What Is Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome For Alcohol Abuse?

When addicts give up their addition, they normally experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be both psychological and physical in nature. Withdrawal symptoms are usually unpleasant and excruciating; however, the benefits of giving up addiction more than make up for the unpleasantness. In the public imagination, withdrawal symptoms only last for a few days. In reality, addicts in recovery can continue to experience some symptoms for months or even years into their sobriety.

The two stages of withdrawal are:

• Acute stage
• Post acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS

During the first stage, addicts may experience some physical withdrawal symptoms. However, every person is different and every drug is different. During the second stage, PAWS, addicts experience more psychological and emotional symptoms, but fewer physical symptoms. This type of withdrawal takes place when the brain chemistry is slowly returning to normal. PAWS symptoms are caused by the fluctuation of the brain chemicals as they approach the new equilibrium.

Whereas people experience different symptoms in the acute stage of withdrawal, in PAWS withdrawal, most people experience the same symptoms. Some of the symptoms of post acute withdrawal syndrome include:

• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Tiredness
• Anxiety
• Low enthusiasm
• Variable energy
• Disturbed sleep
• Variable concentration

The PAWS stage of withdrawal feels like a roller coaster of emotions and symptoms. At the beginning, symptoms change hour to hour, or even minute to minute. As one recovers further, these symptoms will go away for a few weeks or months only to return again. However, as the recovery process continues, the good stretches will get longer. Unfortunately, the bad stretches can be just as long and just as intense.

Once an alcoholic has been in recovery for a significant amount of time, he/she will find that each withdrawal episode will last for a few days. Most episodes do not have an obvious trigger; however, if he/she hangs on, it will lift as quickly as it started. In addition, alcohol addicts should understand that post acute withdrawal usually lasts for about two years, and if they are up for the challenge, they can beat their addiction.

To survive PAWS, one needs to be patient, go with the flow, practice self--care, and try to relax. Every relapse or setback, no matter how small, can undo the gains that the brain made during recovery. Fortunately, anyone who abstains will definitely succeed. Follow us for more information and resources on drug and alcohol abuse and treatment.