Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

James has been clean and sober for six months. He attends 12-step meetings every day, he walks his children to school, he has returned to his career on a part-time basis, and he has assumed most of his pre-addiction responsibilities. Everyone is happy with him. His wife is astonished at how quickly he was able to get off drugs. His mom and dad wish that they could give him the Medal of Valor for accomplishing what their other adult children have not been able to do: James has gotten off drugs. His kids are happy to have their "old" dad back again, and all is well -- except for one thing: James feels miserable.

PAWS is Discouraging but Normal.

Inside, James is dying. He forgets what he's talking about in mid-sentence, he has almost crippling anxiety and depression, he shakes all the time, and even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming to him. He has also become accident prone and clumsy, has difficulty managing stress, is filled with self pity, and sometimes feels numb. Everyone else is convinced that James is okay, but behind his facade of happiness, James feels out of control.

But James is not cracking up. He has post acute withdrawal syndrome.

What is Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?

Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (or PAWS) is the brain's adjustment to living without chemicals. During periods of addiction to drugs or alcohol, there is artificial stimulation and disruption of normal brain function. The brain gets used to the drug. Altered brain cells and their functioning take 6 to 18 months to return to normal. PAWS can be moderate to severe.

A Bad Day of PAWS is Better Than a Good Day as an Addict.

Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms

• Forgetfulness
• Self-pity
• Defensiveness
• Difficulty thinking clearly
• Accident prone
• Denial
• Problem with managing stress
• Difficulty handling feelings and emotions
• Problems sleeping
• Compulsive behavior
• Over-reacting or feeling numb

Every recovering addict or alcoholic experiences PAWS symptoms -- some more than others. It's important for people in recovery to know that what they are feeling is normal for someone learning to live without drugs or alcohol. It doesn't feel normal, but it is to be expected.

This Too Shall Pass. . .

These things help the person with PAWS:

• Don't isolate.
• Keep expectations (of self and others) reasonable.
• Eat three regular meals a day.
• Limit work to 40 hours per week.
• Maintain family relationships.
• Journal feelings.
• Take vitamins.
• Regularly attend 12-step groups (NA, AA, CA, etc.).
• Learn relaxation techniques.
• Call other clean and sober friends.

Eventually You Will Feel Better.

Related Links

Post–acute withdrawal syndrome -- (This site gives a concise definition of PAWS): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post%E2%80%93acute_withdrawal_syndrome


Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) — Why we don’t get better immediately? -- (This article is about the changes in neurological function that occur after withdrawing from drugs and alcohol, aka, PAWS): http://digital-dharma.net/addiction/post-acute-withdrawal-syndrome-why-we-dont-get-better-immediately/


Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) -- (This article is about the three major areas that PAWS impacts an individual: Cognitive processes, the emotions, and memory): http://www.interventionctr.com/paws.htm


Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome -- (This is about the brain's adjustment, while returning to a life without chemicals): http://www.hopelinks.net/addiction-treatment/post-acute-withdrawal.html


Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): An Easy to Understand Explanation -- (This site gives the definition, affects, and articles on PAWS): http://www.squidoo.com/postacutewithdrawalsyndrome