What is Pink Could Syndrome In Sobriety?

A Closer Look at The Pink Clouding Effect

The term pink cloud or pink clouding is often a stage that people go through when they break through an addiction. And it is far from unique to alcohol.

When we are drinking constantly, our body and mental stability are taking an absolute battering. 

Pink clouding is a term that is used to describe a feeling when you have decided to rid yourself of the booze, and the feeling that follows. 

I personally 100% went through this exact experience, the very first time I managed to successfully quit alcohol.

I remember vividly the first time I managed to get through to day 7 (1 week solid!) of not drinking. It was quite a momentous experience for me, and I was feeling great about it. Proud, and quite rightly so as anyone should, hitting a milestone like that!

Then a month passed. Then 2 months. I was feeling on top of the world.

My sleep was improving, I was feeling more energetic and I was getting compliments from friends and family about how well I looked or ‘seemed’ in general. The feeling was amazing – like I was living on a cloud.

Everywhere I went, I was telling people that I had chosen to become alcohol-free, and it was the best feeling ever. This feeling was very natural in my eyes, and turns out it is a very common trait for anyone quitting alcohol, or other substances for that matter.

When a person stops drinking, their body starts to get better nutrients, they may feel more energetic, and they may feel more vibrant.

Often when we take away a poison like alcohol from our body, one so strong that it drains the very life out of you, you may even feel euphoric and elated.  This can be seen as a good thing as you are finally free of something that has been holding you back for so long. 

Holding you back in your personal life, your social life and your work life.  Basically, every aspect of your life.  When you experience this sort of feeling, it has been described as the Pink cloud effect or the pink cloud experience. 
Welcome to the pink cloud.

What exactly is the pink cloud? What does it mean?

In sobriety, “pink clouding” refers to a psychological state experienced by some individuals who have recently stopped using alcohol or other addictive substances. It is characterized by a period of intense euphoria, happiness, and optimism during the early stages of recovery. The term “pink cloud” originates from the idea that everything appears rosy and bright during this phase.

When someone quits using alcohol or drugs, their brain undergoes significant chemical and neurological changes. Substance abuse alters the brain’s reward system, leading to dependence on the substance for the release of pleasure-inducing neurotransmitters like dopamine. When the individual stops using the addictive substance, the brain starts to rebalance its chemistry, leading to a surge in dopamine production and an overall sense of elation.

During the pink cloud phase, individuals often experience a boost in their mood, feeling on top of the world and filled with a newfound sense of hope and excitement. They may have increased energy levels, clearer thinking, and a more positive outlook on life. This period can be highly motivating and serve as a powerful driving force to continue their journey toward sobriety.

However, it’s essential to note that the pink cloud is a temporary state. As the brain adjusts to the absence of the addictive substance and dopamine levels stabilize, the intense feelings of euphoria begin to subside. This is a normal part of the recovery process, and as the pink cloud dissipates, individuals may start to face other challenges associated with sobriety.

What causes this phenomenon?

The person is so happy, on a natural high for achieving something that has destroyed their every morsel previously.  It is very natural to be pleased about such an achievement, but often people can get ‘too’ pleased.  Expectations about the rest of their lives get lifted….well beyond realistic expectations.  This is what is described as the pink cloud.

Is the pink cloud dangerous?

When experiencing a recovery in sobriety, yes, these phases and feelings are quite a common experience – feeling fantastic as if a massive weight has been lifted from your shoulders and you can enjoy life to the fullest.  But, this experience can give you quite unrealistic expectations about what life is going to be like.  Yes, these amazing feelings offer hope and a future for those who do experience it, the cloud can cover up the vision of the real problems that one may have to face.  These blinding experiences are often followed by disappointment, which could put a person back to wanting to drink again – exactly where they have worked so hard to be free from.

This is exactly what happened to me. I was so happy about my new-found or regained life that I got comfortable that I had now cracked it. I was now free from the addiction to alcohol. I thought, that as a new man, I could ‘take it or leave it’.

I decided that I would try it out, which is one of the dangerous points of the pink cloud. I tried it, and before I knew it I had relapsed. And seemingly being able to drink just as much as I had done with a 6-month break in drinking every night. Straight back into it. Bang. And at the blink of an eye, I was back to drinking heavily, every night.

The first few days I was convincing myself that it was ok to do this – I had just completed 6 months straight without a drink. That was the longest that I had remained alcohol-free in my adult life, so I could easily do it again. How wrong I was. The Pink Cloud Syndrome – something that I had not even heard of before – had gotten me, and I walked straight into it.

What to do if you experience pink cloud syndrome.

Having an awareness of your experience is an amazing thing.  To an extent, you can enjoy the feelings – after all, you have done great and should be very proud of yourself.  And who doesn’t like to feel great?  But, keeping yourself in check is vital, something I learned only too well.

Take time out of your day to give yourself an awareness of what is going on around you.  Remember that these ‘high’ feelings are nice but there is still a real-life out there that you will have to live with once this feeling has died down.   Take the time to take care of yourself, relax.  Absolutely do not give yourself a hard time about the experience of pink cloud…but within realistic boundaries. 

This can be a difficult challenge, but it is all part of your own sober journey.  And remember, it is YOUR journey. 

The Benefits of pink clouding

Let’s be real here. The benefits of quitting alcohol are simply immense, and it would be a total lie to suggest that we would not feel good about many aspects of ourselves, once we have ditched the booze, right?

With this, fantastic feelings will come – a ‘red flag’ when it comes to sobriety. But do not deny yourself of feeling fantastic from ridding alcohol from your body.

Remember, the turning point where your guard should be up most, is when you have convinced yourself that you have ‘cured’ yourself or you can now moderate….or whatever reason that starts to justify why you should have a drink.

Deal with that, and enjoy all the nice things that pink clouding can bring!

How to deal with your life post-pink cloud.

Please remember, there is absolutely nothing wrong with aspects of the pink cloud.  Feeling great is…well, a great feeling.  Please be aware though that these euphoric feelings of freedom are temporary and at some point, reality will kick in. 

I really don’t want to be in any way negative about anybody’s journey to sobriety, but it is often at these points of over-confidence that the pink cloud offers, that people can become complacent. 

The amazing feeling that you have finally beaten the booze can leave you susceptible to the possibility of a relapse, and that is the exact thing that you don’t want to do. Healthline also have some great tips on how to deal with life post-pink cloud.

You have just done all of that amazing work in changing and regaining your life, don’t let an experience like the pink cloud syndrome put you back to where you first started! 

Being armed with the knowledge that what you are experiencing is common, and that the natural highs will disappear is solid information to know. 

There are a lot of positives to be taken away from pink cloud syndrome.  Keep those outlooks with you as you move through your sober journey.

Similar to knowing your own triggers, knowing this will change will allow you to be prepared for it and continue with your beautiful life of sobriety 😊

In summary