Recovering from an addiction is a process. Rarely does someone who enters recovery move immediately from Point A to Point B. Addiction recovery is an exercise in strength. Someone going through recovery will experience challenges and struggles that they are unprepared for. It is important to consider some of these unexpected hurdles, and how to overcome them.

One aspect of recovery that many people face is the onset of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). What is PAWS and how can you navigate the challenges that come with it?

What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)?

PAWS is a set of symptoms that occur for a period of time post-detox. These symptoms are the result of the toll the drug is taking on the body. They may last anywhere from weeks to months. In some cases, they may last years.

While studies involving PAWS are still ongoing, it is believed that PAWS is caused by changes in neurotransmitters due to drug use. Ultimately limiting the brain’s capabilities to deal with stress or stimuli and resulting in the excitability of the neurotransmitters.

What are the Symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?

While not everyone who experiences PAWS will present symptoms with the same level of severity or on the same timeline, the most common symptoms are: ¹

- Cognitive problems: Difficulties in learning, lapses in memory, limited focus, and struggling with problem-solving.
- Mood changes: Feelings of panic and anxiety, and increased sensitivity to stress, depressed mood, irritability, apathy, and pessimism.
- Social difficulties: Struggling to form and create social relationships and a lack of interest in sex.
- Sleeping changes: Difficulty getting to sleep, staying asleep, sleeping too much, or an overall observed change in sleep patterns.

This is not an inclusive list of symptoms. Someone with PAWS may experience one, all, or a combination of these symptoms.

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How is Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome Treated?

First and foremost, it is important to understand that Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome is a natural part of the recovery process. Experiencing these symptoms can be challenging, but it does not mean that you are not recovering ‘correctly.’ It does not mean that you are ‘broken.’ PAWS symptoms do not last forever.

There is not a singular method in treating PAWS. Those experiencing PAWS are known to benefit from:

Group therapy. Attending group therapy sessions provides those struggling with an addiction a support system for those who can relate to their struggles. Group therapy sessions while experiencing PAWS symptoms, as well as during recovery in general, can be a source of connection and motivation.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Regular cognitive behavioral therapy sessions can help you cope with the changes you are experiencing with your body and mind post-detox. CBT can help you to unlearn negative behaviors, improve emotional regulation, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. ²
A strong support system. It is essential that you cultivate a strong support system that will encourage you and support you during your journey. Surround yourself with people that love you and want the best for you.
Medication. Some medications can help control the symptoms of PAWS, under the close supervision of a physician. If you need extra support coping with PAWS symptoms, speak with your care team.

Will Everyone in Recovery Experience PAWS?

It is common for symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome to present themselves in individuals withdrawing from benzodiazepines, alcohol, some psychoactive substances, and opioids. Estimates show 90% of opioid users experience PAWS symptoms. ³ Studies have shown that even those using ‘milder’ drugs such as marijuana can experience PAWS.

Although it is common, not everyone in recovery will experience symptoms of PAWS. Symptoms in individuals that do experience PAWS will vary depending on a variety of factors from overall health, gender, body size, and type of dependency.

Addiction Recovery with Ocean Hills Recovery

At Ocean Hills Recovery, we understand the importance of holistic addiction recovery. Our compassionate team uses proven methods to help those in our care. We also use evidence-based psychotherapy to create individualized addiction recovery plans for our clients.

No matter where you are in your recovery, our team of professionals are here to support you along the way. If you are experiencing PAWS symptoms and need assistance coping with the challenges associated with addiction recovery, contact a member of our team today.

Sources:

[1] https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral

[2] https://www.semel.ucla.edu/dual-diagnosis-program/News_and_Resources/PAWS

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.