Drug addiction can be a hard thing to live with, and it can lead to countless negative side effects. While it can cause havoc in the life of the person battling the addiction, it can also quickly devastate the lives of those around them as well. For those who have chosen to get help, the first part of recovery, the acute withdrawal stage, can be incredibly challenging and can feature many uncomfortable or even painful side effects. Following that is the post-acute withdrawal stage, which can have an entirely different set of withdrawal symptoms.
Understanding Withdrawal
When someone living with alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder, commonly called “drug addiction,” seeks professional addiction help, they will go through two stages of withdrawal. These are known as the acute withdrawal stage and the post-acute withdrawal stage and will each have its own challenges and withdrawal symptoms. Below is a breakdown of what each one consists of.
Stage 1 is the acute withdrawal stage and will consist of the most severe physical withdrawal symptoms as well as numerous psychological or mental symptoms. These symptoms will often be uncomfortable and even painful at times, depending on the type of alcohol or drug addiction the individual is detoxing from. This stage will generally begin 24-48 hours after the last drink or dose of the substance and will last up to two weeks, depending on the user and their individual addiction profile.
Stage 2 is called the post-acute withdrawal stage and will begin once the physical withdrawal symptoms from stage 1 have begun to subside. It can last for months in some cases, and while the individual may no longer be physically uncomfortable, they will often be challenged with several psychological side effects. This stage and these effects are what make up the majority of the recovery timeline.
What is Post-Acute-Withdrawal Syndrome?
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome is the second phase of recovery that someone recovering from substance use disorder will experience, following the initial detox stage involving most of the physically uncomfortable detox symptoms. It is the response of the body and mind to being recalibrated. This recalibration occurs when the active addiction cycle is broken, and the body and brain break their dependence on the addictive substance.
Unlike the acute stage, the withdrawal symptoms of PAWS are largely psychological and emotional in nature. The strength and duration of PAWS are highly dependent on the addiction profile of the individual going through recovery. This means that for some users, the post-acute stage can be over in a few weeks, while for others, it may take many months to fully overcome the post-acute withdrawal symptom.
Why Does Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome Occur?
Drug addiction creates a significant imbalance in neurotransmitter chemicals and many of the compounds associated with pleasure and reward in the brain. Once one has overcome addiction, the brain and body must learn to function without the presence of a substance they have become dependent on. This adjustment often leads to withdrawal symptoms as the body copes with the loss of the addictive substance.” While PAWS is present to some extent in nearly all addiction recovery, it is most common for those recovering from alcohol and opioid addiction.
Is There a Way to Avoid PAWS?
While there are ways to shorten the acute withdrawal timeline, such as medical detox, there is no current method for avoiding the post-acute withdrawal syndrome. In some cases, the PAWS stage may be relatively minor, but this will be entirely dependent on the user and their addiction profile. In fact, PAWS may be one of the few things to be present in nearly any addiction treatment. Research shows that up to 90% of those recovering from opioid addictions and 75% of those recovering from alcohol use disorder will experience PAWS. Additionally, 15% of individuals that have abused benzodiazepines will experience long-term PAWS.
What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of PAWS?
There are many symptoms that are associated with post-acute withdrawal syndrome, and it’s important to be able to recognize these symptoms. This is particularly important for those already in recovery so that they know it’s completely normal and expected, as well as understanding that they will eventually pass. The most common symptoms include:
- Brain fog
- Difficulty concentrating or maintaining focus
- Increased irritability or even hostility
- Disruption to the sleep cycle, including restlessness or insomnia
- Fatigue or low energy
- Feelings of anxiety or panic
- Depression
- Mood swings or other emotional instability
How Long Do PAWS Symptoms Usually Last?
PAWS isn’t constant, and most individuals only experience symptoms for a few days at a time, depending on their recovery and addiction profile. In most cases, PAWS symptoms will begin to significantly reduce around six months, but in some cases can resurface for a year or two.
PAWS Treatment
It’s common for those in recovery to cope with PAWS rather than seek direct treatment. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that PAWS is a natural part of the detox and withdrawal process. To make the journey to recovery more manageable, learning coping techniques that work for you is essential.”
This version is more concise and uses stronger and more precise language to convey the message. It also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging PAWS as a natural part of recovery and the need to develop coping mechanisms to overcome it.
Here are some of the most commonly effective coping tips:
- Cut yourself some slack, recovery is challenging, and healing isn’t linear.
- Stay current on your mental health appointments, and be honest in therapy sessions, whether they’re individual or group.
- To help limit the loss of concentration, manage your task-oriented time in 15-minute chunks.
- If intrusive, circular thought patterns begin, distract yourself by changing your setting and going for a walk, meeting up with a friend, or simply putting on some music.
- For those dealing with insomnia, limit caffeine and make a bedtime routine that cuts out digital devices and high-energy activity preceding bedtime.
Getting Treatment for PAWS
If you or a loved one are living with drug addiction or alcohol use disorder, the best thing you can do to make the first step on the road to recovery is to talk to an addiction expert since studies show that up to 80% of addicts in recovery relapse during PAWS.
Contact the Agape professionals today to discuss your treatment needs privately and create a treatment plan tailored to those specific needs. To establish a strong foundation for recovery, it is essential to complete detox and withdrawals in an environment that is safe, hygienic, and comfortable.
Stephanie Catalano is an accomplished Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. With a Master of Social Work degree, LCSW license, and extensive training in Rapid Resolution Therapy under her belt, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her unique combination of education and experience allows her to provide exceptional care to clients and lead her team with confidence. Stephanie’s joy comes from witnessing the moments when her patients creatively connect the dots and bravely move toward reclaiming their power. Her purpose is to help individuals understand their past so they can create a future full of hope, growth, and success. Stephanie attributes a large portion of her success to the supportive culture and strong sense of community fostered by the Agape team.
