Your Guide to Understanding and Living with PAWS
According to SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a large percentage of the American population has experienced substance abuse challenges over the last several years.
Many people are aware of the need to overcome the immediate withdrawal symptoms through an effective medical detox. But far fewer people are aware of the possibility of PAWS.
Long after overcoming inpatient treatment and acute withdrawal syndrome, many users still contend with PAWS, which stands for Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome.
These mental and physical withdrawal symptoms can last for several months after completing treatment. PAWS symptoms, although less intense, add to the complexity of the addiction recovery process.
At Ingrained Recovery, we offer robust programs and aftercare support to combat PAWs, and have also devised a complimentary Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome Worksheet to assist both our clients and clinicians who look to our facility for industry-leading practices.
Keep reading to learn more and find our resource, and remember our caring team is only a confidential call away for additional support!
Managing Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms
Beginning life in recovery after overcoming substance abuse is an incredible achievement, but for some people, this accomplishment includes challenges like post-acute withdrawal syndrome.
Unlike the intense discomfort of acute withdrawal syndrome, PAWS involves lingering effects as symptoms occur for months after stopping drug or alcohol use. Managing these symptoms is crucial to maintaining sobriety and forging ahead with long-term recovery.
What Is PAWS and How Does it Develop?
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome describes a set of symptoms that linger after the initial withdrawal symptoms pass. While acute withdrawal syndrome occurs shortly after the last substance use, PAWS extends for months, depending on the substance and individual.
The symptoms of PAWS are often unpredictable and vary in intensity.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms that accompany opioid and alcohol withdrawal differ from acute withdrawal syndrome as they are categorized into three distinct categories:
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Emotional Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
Cognitive Symptoms
- Brain fog
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory lapses
Physical Symptoms
- Constant fatigue
- Insomnia
- Physical discomfort
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Why Does PAWS Take Place?
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome occurs due to the brain’s recovery process after extended periods of substance abuse.
Any addiction fundamentally alters the brain’s reward and stress response systems. Once the substance is removed, the brain needs time to recalibrate.
Several factors influence the duration and intensity of PAWS, including:
- The type of substance used
- Duration and intensity of substance use
- Individual health factors like age, mental health, and genetics
Understanding why post-acute withdrawal syndrome takes place can help users approach recovery with patience and self-healing.
Recognizing Symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Being able to identify the symptoms of PAWS is critical for effective management of PAWS symptoms. PAWS symptoms may manifest in several ways, including:
- Emotional symptoms
- Severe mood swings
- Hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Difficulty finding joy
- Cognitive symptoms
- Poor concentration and focus
- Difficulty processing information
- Forgetfulness
- Unexplained fatigue
- Hypersomnia
- Unexplained medical pain
Keeping a symptom journal through a post-acute withdrawal syndrome worksheet can help you track patterns and triggers, allowing you to manage your withdrawal symptoms more effectively.
PAWS Coping Strategies and Aftercare Support Techniques
Dealing with post-acute withdrawal syndrome requires a combo of practical strategies and emotional endurance.
Here are several useful approaches you can try after opioid or alcohol withdrawal:
Self-Care Routine
Prioritize a balanced nutrition routine to help fuel your recovery process. Additionally, maintaining a regular sleep schedule can help restore the body’s natural rhythm. Incorporating physical activities will boost endorphins and improve your overall mood.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Practicing mindfulness techniques or meditation will help manage bouts of stress. Breathing exercises can be the ideal remedy during periods of intense anxiety. Creative outlets, such as arts, crafts, writing, or music, can help heal the soul and allow you to heal internally.
Build Your Support System
Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and loved ones is crucial during the aftercare period of opioid addiction or any other substance recovery journey.
Joining support groups that allow you to share experiences and gain encouragement can help maintain accountability and establish additional pillars of strength. Consider working with a sponsor or mentor who has navigated active addiction and can give advice through experience.
Using a PAWS Worksheet
The available post acute withdrawal syndrome worksheet through Ingrained Recovery is designed to deliver structure and clarity when our clients seek to overcome post acute addiction withdrawals.
The worksheet consists of:
Tracking Common Symptoms
Record your physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms.
Goal Setting
Define your short-term and long-term recovery goals and track them during the early recovery period, then compare them during the later stages.
Affirmations
When PAWS occurs, using positive affirmations and statements to reinforce mental health and well-being can be an effective tool.
Motivational Exercises
Reflect on your progress during the late and early stages of recovery and identify areas that can be improved.
When PAWS occurs, remember it’s only a temporary condition. Just as with the early stages of the detox process, your symptoms will eventually subside, allowing you to lead a more fulfilling and positive lifestyle and mindset.
To effectively utilize your worksheet:
- Complete it daily to monitor changes over long periods
- Reflect on your entries weekly and adjust your strategies as required
- Share your insights with a therapist or support group to gain additional perspective
Professional Help for PAWS and Treatment Options
While self-help strategies are a valuable tool during recovery, professional help at facilities like Ingrained Recovery can enhance your outcome. Consider the following options:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT helps reframe negative thoughts and behaviors associated with addiction.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy: DBT teaches skills to manage intense and negative emotions.
- Consult your healthcare provider for medications that can help relieve specific symptoms.
- Aftercare programs are offered at various rehabilitation facilities, providing ongoing support.
- Sober living homes can provide a structured environment after the treatment period.
Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a step toward long-term well-being and emotional healing.
Get Support for Post-Acute Withdrawal at Ingrained Recovery
Living with and managing post-acute withdrawal syndrome is a challenge, but it is easily manageable with the proper tools and mindset.
By understanding PAWS, developing effective coping mechanisms, and utilizing the PAWS worksheet, our clients can navigate recovery with greater confidence.
Progress may be slow, but each step forward is a huge accomplishment. Be patient with the process and don’t hesitate to reach out for help
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FAQs on Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms
How long does the post-acute withdrawal period last?
Typically, the post-acute withdrawal phase lasts between three and six months. However, this is contingent on the individual and the effort put forth to combat the side effects. The more attention you place on healing, the faster you’ll make it through this tough stage of recovery.
Is post-acute withdrawal as severe as acute withdrawal?
When contending with PAWS, it’s important to remember that the symptoms quickly pass. What might have lasted for seven days might last only minutes or hours during the PAWS phase.
Understanding your triggers and implementing coping strategies is central to making it past challenges during this stage of recovery.
Can post-acute withdrawal last forever?
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms are only temporary. Remembering that your situation is temporary is vital during the recovery process. Count small victories and make a conscious effort to say no from minute to minute if required.
Speak your goals into existence, and remember that recovery is a lifelong commitment, not a race to the finish line.
Why is my anxiety so severe during post-acute withdrawal?
When you notice triggers, remember your coping mechanisms. Anxiety is one of the most intense side effects of PAWS.
Panic and anxiety attacks are common, but through breathing exercises and using your PAWS worksheet, you can effectively manage these periods as they become less frequent.