PAWS symptoms usually begin to occur between seven to 14 days after the acute period of withdrawal. These symptoms reach a peak between three to six months after the start of abstinence and can continue up to two years after the acute withdrawal period. The one prevailing theme among post-acute withdrawal symptoms is that they not consistent. Instead, they come and go intermittently, and each episode can last around two to three weeks.
According to current research, many people experience these symptoms at regular intervals of day, day, day, day, day, 1-year and 2-year sobriety dates. The brain is going to take time and patience to heal once the acute withdrawal period is over, and everyone must work on their own timeline.
The most significant concern with those suffering from post-acute withdrawal syndrome is a relapse. Due to the rewiring of the brain in active addiction, when someone seeks treatment for substance abuse and is no longer using, they can suffer from chemical imbalances. The fluctuating brain chemistry can make it difficult for recovering individuals to feel happiness, think clearly, sleep well or healthily manage stress.
The inability to feel peace of mind or positivity coupled with the stress and anxiety of life in recovery can create the perfect breeding ground for a relapse- especially for those in the early stages of sobriety who are still learning to cope with it long-term. Adding to the challenges of PAWS is that fact that this syndrome is not universally recognized in the medical community and there is very little research on how best to manage this condition.
These factors make it difficult for those suffering from PAWS to receive adequate help. Symptoms of PAWS manifest primarily after withdrawal from opioids, alcohol and benzodiazepines which are often prescribed for the treatment of panic attacks and anxiety but have also occurred after the use of other drugs. PAWS can persist weeks or months after abstaining from substance abuse. PAWS may last as long as two years while the brain continues to recalibrate after active addiction.
Although PAWS is a temporary condition, the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome can be a driving factor in relapse — even in those who are fully committed to staying sober. The first step to overcoming drug or alcohol addiction is making the decision to find help.
The next step is getting the right help. Depending on the intensity and duration of alcohol or other drug use, post-acute withdrawal is known to last many months. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms typically last between 1 and 2 years; however, the severity and frequency of symptoms tend to dissipate as times goes by without the use of addictive substances. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome can be not only discomforting, but symptoms can appear sporadically, making PAWS a driving factor for many individuals to relapse, despite how committed they are to staying clean and sober.
Regardless of the addictive substance s used, PAWS are typically the same for most individuals in early recovery from substance use disorders SUD. Learn More. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome occurs after the acute withdrawal stage and is a natural occurrence as the brain slowly returns back to normal over a period of time.
PAWS tends to occur more commonly and intensely among individuals with alcohol, Benzodiazepine, or Opioid addictions. Several studies indicate that sudden discontinued use of Marijuana can result in post-acute withdrawal syndrome upon completion of acute detox.
Common PAWS from Marijuana include insomnia , anxiety , irritability, headaches and other physical symptoms, such as stomach pain and changes in appetite.
Common PAWS for Methamphetamine include poor impulse control, disturbed sleep or insomnia, and irritability. Common PAWS from Opioids include insomnia, depression , anxiety, intense cravings, muscle tension, and poor impulse control.
Cocaine is known for various PAWS that last for prolonged periods of time. Many users report symptoms of depression, fatigue, low motivation, and poor impulse control. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax , Ativan and Klonopin , are known for having common PAWS, including intense anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, and severe sleep disturbances, including insomnia.
Make a Call Post-acute withdrawal symptoms that persist or randomly occur during early recovery can become a risk factor for relapse. The symptoms can be discomforting, and without healthy coping skills, can lead to a relapse, no matter how committed one is to remaining clean and sober.
Learning about the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome, along with implementing healthy coping strategies, is the most efficient way to prevent relapse. In the beginning, post-acute withdrawal symptoms may begin to feel as if you are on an emotional rollercoaster, with mood swings ranging from happy, to irritable, to sad. It can be overwhelming at first, but as you make progress in your recovery, symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome begin to dissipate.
After time, you may go a month without experiencing any PAWS and suddenly they will reappear unexpectedly. What are some coping strategies for getting through PAWS? Here are 10 practical tips for successfully managing the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome: Make appointments with mental health professionals for both psychiatric and psychological care.
Be good to yourself. Practice self-care by eating well, exercising, avoiding trigger situations when possible and establishing positive, supportive relationships. Talk about what you're experiencing with your Twelve Step peers, sponsor, counselor, therapist or family—anyone who will not criticize or minimize your experiences.
Review the events that precede a flare-up of your PAWS symptoms, and think about how you reacted. If you know what to expect, you won't be caught off-guard the next time the situation arises. Consider starting a journal to document your experiences and identify alternative ways of responding. If you're having a hard time concentrating, limit the amount of time you spend on any one task to no more than 15 minutes.
Interrupt the circular thinking cycle by doing something different talk to a friend, listen to music, go for a walk. If you have problems remembering, write things down or set up reminders on your phone. If insomnia is a problem, limit the amount of caffeine used before bedtime and try to establish a sleep routine by going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time each morning this helps your circadian rhythm.
Be realistic. You can't hurry recovery.
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