Recovery is exciting. Reconnecting with yourself and discovering how much life has to offer beyond the fog of drugs and alcohol can be exhilarating, but it’s important to remember that recovery comes one step at a time. While we may want to hit the ground running, being mindful in early recovery can help you avoid the dangers of ‘ Riding The Pink Cloud.’

What Does ‘Riding The Pink Cloud’ Mean?

‘Riding the Pink Cloud’ is a common term in the recovery community. Originating in Alcoholics Anonymous groups, the ‘pink cloud’ is used to describe the feeling of elation, false confidence, and invulnerability early recovery can instill. We feel exuberated, ready to take on the world, and like nothing can stand in our way. And while this motivation and inspiration is a great place to start for your new life in sobriety, ‘riding the pink cloud’ refers to the risky, often dangerous behavior that comes along with it.

The early days of addiction recovery can feel like entirely new territory. After spending such a long time dependent on drugs and alcohol to cope with life, learning how to navigate it with a sober mind is akin to learning to walk again. The first steps are scary, but life-affirming in a way many don’t anticipate. While we may expect to experience uncertainty, fear, grief, or anger, feelings like joy, pleasure, excitement, and hope can be a welcome surprise. 

The mental and spiritual shifts of recovery opens our eyes to new possibilities. The urge to explore and test our new boundaries is enticing, but doing so can prove dangerous. Losing sight of our priorities in the early days of sober living can leave us vulnerable to sliding back into active addiction.

The Dangers of Overconfidence in Early Recovery

A common misconception when it comes to addiction recovery is that completing rehab treatment means you’re ‘cured.’ This isn’t the case. Recovery and sobriety are a lifelong journey that requires continued mindfulness and active effort. Because substance abuse disorders are often a symptom of other issues that need to be addressed, ignoring the work of maintaining sobriety and internal healing creates a ticking time bomb. Left unchecked, those who stray away from the path almost inevitably experience relapse.

But for people who are ‘riding the pink cloud’, the inverse seems true. It feels as if you are untouchable and ready to take on anything and everything. Even warnings from those who are further on their journey may fall on deaf ears. The skills and lessons learned during treatment fall to the wayside and we may begin toeing the line too closely. Some potential signs include:

• Returning to the places and people associated with active use
• Being present while others are actively using
• Relying on willpower instead of using mindfulness and other coping skills
• Skipping meetings and therapy sessions
• Excusing use of other substances because it is not your ‘drug of choice’
• Trying to reason why occasional use would be okay
• Distancing yourself from your recovery support system

Avoiding the subtle dangers of the ‘pink cloud’ and overconfidence in early recovery is a matter of mindfulness and personal accountability. Where we cannot always see the harm in our actions and decisions, others can help make up for these blind spots. At Niznik Behavioral Health, our treatment programs include continued levels of care like outpatient treatment and alumni support services. Whether you are beginning your journey today or just looking for help on the next step, we’re here for you.