How do I cope with Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome PAWS?

The first step to recovery is being diagnosed by a doctor and receiving medical treatment as needed. There are also strategies that can help one manage post-acute withdrawal symptoms and assist with creating a relapse prevention plan. For many people on the road to sobriety, detox is just the start of recovery. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a condition that affects many recovering addicts, where symptoms of withdrawal are experienced long after one has stopped using drugs or alcohol. Approximately 90 percent of opioid users and 75 percent of alcohol and psychotropic users experience PAWS symptoms.

Addiction Treatment

These symptoms usually only affect those that suffer from chronic drug and alcohol use.
Managing physical PAWS symptoms involves a combination of self-care strategies and professional support.
David shakes paws with Larry the Downing Street cat and has his first taste of kitten yoga.
When someone stops taking benzodiazepines, the withdrawal symptoms can actually mimic the panic disorder; they were originally used to treat.

Refine Recovery is where clinical excellence meets concierge-level service, supporting clients across the country with the highest standard of care. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, help reduce anxiety, tension, and overwhelming thoughts or emotions. If you want to stop drinking and/or using, there are some things you can do that may help to reduce your chances of developing PAWS. This article explores what PAWS means, who it affects, the signs and symptoms, its risks and dangers, and how to avoid getting PAWS. We want to support you and help you to figure out what might make your life easier and more enjoyable.

Difference Between PAWS and Initial Withdrawal Symptoms

You may feel you’re on the right track, and then a symptom appears, and you feel you are back to square one. We offer high-quality rehabilitation & detoxification services tailored to your individual needs. Because of this, try to eat as healthy as possible, but it is, of course, okay to have a treat now and then.

Cessation of chronic use of CNS depressant drugs results in overexcitement of the brain whilst it scrambles to recalibrate.
Recognizing that PAWS is a normal part of the recovery process can help individuals and their loved ones maintain realistic expectations and avoid feelings of frustration or despair.
Several factors can influence the onset, duration, and severity of PAWS symptoms.
It's important to prioritize good sleep hygiene to ensure the body and mind are getting the rest they need to heal.

Tips for Improving Sleep During PAWS Recovery

PAWS hasn’t been heavily studied, but it’s believed 90% of people recovering from opioid use and 75% of those recovering from alcohol and psychotropic drug use experience symptoms.
This syndrome often has a psychological and emotional focus, affecting mood and overall mental health.
Consuming regular, balanced meals throughout the day can also help stabilize mood and energy levels, which are often affected by PAWS.
The subjective experience during this recovery process can be mentally uncomfortable while the brain is working to heal itself.
Remember to have self-compassion and take many breaks throughout the day to be good to yourself.

It also makes sense to learn ways of effectively managing stress and keeping it to a minimum level wherever possible, especially during detoxification and early recovery. Whilst there is no way of preventing PAWS or predicting who will suffer from it, it makes sense to help the brain during the recalibration process after stopping addictive substances. If you have a heavy and/or post-acute withdrawal syndrome long-standing drug or alcohol dependence, medical detox is clinically recommended.

This can lead to stress, anxiety and cravings until your brain returns to its pre-substance abuse structure. Seeking treatment at a detox or rehabilitation center can increase the chance of a successful recovery. It can also lessen the risk of relapse because of medical support and supervision. Stopping alcohol use cold turkey or attempting to recover from drug addiction is not recommended. Because of the severity of the symptoms, people often feel the need to drink or use drugs to make them go away. If you find that PAWS symptoms are making daily life feel unmanageable, reaching out for professional help can give you the tools and reassurance you need to keep going.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is a set marijuana addiction of symptoms that can occur after the initial acute withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. While the acute withdrawal phase usually lasts for days or weeks, PAWS can persist for months or even years. These symptoms can be psychological and emotional, and they can fluctuate in intensity, often catching people off guard. Those suffering from post-acute withdrawal syndrome can feel hopeless and distressed about their situation, which can lead to a relapse. Therefore it’s important to educate those in recovery on the symptoms and meaning of PAWS, as well as the treatment options available.

Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol. You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings.

For example, if a patient is struggling with insomnia during PAWS, a healthcare provider may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as part of their treatment plan. CBT-I is an evidence-based treatment https://www.glamivaa.com/nicotine-dependence-symptoms-and-causes/ that has been shown to be effective in improving sleep quality and duration in individuals with insomnia, including those in recovery from substance use disorders. When family members and friends understand PAWS, they can provide more informed and effective support to their loved ones in recovery.

In the days and weeks after you stop drinking or quit substance abuse, you may experience acute withdrawal symptoms. It is the second withdrawal stage, often called post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). A gradual detox process is much more gentle on the brain and body, and it can get the recovery process off to a good start. The treatment for alcohol usually involves benzodiazepines, which have an effect on the brain similar to alcohol. These medications can be administered in a medical setting and tapered off gradually over a few days, making the recovery process much more comfortable.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): The Overlooked Challenge in Addiction Recovery

This is a drug that is used/prescribed to treat things like delirium, paranoia, and hallucinations. They are usually a fairly strong and brain-altering drug, so if someone stops using it cold-turkey and without the guidance of a doctor, they could have symptoms for months. Other factors, such as genetics and psychological conditions, can also play into whether or not a person is at risk for PAWS. People suffering from PAWS do have respite periods, which are unfortunately difficult to predict.