The Dangers of Euphoria

Addiction programs teach that after experiencing a relapse, individuals are encouraged to retrace the moments leading up to the act of engaging in unwanted behavior. They are urged to reflect on what they were feeling, who they were around, and what was happening in the hours—or even days—before the event. This process helps identify triggers.

What is a trigger

A gun consists of many parts, but it cannot fire unless the trigger is activated. Similarly, people have emotional triggers that can set off explosive reactions. In a gun safety course, the first rule is to treat every gun as if it’s loaded, and the second rule is to keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. These rules emphasize two key principles: never make assumptions and always remain in control. Many avoidable accidents have occurred because these simple rules were ignored. The word “trigger” is also used to describe emotional responses because the concept is similar. If we make assumptions about a situation and fail to maintain control, something can pull our emotional trigger, resulting in explosive and potentially disastrous consequences.

Once a person identifies their triggers and the emotional states leading up to an event, they can develop a plan. They learn not to overestimate their ability to manage impulses and instead take control by recognizing patterns that precede their triggers. This process requires thought, analysis, planning, and practice. Refining and improving this awareness enhances emotional intelligence, which leads to more favorable behavioral outcomes.

The Link Between Euphoria and Impulsivity

So, what does this have to do with euphoria? Many times, when we make irrational decisions or react impulsively, we associate it with negative emotions such as anger during an argument, loneliness, or boredom. It is relatively easy to trace our steps and understand why we acted in ways that did not align with our desired character or goals. However, what many of us may not realize is that extreme emotions—whether positive or negative—can lead to similar impulsive actions. Intense states of happiness, joy, or pleasure can also result in unintended consequences.

For example, in some sports, players can receive penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct if their celebrations are excessive. Why is this? Because the thrill of the moment can escalate into inappropriate behavior, such as taunting or even physical altercations. Despite knowing the rules, players still frequently display this behavior in high-stakes games, where emotions run high.

For those who may not follow sports, consider another scenario: You complete a highly challenging task, a stressful project, or achieve a hard fought goal.  Overwhelmed with relief, you decide to celebrate. Perhaps you go out with friends and end up drinking too much, leading to regrettable decisions. Maybe you do the opposite and stay at home, get a tub of ice cream, or a pizza and watch movies all weekend long.  Or you indulge in an expensive shopping spree as a reward for your hard work, only to later realize the financial strain. In some cases, people make promises or commitments they wouldn’t normally make, simply because their judgment is clouded by euphoria.*  This phenomenon is common among lottery winners.

A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology (2009) found that sudden wealth often leads to reckless spending, poor investments, and financial mismanagement. Additionally, a 2011 study by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) estimated that 70% of lottery winners go broke within a few years.

Understanding Emotional Extremes

The danger of euphoria, like the danger of other strong emotions, does not lie in the emotions themselves. Rather, the risk comes from experiencing emotional extremes and lacking the knowledge to manage them effectively. Without understanding how to navigate intense emotions, we become vulnerable to impulsive actions and external manipulation.

*It’s important to clarify that I’m not making moral judgments about these behaviors, particularly after achieving something significant. They are only negative if they hinder your progress toward your desired behavioral outcomes.

How Emotional Intelligence Helps Regulate Strong Emotions

1. Cultivating Awareness

The first pillar of emotional intelligence (EQ) is self-awareness. Throughout the day, we must consistently check in with ourselves. If we notice that our actions are incongruent with our core values or are not yielding our desired behavioral outcomes, we must pause, evaluate, and adjust accordingly. While this requires significant effort and mental energy at first, like any skill, it becomes more efficient with practice and delivers more consistent results over time.

2. Creating a Plan

Once we recognize our triggers and behavioral patterns, we can develop strategies in advance. Practicing responses to situations that may lead us down an undesirable path helps us make better choices. Avoiding specific events or people who negatively influence us can also be beneficial. Writing an action plan—both positive and preventive—can provide clarity. For example:

• “I will do X to ensure a positive outcome.”
• “I will not do Y if Z situation arises.”

As the saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”

3. Responding Slowly

In both positive and negative situations, a measured response is often best. Specifically, when dealing with euphoria, it is wise to allow time to process emotions before taking action. If you want to celebrate an accomplishment, consider waiting a week before making plans rather than rushing into a celebration the next night. If you come into a large sum of money, like lottery winners, continue living as usual for weeks or even months before making any major financial decisions or commitments.

This principle is especially relevant in relationships, where euphoria can persist for extended periods. Taking time to communicate with a partner and making decisions based on shared long-term goals, rather than passion alone, is crucial. Many relationships fail because they were built on temporary emotional highs rather than sustainable compatibility. Moving slowly can reveal whether long-term goals truly align, preventing heartache and regret down the road.

Final Thoughts

We must be consistently mindful of our emotional states—not just the traditionally “negative” emotions but also the highs of euphoria. Both extremes can cloud judgment and lead to decisions we later regret. By increasing self-awareness, making thoughtful plans, and responding with patience, we can navigate emotional highs and lows more effectively, leading to better long-term outcomes in all areas of life.