How do you know if you’re Pink-Clouding? The negative side and Pros and cons of the Pink-Cloud phase. How to keep yourself safe? So, have you completed the rehabilitation phase of your therapy program? If yes, then you have moved into the light and sweet days of recovery. And I bet you are enjoying them, feeling exhilarated and good about your life, and looking forward to a bright future.
Now, you don’t have to bother googling “drug rehab baton rouge“? Seriously, what a relief! But is the current state of mind making you feel high? Too excited or too happy? If we go by what experts say, you may be pink-clouding. A few days into sobriety, and you’re already feeling secure about the whole process! It seems you will be able to manage sobriety easily. But unfortunately, this pink clouding ends soon, and many patients have reported to crash down in their recovery graphs once they face reality again. People experiencing this phase are reportedly overconfident about staying neat and sober.
The pink cloud phase refers to the initial stage of recovery from addiction. You’re just experiencing the other side of withdrawal that doesn’t involve emotional outbursts and physical distresses. As Cyndi Turner says, it’s the honeymoon phase of your recovery. You will feel good until the pink-cloud step starts dissipating.
How do you know if you’re Pink-Clouding?
It’s pretty easy to tell if you’re in the “Pink-Cloud” phase. Know-how.
- You feel optimistic
- Extreme joy and happiness
- Your emotional awareness increases
- You feel optimistic about your recovery
- You feel committed to your changing lifestyle.
There is not a fixed period to stipulate its duration, and it varies with individuals. But be careful, as there are vast possibilities that this absurd phase of short-lived euphoria may strike again. It is not a one-time thing that happens once and ends for all time.
Pink Clouding is double-edged: Pros and cons of the Pink-Cloud phase
Addiction can break you mentally, and at the same time, it can adversely affect your health. It takes a toll on your life, negatively impacting your present and future.
It is common for you to feel inadequate and purposeless during recovery. Also, It is essential to have a break from both mental and physical stresses. This is what the Pink-cloud phase does.
You look for new perspectives. You will feel content and protected. Unfortunately, it makes you have impractical expectations from people around you and the everyday activities of your life. We all know, life, in general, is mundane and very “regular.” Not every second, something good happens. For an average person, it is a said and tested truth. But for a person who is recovering from drug addiction, this monotonous state of normalcy may be haunting or disheartening.
The negative side of the Pink-cloud phase
Unrealistic and impossible sorts of expectations start setting in during this phase. You will have a positive outlook on almost everything. Now, this is a great trait. But not so great when you are recovering. You lose your sense of perseverance and start ignoring your real-life problems. To put it in another way, you start running away from your real world. Sounds horrible, right?
All and all, you come to a point when you will jeopardize the whole purpose of rehabilitation. As you may be,
- Having pointless expectations
- Giving out yourself to daydreams
- Becoming oblivious of the real-world
Why should you be careful during the “Pink-cloud” phase?
You have to be conscious. Try to detach yourself from the illusions that the Pink-cloud phase creates in your mind. Let your emotions flow again, but never let them control you.
What happens once the Pink-Cloud phase dissipates?
- Extreme physical and mental stress
- Depressive thoughts
- Increasing physical pain
- Extremity in responses to things and people like emotional outbursts and uncontrolled temperaments.
Things to avoid during early stages of sobriety:
Illusions of Permanence: The pink cloud phase makes you want to believe in your feelings of security and comfort. It leaves you wanting everything to be permanent and unchanged, which is not likely to happen.
You will get scared of changes: You might start feeling distressed about getting back to the everyday life that puts you open to challenges and hurdles. You will find yourself in a delusional state, unable to accept the actual circumstances.
Not seeking help: Improper understanding of your emotions during the pink-cloud phase is normal. Not seeking help during these times is a major mistake to avoid.
Looking for something addictive: You will start looking for new things to get addicted to. That might be a place or a person. A proper approach towards accepting changes is the best way to avoid falling into addiction again.
It’s not all that bad: How to keep yourself safe?
Teach yourself:
It might seem obvious. But all you need is thoughtfulness. Be aware of the challenges. Never let them change the person you are. The whole point of de-addiction is to bring back the life that you have lost to addiction. So, let it happen. Educate yourself about the effects and causes of the “Pink-cloud” phase.
Don’t let the phase overtake your emotions:
Recovering is a subjective thing. For some, it will be about discretion in making decisions and the liberty to choose their intentions. The Pink-cloud phase fills you with high-lifted moods. But, this is not going to last. Prepare yourself for the worst of times and stick on. Try to abide by rules that will help you unfasten yourself from the hold of chemical crutches, a.k.a tons of medication.
Keep the goodness intact:
Always try to be positive. It might help your emotions to stay regulated. Try to feel optimistic about the changes that happen inside and around you.
Bottom line
We all want to live forever. This might need a little effort from our end. Think about having a good self-care routine during the time. It improves your self-esteem and helps you get through tough times, all alone. Moreover, seek help when you need it. Stay hydrated throughout.
Try to be productive during this time and prepare yourself for the rough trail ahead.