Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome After Detoxing

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome After Detoxing Addiction Coping and Recovery Overcoming Addiction Print Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome After Detoxing By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on November 21, 2019 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD Updated on February 20, 2020 Aziz Ary Neto / Getty Images More in Addiction Coping and Recovery Overcoming Addiction Methods and Support Personal Stories Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use In the first few days or weeks of staying away from drugs or other addicting substances, individuals often experience acute withdrawal symptoms.?? The severity of these symptoms can vary from person and person and is usually dependent upon what substance the person was addicted to. Once the acute withdrawal symptoms subside, post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) may set in. Symptoms of PAWS PAWS can be a major barrier for many pursuing recovery from addiction. The symptoms involved in PAWS can vary and are dependent upon many factors, such as the type of dependency, physical size and gender, and overall health. PAWS is unique as compared to other withdrawal issues because of how extensive it is; PAWS can last from six months up to two years after the person stops using the substance.?? Common symptoms include: Irritability, aggression or hostilityDepression, sadness, and anxietyMood swings with severe highs and lowsLow energyFatigue or insomniaThought fogLimited ability to focusLack of interest in sexChronic pain Causes of PAWS While most recreational drugs and even alcohol can cause PAWS symptoms, some drugs are more likely to trigger PAWS than others. According to American Addiction Centers, these include:?? Marijuana: Stopping marijuana use can cause insomnia, which if left untreated, can lead to PAWS.Cocaine: For weeks and even months after becoming sober, prolonged symptoms of impulse control and depression is possible among those recovering from cocaine addiction.Methamphetamine: For those recovering from meth addiction, impulse control functions are inhibited, sometimes for years.Opiates: After cessation of opiate use, people can experience PAWS symptoms for months, including insomnia, anxiety, depression and decreased impulse control.Benzodiazepines: Since many people receive a prescription for benzodiazepines for conditions like depression or anxiety, ending that dependency can be particularly difficult. Stop taking the medication, and symptoms of anxiety can return as well as PAWS symptoms, which can worsen the initial issue as well. Many people will experience panic attacks or extreme anxiety or insomnia during their withdrawal period. Recovering from this dependency often requi res significant oversight from a therapist or doctor.?? Withdrawal From Drug Addiction How Long Does PAWS Last? Unfortunately, there is no set timeline for how long PAWS will last. It is very dependent on the substance abused, duration of addiction and the physical health of the individual. Some people may experience minimal withdrawal symptoms that may last for days or just a few weeks; others will continue to experience PAWS symptoms for years. While PAWS can be severe, it can be controlled with professional oversight and medical intervention. Access to resources such as support groups, therapy or some medication, such as Acamprosate, which is often used to treat those with alcohol addiction, which is prescribed and monitored by a physician, can help mitigate the worst of the symptoms.?? This can allow you to get back to normal life, even as you face withdrawal. Personalized care and long-term support from both addiction specialists and family can help recovery significantly. Therapy can help people manage withdrawal symptoms as they occur and remain in recovery without relapse. While withdrawal symptoms like PAWS can be long-lasting and severe, they are worth working through in order to reach recovery. If you or someone you love is facing addiction issues, its important to consult with a doctor or therapist. How Long Does Withdrawal Last?