Euphoric recall is when you remember only the good parts of past experiences, like drinking or using, and forget the pain that followed. You can work through it by staying present, writing down the full truth of what happened, sharing openly in support groups, and building healthier habits that lift you.
Read on for a more in-depth definition of euphoric recall and tips from the pros at Avenues Recovery for overcoming this hurdle on your recovery journey.
We are here to guide you through every stage of drug and alcohol addiction, from awareness to long-term sobriety.
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Key Takeaways
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Euphoric Recall Definition
What is euphoric recall? Euphoric recall for alcohol or drugs is when an addict in recovery remembers the fun, happy times associated with their addiction, while forgetting about the terrible impact on their brain, body, and relationships that it caused.
In other words, the person may experience ‘selective memory,’ where they wrongly romanticize their addiction, and long to once again experience the pleasant emotions and sensations inherent in addiction, while failing to recall the damaging aspects.
Why Does Euphoric Recall Happen?
Euphoric recall happens because the brain highlights positive memories while suppressing negative ones. Dopamine and endorphins linked to reward reinforce pleasurable past experiences. Stress, cravings, or triggers can activate this bias, causing people in recovery to remember the “high” vividly while forgetting the harmful consequences of addiction.
Although ceasing to use drugs and alcohol could reverse some of the damage to the brain, it may take time for the memory function to fully return, resulting in euphoric recall for a while after starting recovery. Don’t worry: Most recovering addicts relate that they experienced euphoric recall mostly at the start of recovery, with it occurring less and less frequently as the hippocampus recovers.
What Does Euphoric Recall Look Like in Addiction Recovery?
You may be hanging out with some friends at a party and watching them all use drugs or alcohol and have a great time. You may start to wish you could have a good time with these substances, too, and remember the times you spent using with friends fondly. Without a clear memory of how destructive drugs or alcohol were to your life, you may find yourself dangerously close to a relapse.
The reality is that drugs and alcohol do cause users to experience short-term pleasure, euphoria, and excitement. Especially if you’re accustomed to using substances at every party or celebration, it could be extremely difficult to remember, at all times, how you felt the day after - the shame, self-pity, disgust, hangover, and other adverse physical and emotional side effects.
Dangerous Effects of Euphoric Recall
A dangerous effect of euphoric recall is that the recovered addict may start to justify their substance abuse as a positive thing. Euphoric recall causes distorted thinking, leading past users to believe that when they were using substances, they performed better at work, school, or in their relationships.
Although it’s certainly true that drugs and alcohol can sometimes improve performance, boost motivation, and increase confidence, addicts use substances in an extreme and unhealthy way.
Is Euphoric Recall the Same as a Craving?
Euphoric recall is different from a craving. A craving is a powerful urge to use substances again, while euphoric recall is a memory. Your mind focuses only on the enjoyable parts of past use and forgets the harm it caused.
Euphoric recall and cravings are connected because recalling those “good times” can quickly stir up cravings. Recognize euphoric recall when it happens so you can address it before it becomes a craving that’s almost impossible to resist.
Signs of Euphoric Recall in Addiction Recovery
You know you’re experiencing euphoric recall when you think about the time you used drugs or alcohol fondly. It often happens at a social event where others are using drugs or alcohol, but it can start randomly, too, like when you’re sitting at a restaurant and notice the alcohol being served.
Here are some signs of euphoric recall to be aware of:
- Positive thoughts associated with addiction
- A lack of negative memories of addiction
- Overconfidence in your ability to manage the addiction without complete abstinence
- A sudden desire to end recovery
- Inability to concentrate
- Quickened heart rate
- Depression or despair
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Fantasizing
How to Deal With Euphoric Recall
Here are some ideas you can lean on when euphoric recall shows up:
- Reach out - Call a sober friend, your sponsor, or your therapist and share what you’re experiencing. A sober friend or mental health professional will help you stay grounded, so your chances of relapse decrease dramatically.
- Ground yourself - Euphoric recall is defined by fantasizing and allowing your brain to enter an alternate reality. Bring yourself back to reality by practicing grounding techniques. For example, sit on the floor, drink something either hot or cold, or go for a walk in the sunshine.
- Recall the negatives - Shift your thoughts to the other half of the story - all of the negative consequences of active addiction. You can ask a friend to help you recall the story properly. You can also write it down so you have it for future reference.
- Be grateful - Think about everything sobriety has given you. Be grateful for the stability of a sober life and the healthy, sober people who support you. Be thankful for the many parts of your life that have improved since you quit your harmful behaviors.
- Pray - If you can, pray to surrender your thoughts. Admit your powerlessness over the euphoric recall and ask God to help you overcome it without losing your sobriety.
Avenues Recovery Can Help You Overcome Euphoric Recall
If you or your loved one is a recovering addict experiencing euphoric recall, know that it’s normal. You’re not doing anything wrong; you’re simply experiencing one of the very common side effects of recovery. Be vigilant so you can recognize the signs and use the tools you need to overcome them. With time, the frequency and intensity of the euphoric recall will lessen, so hold tight.
Whatever stage of addiction or recovery you are at, you’re always welcome to join one of our Avenues Recovery rehabs to find the professionals, support, and assistance you need to remain on the path of sobriety. Our expert staff have helped over 40,000 individuals with addictions, and we can help you too. At Avenues, we provide ongoing support to our clients after they have finished rehab, with our fantastic alumni program that dramatically increases the chances of staying sober. Contact us today to join our vibrant recovery community and get sober for good.
FAQs About Euphoric Recall
When does euphoric recall usually happen in recovery?
Euphoric recall typically shows up in the early stages of sobriety, when the brain and body are still healing. For most people, it fades and becomes less powerful over time.
Can euphoric recall cause relapse?
Yes, euphoric recall can lead directly to relapse if it’s not addressed. That’s why staying connected with support, whether through friends, therapy, or treatment, is so important. You don’t have to face it alone.
Do only addicts experience euphoric recall?
No, people besides addicts can also feel euphoric recall, like after leaving a toxic relationship or unhealthy habit. But in addiction recovery, it carries extra risk because of how closely it ties to relapse.
How long will euphoric recall last?
There’s no exact time-frame for how long euphoric recall lasts. For many, it eases within months, but memories can pop up even years later. What matters is knowing how to handle them when they do.
Can therapy help with euphoric recall?
Therapy can definitely help with euphoric recall. Therapies like CBT and relapse prevention give you tools to challenge the “selective memory” of addiction. A strong support system can make those moments far easier to get through. At Avenues Recovery, our team helps clients recognize these thoughts early and work through them in a safe, supportive space.