In a recent blog post, we defined a couple of ideas—“dry drunk” and “high-functioning alcoholic”—that sometimes pop up in conversations about substance use disorders, their treatment, and recovery. Our goal was to clarify some of the shorthand jargon people use from time to time. After all, jargon can be confusing, and clarity is important as you work to maintain your sobriety.
In this entry, we will look at two phrases—one that often applies to the period before someone seeks out treatment and another that sometimes applies to the period immediately after treatment.
What is ‘Rock Bottom’?
With most of the terms and ideas we are covering in this series, it is fairly easy to share a definition and give examples. But when it comes to the notion of “rock bottom,” things are not quite so simple.
That is because many people who are struggling with drugs or alcohol promise themselves that they will seek out help when they reach “rock bottom.” But as often as not, once something happens that meets their idea of rock bottom, they redefine the term rather than getting themselves into a treatment program.
What does that look like in practice? Well, let’s say that you are aware that you might be developing a substance use disorder centered on alcohol. At first, you might think to yourself that you will know that you really have a problem if you find yourself drinking alone and in secret. That is your definition of “rock bottom.”
But then you might find yourself doing those very things. Time to get help, right? But instead, you might change your notion of rock bottom to mean that you will get help if you ever get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having too much to drink.
But then you drive home drunk. Time to get help, right? But instead, you might change your notion of rock bottom to mean that you will get help if you ever get picked up for driving under the influence.
This constant redefining of what you mean by rock bottom—a process sometimes called “moving the goalposts”—can lead to devastating consequences. The longer you put off treatment, the more damage drugs and alcohol will do to your body and brain—and the more likely it becomes that something you do while under the influence will cause harm to someone else.
That is why it is never a good idea to wait for your arrival at some ill-defined rock bottom before getting help. It is far better to be honest with yourself. The time to get treatment for a substance use disorder is always right now.
What is ‘Pink Cloud Syndrome’?
Reclaiming your sobriety is something worth celebrating—and it is only natural that you might feel quite joyful in the early days of your recovery. But sometimes that joy actually puts your hard-won sobriety at risk.
A person who is experiencing “pink cloud syndrome” may well experience euphoria in the early days of recovery. But those positive feelings can set you up for a fall. For example, when the “pink cloud” passes, as it inevitably does, the end of those euphoric feelings might feel like a crisis. Indeed, you might find yourself sorely tempted to turn back to drugs or alcohol in the hope of reclaiming those good feelings.
In fact, the pink cloud can lead to any number of bad choices that could undermine your sobriety. Because a person experiencing pink cloud syndrome feels invincible, they might put off establishing healthy routines or giving up unhealthy habits. The pink cloud might cause you to ignore warning signs and triggers that could indicate an immediate risk of relapse.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying the feelings associated with pink cloud syndrome—as long as you are realistic about the fact that they are likely to soon pass and commit yourself to establishing the habits that will serve your sobriety well in the long run.
We’re Not Done Yet
There is more jargon to be decoded, so this series will continue. As we noted above, having a clear understanding of what is meant by the sorts of words and phrases we are unpacking here can be the key to making good decisions—about getting treatment, about what to expect during and after treatment, and about how best to do the work of staying sober.
You Can Count on Us to Help
If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, we can help. Wooded Glen Recovery Center, which is located in Henryville, Indiana, provides personalized care for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, or an issue caused by traumatic experiences.
In our residential program, we will see you through medically supervised detoxification and a rehabilitation program that includes both group and individual therapy sessions. We follow that up with a commitment to aftercare that ensures you have the resources and support necessary to get your recovery journey started with confidence. Additionally, Wooded Glen offers outpatient and virtual treatment options for those who might be better served by non-residential treatment.
If you are ready to make a lasting change for the better, we are ready and able to help you achieve that important goal.