Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome: All You Need To Know

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, or PAWS, is a common side effect of quitting drugs or alcohol. It occurs after the initial withdrawal phase, which can last for weeks or even months. PAWS can cause a wide range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, and insomnia. In some cases, people can experience symptoms for years after quitting. Coping with PAWS can be difficult, but there are a few things that can help. In this article, we'll discuss what PAWS is, why it occurs, and how to treat post-acute withdrawal syndrome.

What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is a condition that can occur after someone has stopped using drugs or alcohol. Some people may experience PAWS for a few weeks, while others may experience it for months or even years.

If you are struggling to cope with PAWS, it’s important to reach out for help. Talk to your psychiatrist or therapist. They can provide you with the support and resources you need to manage your symptoms and get through this difficult time.

The symptoms of PAWS can be very difficult to cope with, but there are things that you can do to make it easier. First and foremost, it's important to be patient and give yourself time to recover. Don't try to push yourself too hard or do too much too soon.

You also need to make sure that you're taking care of yourself both physically and mentally. Get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. 

When Does Post Acute Withdrawal Start?

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is a condition that can occur after someone has successfully completed a detox program and stopped using drugs or alcohol. Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome occurs after the acute withdrawal stage and is a natural occurrence. As one’s brain chemicals begin to regulate, their post-acute withdrawal symptoms may fluctuate as the individual’s brain attempts to seek a healthy equilibrium. PAWS is the brain’s way of correcting chemical imbalances that it suffered from during active addiction. It is also thought that PAWS may be caused by lingering traces of the substance in the body.

PAWS can last for weeks or even months after someone has stopped using drugs or alcohol. It is important to be patient and understand that the symptoms are not permanent. There are treatments available that can help lessen the symptoms of PAWS.

Symptoms of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

People who are in the throes of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome can experience a wide range of symptoms. Many people report feeling fatigued, having trouble focussing, and experiencing mood swings. Others symptoms include:

• problems with sleeping

• nausea

• headaches.

• brain fog

• cravings

• irritable behaviour

• mood swings

• sleep problems

• fatigue

• stress

• anxiety

• memory difficulties

• depression

• lack of motivation

• problems with coordination

All of this can make it difficult to carry out day-to-day activities or enjoy time with loved ones. It's important to remember that Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome is a completely normal reaction to quitting an addictive substance. And while it can be difficult to cope with, there are ways to make it a little bit easier.

Medication for addiction and long-term withdrawal symptoms

There are a few different medications that can be used to help manage long-term withdrawal symptoms and addiction. Other people may be prescribed medications to help with specific symptoms, such as insomnia, pain, or anxiety. Some of the most common medications used for PAWS include:

• Benzodiazepines: These are commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia.

• Anticonvulsants: These are commonly prescribed for seizures and nerve pain.

• Antidepressants: These are commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety.

• Anti-anxiety medications: These are commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders.

Others may be given medication to help cope with the intense cravings that can occur during withdrawal. There are also medications available to help restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. 

It's important to work with a psychiatrist to find the best medication plan for you. Each person is different and will respond differently to different medications.

How To Treat Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

PAWS can last for months or even years, and it can be incredibly difficult to go through. The good news is that there are ways to cope. Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome can be discomforting, and symptoms can appear sporadically, making it a driving factor for many individuals to relapse, despite how committed they are to staying sober.

If you're experiencing Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, taking care of yourself is important. Here are a few tips for how to do that:

1. Get plenty of rest. When you're dealing with PAWS, it's easy to become exhausted. Make sure you're getting enough sleep so that you can recharge your batteries.

2. Eat healthy food. It's especially important to eat nutritious foods when you're recovering from addiction. Junk food isn't going to do your body any good, so make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

3. Track your triggers. Be mindful of what makes you feel worse. Your triggers could include stress, sleeplessness, or even certain foods. These factors can affect both your mental and physical health.

4. Exercise regularly. Exercise is a great way to release endorphins and improve your mood. Try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.

5. Seek professional help if needed. If you're struggling to cope with PAWS, don't hesitate to reach out for help from a therapist or psychiatrist.

6. Stay positive. It's important to stay positive throughout your recovery process. Remember that things will get better with time and you will eventually feel like yourself again.

It's also important to be proactive in your treatment. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist, and make sure to stick to your treatment plan. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for professional help when you need it.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one is suffering from Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, know that you are not alone. There are ways to cope with PAWS, and with time and patience, the symptoms will gradually lessen. Remember to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally during this difficult time, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed.