Though it can be upsetting, post-acute withdrawal syndrome is a normal part of the recovery process from dependence and addiction. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of prolonged abstinence from substance misuse, since some of these negative symptoms can be discouraging to recovering individuals and tempt them to return to drug use. Symptoms of PAWS will manifest themselves after the end of acute withdrawal, but they can appear anytime within several weeks to several months after drug cessation. The drug classes discussed above have different long-term effects on the brain, and the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome will be different depending on which substance, or combination of substances, was used.
What is post-acute withdrawal syndrome?
Anhedonia, or the inability to feel pleasure, is a hallmark symptom of depression in PAWS. Doctors may diagnose PAWS based on a person’s medical history and the findings of a physical examination. Keep reading to learn more about PAWS, the causes and risk factors, and how to cope in recovery. These changes can take months or even years to completely reverse themselves and for opiate signaling to return to normal levels. Some researchers have been experimenting with indirectly increasing opiate signaling in patients recovering from addiction with low-dose naloxone (Narcan) to alleviate PAWS symptoms.
Detoxing After Detox: The Perils of Post-Acute Withdrawal
During this stage, the body begins to clear itself of toxins, but the process can come with a range of intense withdrawal symptoms. Understanding these symptoms—and how they evolve from the acute to the post-acute phase—can help individuals prepare for the detox journey and know when to seek help. An individual’s overall physical and mental health can also play a role in the PAWS timeline. Those with pre-existing health conditions or poor nutrition may have a harder time coping with PAWS symptoms. On the other hand, having a strong support system, including family, friends, and addiction professionals, can help individuals manage their symptoms more effectively.
Post-acute benzodiazepine withdrawal
It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is a complex condition that can occur following the initial withdrawal from a substance, particularly after long-term or heavy use. While the acute withdrawal symptoms typically subside within a few days to a couple of weeks, PAWS can persist for weeks, months, or even years, making the recovery process more challenging. Though the experience of post-acute withdrawal syndrome can be unpleasant and frustrating for both the recovering person and their friends and family, these symptoms will subside with time. Patience and understanding are therefore the keys to successfully navigating post-acute withdrawal symptoms and learning how to live a healthy and happy life in recovery.
However, Cocaine Withdrawal and Recovery adopting self-care strategies and working with healthcare professionals can help. In a person with an addiction to benzodiazepines, for example, lasting withdrawal symptoms can stem from functional changes to the neuroreceptors in the central nervous system. Up to 15% of people who have taken benzodiazepines long term experience PAWS.
Can You Recover from PAWS at Home?
Individuals should be prepared to be uncomfortable during this period and have medical help available if needed. This is the period in which delirium tremens is most likely to occur, which requires immediate medical attention. During the 12- to 24-hour time frame after the last drink, most people will begin to have noticeable symptoms. These may still be mild, or the existing symptoms might increase in severity. This process temporarily restores homeostasis, or chemical balance, in an effort to counteract the impact of long-term alcohol use on the brain. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
- Understanding what to expect during this period can help those in recovery prepare and seek the necessary support.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirms that benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can last weeks to years.
- The duration can vary from person to person, and the substance involved may play a role.
- In the context of PAWS, CBT can be particularly effective in managing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
But remember, you were strong before your addiction and can triumph in your recovery. One of the most dangerous aspects of post-acute withdrawal syndrome is the symptoms that can return after months or years. People who experience unexpected mass cravings sometimes feel powerless to handle them.
Others have found talking to their sponsors every day or attending anger management classes beneficial. Others may find journaling works – making lists about the consequences of using helps. The thoughts, feelings, and sensations that go with withdrawal and PAWS are not permanent. It may seem like a long time to wait before you get better, but it will happen. It typically lasts for several months or years, depending on the severity of addiction. These symptoms typically reach their peak between three to six months after the start of abstinence.
However, after stopping antidepressants after using them for a long time, some people do experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms. Even though it can feel as though it will last forever, it’s important to know that post-acute withdrawal is always temporary. Getting through it requires being able to tolerate distress, aided by the awareness that it will get better.
Ask your partner out for regular date nights, get more involved with any kids in your life, find fun activities to do with friends that don’t involve drinking. Take up gardening, start collecting an item you’re truly interested in or fascinated by, learn how to build things and focus on the creative project. The goal is to fill the time you once spent drinking with activities that are enjoyable and engrossing. Some people truly experience sobriety as a kind of death and have to accept the loss and learn and grow from the experience before they can move on. The lack of formal recognition of PAWS can make it harder to educate clients and gain insurance pre-approval for extended treatment.
