Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

Jeremy has been clean and sober for seven months. This is a miracle because it's the longest period of abstinence that Jeremy has managed to put together since he began using drugs 12 years ago.

Everybody is happy with him. His boss pats him on the back regularly, and his wife has stopped nagging him. His kids want him to play catch and take them to the park. Jeremy's parents are ecstatic and consider him the "poster child" for recovering addicts.

But there's a fly in the ointment: Jeremy feels miserable. He's depressed all the time and can't seem to find enjoyment in anything he does. His family irritates him. Even simple tasks overwhelm him, and he can't remember things from one day to the next. He puts on a "happy faade" for his family and friends, but inside he is dying. Jeremy feels condemned to a life sentence of being half the person he was before he started using drugs.

Jeremy is experiencing Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome.

* What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome? *

Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is an adjustment the brain makes while in the process of returning to life without chemicals. It is the time period when neurotransmitters start acting again. During periods of addiction to drugs, alcohol and/or other substances of abuse there is artificial stimulation and disruption of normal brain function. Your brain gets used to the drug. Altered brain cells and their functioning take 6 to 36 months to return to normal. Symptoms of PAWS can be mild to moderate to severe. PAWS is the cause of most relapses.

* Symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome *

1.  Difficulty thinking clearly

2.  Difficulty managing feelings and emotions

3.  Becoming accident prone

4.  Difficulty managing stress

5.  Denial

6.  Becoming forgetful

7.  Sleep difficulties

8.  Self-pity

9.  Defensiveness

10. Compulsive behavior

11. Over-reacting or just feeling "numb"

* You are Normal *

The most important thing to know about PAWS is that all of the above symptoms are normal and, in fact, should be expected. Though it takes time for the symptoms to go away, there are things you can do to help yourself.

* These Things will Help *

1.  Keep expectations reasonable.

2.  Attend 12-Step Groups. (AA, NA, CA, etc.)

3.  Eat three regular meals a day.

4.  Take vitamins.

5.  Meditate and learn relaxation techniques.

6.  Limit work to 40 hours per week.
 
7.  Maintain family relationships.

8.  Continue a spiritual connection.

9.  Journal feelings.

10. Don't isolate.

11. Call sober friends.

12. See a counselor.

* So whatever happened to our guy, Jeremy? *

Jeremy decided to try some of our suggestions. He started drinking orange juice as soon as he woke up, instead of coffee. He began feeling less irritable. Then he started eating breakfast, and this helped too. At work Jeremy took his breaks every day and developed the habit out of going for a walk during the first 30 minutes of his lunch hour. He also reconnected with his 12-step group and dropped his facade of "wellness."
At his 12-step meetings Jeremy opened up about his bad feelings and began making friends. The support of his 12-step group made a big difference in his life.

One day during his lunchtime walk, Jeremy reflected on how much happier he was. His life was back on track, and even though he thought that it was never going to happen, the PAWS had lifted.

Jeremy had received a pardon from a life sentence of misery. At last -- Jeremy was free.

Helpful Links on PAWS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ynAgvHTy5k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXZZXIzbnTQ