Post-Acute-Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is a condition that can seriously hinder recovering addicts in their journey toward long-term sobriety. Those who experience PAWS often find themselves struggling to cope with the negative side effects of withdrawal long after they have stopped using.
While most people are aware of the initial withdrawal symptoms that occur when quitting a substance, PAWS occurs much later down the line. It refers to a set of impairments persisting for weeks, sometimes even months, after quitting a substance of abuse. This can be a frustrating and often unexpected experience for those in recovery, as the symptoms can be similar to those found in mood disorders and anxiety disorders. (1)
Typically, PAWS commonly manifests after withdrawal from substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids. However, it can also develop due to abstinence from other psychoactive substances. As per studies, nearly 90% of recovering addicts experience the syndrome in varying intensity.
The Signs And Symptoms Of PAWS You Must Know
Naturally, one can ensure that he does not succumb to PAWS and go back to his addiction if he recognizes the condition early on. The problem is the symptoms of this syndrome can vary significantly. (2) The fluctuations in severity can make it challenging to diagnose PAWS at the right time. Some of the most common symptoms that recovering addicts can experience during this period include
- Irritability
- Inability to perform simple cognitive tasks like problem-solving and learning. Even memory recalls can be a challenge
- Panic and anxiety
- Feeling low or depressed
Some people can also have trouble maintaining social relationships when they are experienced PAWS. They might develop obsessive-compulsive behaviors or pessimism. Individuals can find themselves craving the abused substance more often and have difficulty sleeping. They become more sensitive to stress.
Causes Of PAWS One Should Be Aware Of
Sometimes, symptoms of PAWS can flare up due to a stressful situation. However, quite a lot of times, no trigger can be identified.
There isn’t enough study to figure out the process of development of PAWS. However, it’s believed that the condition occurs due to the psychological changes occurring in the brain due to substance abuse. Remember, when you indulge in substance abuse, your brain undergoes significant changes as it needs to adapt to the available neurotransmitters.
And when you abstain from the substance, the levels of these neurotransmitters change again. Prolonged substance abuse also alters your brain’s ability to deal with stress, and hence the withdrawal symptoms affect you with even more force.
That’s not all. Infants whose mothers have a history of substance abuse can also develop PAWS. Yes, PAWS is a challenging condition to manage, but it can be treated with proper medical interventions and the right support system.
Drugs That Can Cause PAWS Commonly
PAWS can affect anyone who has gone through withdrawal from addictive substances, but benzodiazepine abusers are particularly susceptible. In fact, it’s not unheard of for benzodiazepine abusers to experience the symptoms years after giving up on their addiction. Here are some drugs that can lead to severe post-acute withdrawal symptoms.
Marijuana
Quitting marijuana can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to dealing with post-acute withdrawal syndrome. Studies have revealed that the chances of PAWS increase when marijuana is discontinued suddenly. Individuals can experience symptoms like headache, irritability, abdominal pain, insomnia, and so on.
Methamphetamine
People addicted to methamphetamine can develop PAWS which can manifest as disturbed sleep and poor impulse control.
Opioids
Opioid abusers can experience anxiety, depression, and insomnia if they develop PAWS. The condition can also present in the form of intense cravings and muscle tension.
Cocaine
This is one of those substances due to which PAWS can last for a prolonged period. (3) Symptoms can include easy fatigability, low morale, and depression.
How To Manage PAWS
During the initial stage of PAWS, you will often feel like you are an emotional mess. You will be experiencing drastic mood swings wherein one moment you will be happy, and the next instant will feel sad or irritable. Yes, it can be pretty overwhelming, but you have to hang in there. With time, the intensity of the symptoms will reduce, and soon enough, you will be free of this condition. (4)
The problem with PAWS is its unpredictability. Sometimes, you might not experience any symptoms for a month, and then suddenly, the condition will become apparent when you least expect it. This is precisely why it’s considered one of the most troublesome obstacles in substance abuse treatment.
The key to recovery from PAWS is patience. If you continue your abstinence, the symptoms will resolve with time. And for this, you need to learn some healthy coping strategies. You must ensure that you overcome the discomforting symptoms so that you can beat your addiction for good. There’s quite a lot you can do for the purpose.
- For one thing, pay attention to self-care. The first 12 to 48 months are crucial, and it’s important not to overexert yourself during this time. Don’t hesitate to take breaks throughout the day. Keep using positive affirmations and pay attention to your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
- Take some time to learn more about PAWS symptoms. This will ensure that you aren’t taken by surprise when the symptoms develop and will be prepared for them beforehand.
- Try to be as physically active as possible. This will help reduce tension and keep symptoms like anxiety and depression at bay.
- Don’t hesitate to talk about your feelings and experiences. Turn to people you trust to express yourself.
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises and medication to deal with your overwhelming emotions.
- Keep yourself away from stressful situations and anything that can serve as a trigger for your cravings.
Don’t Hesitate To Seek Help
It’s not easy to deal with post-acute withdrawal symptoms on your own. The journey can be pretty overwhelming and challenging for your mind and body. If you feel you are unable to handle it on your own, be assured that help is just around the corner.
You can always count on addiction treatment programs to guide you through this phase. Akasha Recovery is here to ensure that you don’t feel alone in this journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss your treatment options.