Pink Cloud Foundation
Who We Are
Founded in February 2019, Pink Cloud Foundation is a registered nonprofit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Minneapolis, MN.
Serving the Twin Cities metro area, and surrounding communities, we provide financial assistance, support services, and other resources to those transitioning to sober housing from in-patient substance abuse treatment programs, or correctional facilities. We also partner with other nonprofit organizations from across the state to assist those seeking long-term recovery from
Why the name, "Pink Cloud" ?
"Pink Cloud" references a phenomenon first coined in the early years of Alcoholics Anonymous, and now commonly found in Psychiatric literature, known as "Pink Cloud Syndrome". Pink Cloud Syndrome is defined as "the state of mind, usually experienced in early sobriety (Day 14 to 45)", characterized by extreme happiness, sudden clarity, and overconfidence. This "natural high" feels very similar to the "high" we felt during our time in active use of drugs and/or alcohol.
Although this "Pink Cloud" phase can be a very positive experience, there are many pitfalls associated with it as well. Most notably,
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which often follows the "pink cloud", can create many potential dangers for those who aren’t prepared for it. PAWS represents the lingering effects of drug and alcohol addiction as your brain slowly heals itself and your body. Symptoms lasting from a few months to a couple of years, may include: Depression, Anxiety, Trouble Sleeping, and Mood Swings.
Due to these erratic swings of emotion, its important to note that a person's highest likelihood of relapse is during, or directly after, this "pink cloud" phase. Coincidentally, it is often during this vulnerable "pink cloud" phase, that many individuals are completing their in-patient program and being discharged from the treatment facility. This is why a smooth transition to sober housing is so critical!
After identifying a serious gap in available resources, and seeing a need for energetic, nonprofit work in this area, we formed our organization to provide sensible solutions and critical resources to those seeking assistance during this transitional phase of their recovery.
To learn more about how we were led to uncover this need, we encourage you to read our story, HERE.
Click HERE to see our Mission & Vision Statements, and learn what ways you can help!