourself to look more realistically at situations and be willing to feel more than just the positive feelings. Things suck sometimes and that doesn’t make sobriety any less worth the effort. But enjoy it while it lasts. An outsider looking in I can tell you at times I am jealous of that natural high!
Written by Christina LaCivita, LCSW, LCDC-intern
Keep following along to learn more about addiction and understand the symptoms and challenges of sobriety. We will continue to different element of addiction recovery to equip you with the tools for success.
Are you wondering if addiction therapy could be a part of your journey to addiction recovery and living the life that you desire? Let’s connect! Learn more about addiction therapy services, our therapists, or other counseling services at our Arlington, Tx base therapy practice. We would love to connect with you!
