What is Post-Acute-Withdrawal Syndrome?

Many symptoms of alcohol and drug withdrawal are the result of the toxic effects these chemicals have on the brain and the body. In the first weeks to months following cessation of drug and alcohol use, individuals may experience acute withdrawal symptoms, which can be more severe for some than others and will vary depending upon the drug of choice among other factors.

The term PAWS was created to describe the cluster of ongoing Post-acute withdrawal symptoms, which are largely psychological and mood- related, that can continue after withdrawal symptoms have gone away. 

Although post-acute withdrawal rarely involves the normal withdrawal symptoms like aches and pains, nausea, cramping, headaches, or other physical symptoms, it can be just as intense as acute withdrawal and still puts a person at risk of relapse, as they may return to drug use in an attempt to stop the discomfort.

PAWS symptoms such as cravings, triggers, stress sensitivity, emotional overreaction, sleep issues, memory problems, and compulsive behaviors that can be extremely hard to maneuver on one’s own. A counselor at NPS, specializing in post substance abuse treatment, can provide guidance and coping skills to reduce PAWS to a minimum to help keep a person on a recovery track.

Post-Acute Withdrawals Symptoms PAWS:

  • Triggers are people, places, things, words, or situations that increase cravings to use alcohol or drugs. Examples are alcohol commercials, gas stations or stores that sell alcohol, using friends, bars, and restaurants.
  • Stress sensitivity is when a person is overloaded by tension, worry, or anxiety that throws a person’s life out of equilibrium and makes it difficult to abstain from alcohol or drugs. Examples could come from being overwhelmed by workload, family fighting, and money issues.
  • Emotional overreaction is when a person overreacts to a situation with angry outbursts that do not warrant the reaction. Example would be yelling at a family member that is just asking for clarification to a statement or issue at hand.
  • Sleep issues could involve a variety of different scenarios like finding it difficult to fall asleep, staying asleep throughout the night, waking periodically for some unknown reason, getting a couple hours of sleep for days or days without any sleep at all.
  • Memory problems can present as not remembering the past, phone numbers, what was eaten in the day, or any important information that is typically known.
  • Compulsive behaviors are irrational or destructive actions people take in response to irresistible impulses. Examples are drinking too much caffeinated beverages, eating too much sugary foods, exercising 6-7 days a week for hours, over working, smoking too many packs of cigarettes daily, and wanting too much sex on a consistent basis.

Substance Abuse Relapse

Early warning signs of relapse are personal changes in thoughts or behaviors that signal things are getting worse. Examples are withdrawing for more than 2 days, feeling agitated most of the hours in a day, not sleeping for 3 or more days in a row, and difficulty getting out of bed. Working with one of our counselors can help a person understand the early warning signs of relapse.

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