Ever feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster months after getting clean? You’re not alone. Welcome to the wild world of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, or PAWS for short. This sneaky sidekick of addiction can throw you for a loop long after you’ve ditched the drugs or booze. But don’t worry – we’ve got your back. Ready to conquer PAWS and reclaim your life?
Call Evoke Wellness at Miramar today (833) 819-6066 or reach out online.
What is Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?
The Lingering Effects
You’ve made it through the initial detox period after quitting morphine – congrats! But don’t celebrate just yet. For many, the battle is far from over due to something called Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). PAWS refers to prolonged withdrawal symptoms that can crop up months after your last dose of drugs.
The Symptoms
PAWS symptoms are no joke and can include crippling anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, and cognitive impairment that makes day-to-day life extremely difficult. The severity depends on factors like how much you were using, for how long, your genetics, and life stressors. But one thing’s for sure – PAWS is not a walk in the park.
Getting Through It
The good news is, PAWS is temporary, though it can last over a year for some. Seeking medical help is crucial for managing these lingering symptoms. Inpatient treatment programs provide a safe, supervised environment to get you through the PAWS tunnel. With the right support system and coping strategies, you can overcome this final hurdle and reclaim your life.
Common Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms
The detox process can be challenging, but getting to the other side is so worth it. Even after the initial acute withdrawal phase, you may still experience lingering effects known as post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). Don’t worry, it’s totally normal.
Psychological Symptoms
Post-acute psychological symptoms are no joke. Insomnia, anxiety, depression, and intense cravings can persist for months after quitting certain substances like benzodiazepines or opioids. You might feel agitated, restless, or have trouble concentrating. Mood swings and even panic attacks are also common.
Physical Manifestations
The physical toll can be rough too. Night sweats, muscle aches, headaches, tremors, and gastrointestinal issues may linger long after acute withdrawal. Some people report strange sensations like tingling, dizziness or even hallucinations with certain drugs like ketamine.
Getting the Right Help
The good news? Proper medical treatment can seriously minimize PAWS. At Evoke Wellness, our comprehensive programs utilize medications like clonidine to suppress nasty withdrawal symptoms. Their integrated approach combines detox, therapy, and relapse prevention for the best chance at long-term recovery from substances like Dilaudid.
So don’t do it alone. Tackling post-acute withdrawal under medical supervision makes the journey so much easier.Reach out to Evoke Wellness today.
Why Does Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome Occur?
The Lingering Effects
Even after going through the intense acute withdrawal phase when quitting drugs or alcohol, some people experience lingering symptoms. This condition arises due to prolonged changes in the brain caused by addiction, persisting even after detoxification.
The brain’s chemical systems and neural pathways become disrupted during active addiction. It can take months or even years for these to fully readjust and restore balance after you stop using substances.
A Rollercoaster of Symptoms
During PAWS, symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, depression and intense cravings can appear unexpectedly. For opioids like heroin, night sweats, constipation and disrupted sleep may linger. With benzodiazepines like Xanax, heart palpitations, restlessness and cognitive impairments are common.
These symptoms indicate the brain is still in recovery mode, healing itself gradually. The intensity tends to decrease over time, but PAWS can be incredibly challenging without proper support.
Seeking Professional Help
While exercise can help manage PAWS by releasing feel-good neurotransmitters, it’s crucial to seek treatment at a qualified rehab facility. Comprehensive programs like Evoke Wellness provide clinical care, counseling and holistic therapies to address the root causes of addiction.
With expert guidance, you can navigate this challenging phase safely and develop healthy coping strategies for lasting recovery. The road may be long, but you don’t have to walk it alone.
How Long Does PAWS Last?
The Unpredictable Nature
The brutal truth is that PAWS, or Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, can be an unpredictable beast. Just when you think you’re over the worst of withdrawal, those lingering psychological symptoms can rear their ugly heads again. The duration is highly variable – it could be a few months, or it could drag on for years.
Factors That Influence Duration
So what determines how long you’ll be stuck in PAWS purgatory? A lot comes down to your personal history with substance abuse. Heavier or longer-term users of drugs like methadone tend to experience more prolonged PAWS. The severity of your addiction and the substance involved also play a major role.
The Typical Timeline
While there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline, research offers some general estimates:
- Opioid withdrawal: PAWS symptoms can persist for up to 6 months.
- Benzos: Chronic anxiety, depression and insomnia may linger for several months post-detox.
