Pink Cloud Effect For those in the early recovery

For those of you in the first few weeks of recovery who feel great right after detox is complete please read this article and be prepared and keep making plans to prevent relapse. This is a classic phenomonen and will lead to relapse. Remember...YOU CANT TAKE JUST A FEW.

The “pink cloud” is best described as a period of time where the addict or alcoholic experiences a reprieve from the struggles associated with early recovery. These struggles are generally associated with the feelings of depression, anger, resentment, self pity and the realization of where their drug addiction or alcoholism has taken them.

Upon experiencing this phenomenon for the first time, the addict or alcoholic is understandably excited. They begin to believe they now “hold the key” to their recovery. This is where the seed for relapse is planted. They begin to believe more in themselves than in the process they have been following. Without the pain as a daily reminder, they tend to forget about what it took for them to embrace recovery. Denial rears its ugly head and they minimize how devastating their drug addiction and alcoholism really was and that they have a disease of drug addiction and alcoholism that requires attention on a daily basis. Relapse prevention becomes an afterthought as the person becomes defiant and rebellious regarding suggestions contrary to their desires. Without resorting to drugs or alcohol, the individual in recovery is one step away from relapse. Remember, relapse is not an event, it is a process.

[WDsRawful]

when does "pink cloud" generally start?  around 30 days?

[WDsRawful]

nevermind my question....  i googled pink cloud.. it looks like it could hit anytime after the WD symptoms are gone.. we have to be on guard.

[desperatetostop]

thanks for that excellent reminder! I do have 10 years clean from Crack...and I never let myself forget what will happen if I do "only a little"...

Now, I just gotta relearn that lesson for the opiates!

[dominosarah]

Excellent post Corey....I remember hitting that pink cloud quite soon after i had gone thru wd.  Gotta always keep your guard up.........sara