| Is it a myth or reality, fact or fiction? The "pink | | | | to maintain quality recovery. All the work they have |
| cloud" is an experience common to almost everyone | | | | done in their addiction treatment center and self help |
| that seeks recovery from drug addiction or | | | | group has paid off and they experience a reprieve |
| alcoholism. Early stage recovery from drug addiction | | | | from all the difficulties that have crossed their path. |
| and alcoholism is a period of time that is comprised | | | | This reprieve, which is actually a feeling, lasts but for |
| of a great many challenges and feelings which are | | | | a period of time and as with any feeling, comes and |
| difficult to manage. The individual recovering from | | | | goes. As this feeling of excitement and acceptance |
| drug addiction or alcoholism may still be experiencing | | | | passes, the risk for relapse is great as the addict or |
| cravings, symptoms associated with withdrawal or | | | | alcoholic begin to doubt the quality of their recovery. |
| feelings for the first time in sobriety. Each day is a | | | | They become scared and thoughts of their drug |
| series of "ups and downs, highs and lows, usually | | | | addiction or alcoholism reappear. Addicts and |
| accompanied by depression, frustration, hopelessness, | | | | alcoholics will experience this "pink cloud" phenomenon |
| anger, resentment which the addict or alcoholic is | | | | many times in recovery. As their ability to cope with |
| accustomed to coping with through the use of drugs, | | | | feelings and situations increase and they become |
| alcohol or unhealthy behavioral choices. | | | | more committed to their relapse prevention program, |
| What is the "pink cloud"? | | | | the less likely relapse is to occur. |
| Then comes a day, followed by a series of days or | | | | For additional information on relapse prevention, |
| weeks, where the addict or alcoholic experiences | | | | addiction treatment, drug addiction or alcoholism, |
| acceptance. He or she is excited at the prospect of | | | | please refer to RecoveryConnection.org - a web site |
| what recovery from addiction and alcoholism has to | | | | dedicated to helping people overcome alcohol and |
| offer and feel as if they have grasped what it takes | | | | drug addiction. |