- Ketamine: Psychological issues like psychosis could haunt you for up to 6 months.
Getting Professional Support
Trying to tough out PAWS alone is brutally difficult. The smartest approach is enrolling in a comprehensive treatment program that provides medical supervision and continued support. With proper care, you can significantly reduce the duration and severity of those post-acute symptoms.
Coping With PAWS
Understanding PAWS
According to Evoke Wellness, PAWS can last up to 6 months, with psychological effects like agitation, irritability, mood swings, and even psychosis.
While the acute withdrawal usually subsides within 2 weeks, PAWS symptoms can include insomnia, nightmares, anger, violent outbursts, and loss of coordination – making it incredibly challenging to cope.
Healthy Coping Strategies
Seeking professional treatment is crucial for managing severe PAWS effects. Evoke’s integrated programs provide medical detox, therapy, and relapse prevention planning to support your recovery journey.
Exercise is also highly recommended as it releases feel-good neurotransmitters like endorphins and serotonin, reducing depression, anxiety, and stress. Team sports and activities can rebuild your social connections too.
Persevering Through PAWS
PAWS is a formidable challenge, but you don’t have to face it alone. Lean on your support system, engage in self-care practices like meditation or journaling, and be patient with yourself.
Remember, PAWS is temporary – it will pass with time and the proper coping tools. Stay focused on your long-term recovery goals and celebrate every victory, no matter how small.
When Should You Seek Help?
Early Intervention is Key
Recognizing the signs of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) early on is crucial. Prolonged withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and intense cravings can severely disrupt your life and make it harder to stay sober. Early treatment helps prevent relapse and gives you the best chance at a full recovery.
Dangers of Going It Alone
Trying to “tough it out” on your own when experiencing severe PAWS symptoms is extremely risky. Panic attacks are a common symptom of opiate withdrawal that can quickly spiral out of control without proper care. Abruptly quitting substances like benzodiazepines can even lead to life-threatening seizures and other complications.
Professional Support Is Essential
The safest approach is to immediately seek help from an accredited addiction treatment center. Their medical professionals provide supervised detox programs to minimize withdrawal risks and ease unbearable symptoms through medication and therapy. With 24/7 care and evidence-based treatments, you’ll have the support system in place to successfully overcome PAWS.
Don’t let PAWS derail your sobriety. Reputable facilities like Evoke Wellness offer comprehensive inpatient and outpatient programs to guide you through every stage of the recovery process. Taking that first step to get help could save your life.
Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome: Frequently Asked Questions
What is PAWS?
Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) refers to a set of lingering withdrawal symptoms that can persist long after the initial acute detox period. Even weeks or months after quitting drugs or alcohol, you may experience mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, and other psychological symptoms. This is caused by changes in brain chemistry from prolonged substance abuse.
How long does it last?
The duration of PAWS varies from person to person. Some may only have mild symptoms for a few weeks, while others battle more severe issues for over a year. Factors like the substance abused, length of addiction, and underlying mental health all play a role. For benzodiazepines like Valium, PAWS can be especially prolonged due to the way these drugs impact the brain’s neurotransmitters.
Ketamine withdrawal can also trigger psychosis-like symptoms including hallucinations and delusions during PAWS.
How is it treated?
There’s no one-size-fits-all PAWS treatment, as symptoms vary. A comprehensive, long-term rehab program is recommended to provide:
- Therapy (CBT, meditation, etc.)
- Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
- Nutritional and lifestyle support
- Medication management if needed
- Relapse prevention strategies
Entering residential care gives you 24/7 support to safely navigate PAWS under medical supervision. The goal is to retrain your brain’s reward pathways for lasting sobriety.
Conclusion
As you navigate the challenges of PAWS, remember you’re not alone. Millions face this hurdle on their recovery journey. Whether it’s medical detox, residential care, or outpatient programs, there’s a path forward tailored to your needs. Don’t let PAWS derail your progress – reach out for help when symptoms flare up. Your future self will thank you for pushing through this tough phase.
Begin Your Journey with Evoke Wellness at Miramar
If you or a loved one is considering treatment, Evoke Wellness at Miramar invites you to contact us. Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions, discuss your needs, and help you take the first steps toward recovery. In Miramar, you’ll find more than just a treatment program – you’ll discover a community dedicated to your wellness and success. Together, let’s embrace the journey to recovery and the promise of a new beginning. Call us at (833) 819-6066 today or reach out online.
