

That’s why it’s so important for individuals in recovery to be aware of their triggers (and what potential high risk situations they need to avoid). Individuals under a pink cloud may have a false sense of confidence while not yet having a solid foundation for their recovery, adds Sternlicht. “Being on a pink cloud can sometimes mean a detachment from reality-people become preoccupied with the good feelings and forget about the journey in front of them,” she says. When it comes to the pink cloud, not everyone experiences the same symptoms, says Estes.

Here’s what to expect from pink cloud syndrome, plus expert-backed tips for maintaining sobriety after it passes. “An individual experiencing a pink cloud may also be less motivated to learn coping skills or implement them, as they may have a belief that they will never experience cravings to relapse,” says Sternlicht. And while the positive feelings experienced during a pink cloud can serve as an impetus to continue down the path of sobriety, they can also create a false sense of confidence that stymies progress, he says. Pink cloud syndrome often causes extreme joy, explains Aaron Sternlicht, an addiction specialist and co-founder of Family Addiction Specialist based in New York City. Either way, there’s a good chance you might experience a phenomenon called pink cloud syndrome, a “high on life” feeling that often occurs during the early days of sobriety. Perhaps you’re in the early stages of navigating an alcohol use disorder recovery program, or you’ve decided to get sober on your own. While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

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