Crashing: Pink Cloud..

Everything is wonderful. You realize where the drug had taken & dropped you. Your self-esteem is climbing. Your courage is increasing. You make meetings. You're so excited about recovery. You surrender and promise yourself that you'll be the best recovering addict you can be. You feel like you know all the secrets, like you hold the key to recovery. You just can't imagine how things could any better.

Then, all at once, you crash. Your ride on the pink cloud is over. You become resentful, angry, depressed. You feel hopeless all over again. Relapse is knocking violently at your door.

What's important to remember here is that life and recovery is a process - a roller coaster full of ups and downs. Just as you will have good and bad points in your life, you will have good and bad points in your recovery. "This too shall pass." Unfortunately, this quote applies to both the good and the bad. Everything will eventually pass, but that doesn't mean it can't return.

The pink cloud can last for years but for most, the pink cloud turns gray at about four or five months into recovery. You realize that you'll be dealing with this addiction for the remainder of your life. You realize that life is hard and you no longer have drugs and alcohol to cover up your feelings - your pain. Instead, you must apply new coping skills. When you realize how hard this is, that is when you're coming off the pink cloud.

It's important that during this time we stay connected to a strong support group, use the telephone list, remember your fellowship. They are your basis. It's important that we call and meet with our sponsors on a regular basis. We need to keep making meetings because meeting makers make it! Prayer and meditation with your Higher Power is also extremely important. Remember to talk to your Higher Power always, asking for forvigeness and knowledge. Don't forget to listen, though! That's just as important. Your Higher Power can speak to you in a number of ways that you may not even realize. Talk to your sponsor if you have questions about that. I'm sure they'd be happy to share their experiences with you.

Once again, "this too shall pass." The crash will not last forever either. You have to remember that the key in recovery is balance. You'll figure it out. Good luck!

Until next time, God bless!