Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a condition that occurs in substance abuse patients who have already gone through detox and treatment. PAWS is a whirlwind of emotions that arise periodically, without warning, and generally lasts several days.
Episodes of PAWS can continue to occur for up to two years after treatment. Recognizing these symptoms can help individuals deal with them so that they can continue their sober recovery without relapsing back into substance use.
Why Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome Occurs
The long-term use of addictive substances causes changes in brain chemistry that can take years to undo. When the addictive substance is withdrawn, the brain begins to produce normal chemicals again, but its ability to do so can be uneven for varying amounts of time after addiction treatment. PAWS occurs when these chemicals are out of balance. The patient must compensate with increased recovery efforts to prevent relapse.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome occurs naturally as one of the phases of substance withdrawal:
- Acute withdrawal: Typically occurring in the first two weeks after drug use is stopped, characterized mostly by physical symptoms of detox. This phase is most often experienced in a detox program.
- Post-acute withdrawal: Usually occurring at least two months after detox began, these symptoms are primarily psychological in nature and can last from weeks to longer than a year.
Not everyone will experience Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). There are risk factors associated with the syndrome, just as there are many effects of using substances and detoxing. PAWS can be very individual, with two patients experiencing PAWS completely differently and others not experiencing any effects. Risk factors for post-acute withdrawal syndrome include:
- Duration of the patient’s addiction
- A pattern of substance abuse
- The intensity of drug use and addiction
- Genetics
- Psychological individuality and existence of co-occurring conditions
- Personal health and medical history
- Age at onset of drug abuse
How to Address Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Collectively these risk factors form the patient’s history of substance abuse, that historical use being the primary factor in the determination of whether PAWS presents itself. People who have used drugs for longer periods and with greater frequency are more likely to have PAWS.
Just as it was for addiction itself, it will take time for healthcare providers to recognize PAWS. Recovery professionals are accepting of the condition, however. These supportive people can help patients prepare for the potential onset of the syndrome’s symptoms and recognize when they are occurring as a natural phase of long-term withdrawal.
Common Symptoms of PAWS
While the physical symptoms of initial withdrawal can vary, PAWS symptoms generally include:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Low energy and enthusiasm
- Depression
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Problems with concentration
- Mood swings
Dealing with Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome Episodes
Recovery is an ongoing process. It requires continued vigilance to prevent emotional states and behavioral patterns that lead to relapse. Substance abuse experts recommend close supervision of patients during continuing care to ensure that they are educated about the experience of post-acute withdrawal syndrome and providing them with high-quality addiction therapy, medication management, and other services to help them during these episodes.
Tips for Overcoming Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Self-care is one of the most important habits that former substance abusers can develop to help themselves get through episodes of PAWS and relapse prevention. Relaxation techniques, staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, and pacing your recovery to your level of strength can be useful in dealing with the emotional disruptions and increased cravings. Patients should be aware that anger, fatigue, hunger, and loneliness can trigger these episodes, and they should try to avoid these situations to prevent increased stress.
Getting away from everyday surroundings and routines can help substance abuse patients disconnect from old habits. Away from home, they concentrate on the process of successful recovery. The warmth and sunshine of Florida provide a positive environment for recovery and rebuilding a life damaged by addiction. We provide a range of detox services, including:
- Alcohol detox program
- Benzo detox program
- Heroin detox program
- Opiate and opioid detox programs
- Meth detox program
- Prescription drug detox program
Contact Us Today
Take care of your body and mind with detox programs at Serenity House Detox & Recovery. Our services range from drug and alcohol detox to therapy services. Talk to one of our specialists about any of the following programs:
- Inpatient detox program
- Medical detox program
- Luxury detox center
- Men’s and women’s detox
- 12 step recovery
Life is repaired at a reputable Florida detox center. Contact us today at 866.294.5306 to speak with an admissions counselor and learn more about how our medical detox programs can help you begin the recovery process.
