When you look back on your past, it’s easy sometimes just to remember all the good stuff and forget anything bad. In a way, it’s like looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. While dwelling on the positive is a productive approach in life, that’s not always the case when it comes to your addiction. This is why euphoric recall can be so detrimental in your sobriety journey. So when you experience euphoric recall, how can you recognize it for what it truly is and learn to manage it well?
What is Euphoric Recall?
Euphoric recall, shares The Huffington Post, is a psychological phenomenon where you remember a past experience in a more positive way than reality. Whether it was a bad breakup, that trip with your in-laws, or something else, euphoric recall spins a negative experience from your past into a positive one in your mind. While this way of thinking can happen to anyone, it’s especially dangerous to someone trying to overcome an addiction.
When euphoric recall occurs, the fondness you have for a past event actually causes a chemical reaction in your brain. This reaction minimizes or completely blocks out negative experiences while positive experiences get embellished. As you look back on your past, the act of recalling the memory feels better than the actual event itself. But you’re not aware of this in the moment, leading to a warped view of reality.
Consequently, recalling past alcohol or drug use with fondness can lead you to minimize the hurt and damage your substance abuse truly caused you and others. You may begin to justify your past addictive behaviors in your mind, eventually leading to a drug or alcohol relapse.
Symptoms of Euphoric Recall in Addiction Recovery
So what is euphoric recall known to look like when you’re going through it? After all, it’s hard to differentiate an accurate memory from one tainted by rose-colored glasses. With that said, here are some common symptoms of euphoric recall in addiction recovery:
- Romanticizing past substance use
- Minimizing consequences, thinking they weren’t actually “that bad”
- Strong urges to use after thinking about past usage
- Questioning whether you actually had a problem in the first place
- Revisiting addiction triggers to reminisce
- A sudden onset of pessimism about your sobriety progress
- Irritability and mood swings
- Depression and hopelessness
- Inability to concentrate
- Increased heart rate
Are Substance Cravings the Same as Euphoric Recall?
No, they aren’t the same. However, experiencing euphoric recall can lead you to develop cravings for a substance. As you romanticize past behavior and block out any bad memories of your substance abuse, your mind will begin to rationalize using again. As this continues to happen, you may find yourself craving substances and relapsing if you’re not careful.
How to Cope With Euphoric Recall and Stay the Course
There isn’t a way to avoid euphoric recall altogether; we simply can’t control the thoughts that come our way. But when it does arise, you can work to manage those feelings, remember realistically, and prevent relapse. Here are a few strategies to help you stay the course:
Grounding Techniques
Grounding techniques help you stay focused on the present instead of distracted by the past. They’re essentially “snap out of it” strategies when you’re getting sucked into euphoric recall. A few ways to ground yourself and take your mind off unhealthy recollections include:
- Taking off your shoes and literally feel the ground beneath your feet
- Feeling the texture of the things around you (your clothing, a table or chair, etc.)
- Taking a bite of food and pay attention to all of its flavors
- Holding an ice cube and focus on the sensations in your hand
- Creating a piece of art, writing a poem, or playing an instrument
Focusing on the Negative Memories
Instead of thinking of the good, focus on the consequences you actually felt as a result of your substance abuse and addiction. Then think through what new consequences you’ll face if you decided to resume your addictive behaviors. You may even need to visualize how bad you’ll feel if you give in. Sometimes making a list of all of the consequences can be helpful in the moment and for reference later.
Meditating
Practicing mindfulness by meditating can help you deflect negative or unwanted thoughts in the moment, similar to grounding techniques. This helps you to change your thinking patterns away from euphoric recall and become more aware of the present, as well as your body and mind.
Keeping Away From Triggers
A healthy relapse prevention strategy in itself, intentionally avoiding addiction triggers can help keep euphoric recall at bay. These may be people, places, or activities that you associate with your past substance abuse.
Pursue Addiction Recovery at Sana at Stowe
Euphoric recall is just one of the many challenges you may face on the road to long-term sobriety. That’s why it’s best to seek professional treatment if you’re trying to overcome substance abuse and addiction. At Sana at Stowe in Stowe, Vermont, our holistic rehab center is here to help you take the steps you need to finally heal and reclaim your life. Contact our team today to learn more about our drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs.
