How To Recognize And Cope With Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
One of the biggest threats to a drug addicts successful recovery is Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
, or PAWS. Sadly, most public health officials and rehabilitation centers fail to properly educate addicts about how to recognize and manage its symptoms. Because of the feelings of desperation this condition causes, many suffering patients turn back to drugs and alcohol, continuing the vicious cycle of addiction. However, better education regarding this syndrome can help addicts recognize it, manage its symptoms, and achieve the lasting recovery they seek.
Before most patients experience PAWS, they suffer from Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, the physiological stress brought on by the five to fourteen-day detoxification process. After this process is complete, most addicts begin inpatient or day and night therapy, and PAWS can severely disrupt their treatment and recovery at this time. Although roughly a quarter of patients never report PAWS symptoms, many of those will still relapse before their treatment is complete. A large contingent of researchers actually believe that statistics are skewed by more obscure addictions and clients denial, and that nearly all addicts suffer from some form of PAWS.
The symptoms vary wildly from one individual to another, but these have been found to be the most common:
*Social Anxiety
*Schizophrenia
*Constant Sadness
*Inability to communicate or cooperate with others
*Compulsively repeated behaviors
*Constant guilt or worry
*Dysautonomia
*Negativity
*Lack of concentration
*Lack of drive or ambition, even for mundane tasks
*Cravings for drugs or food
*Mental fogginess
*Loss of short-term memory
*Inappropriately strong emotional reactions
*Emotional numbness
*Difficulty sleeping
*Loss of motor skills
*Chronically high stress levels
*Decreased pain tolerance
Given that these symptoms are also common effects of drug use, people often mistake them to be signs of a relapse. Recognizing them for what they are at their onset, however, can help prevent a return to substance abuse. In fact, a simple questionnaire that evaluates the mental states of PAWS sufferers has proven extremely effective in determining the likelihood of a relapse.
Once an addict understands that they are suffering from PAWS, there are several strategies they can use to manage its symptoms and complete their recovery process:
*Communication Discuss problems with peers and counselors.
*Frank and open dialogue Express seemingly irrational thoughts instead of bottling frustration.
*Asking for honesty Ask a close friend if you being unreasonable.
*Setting goals Give purpose and meaning to every day.
*Continued education Never stop learning about addiction and new ways to cope.
*Steering clear Keep your distance from people and places that remind you of getting drunk or high.
*Eating right Food is powerful; good nutrition keeps your body from craving drugs.
*Resting when necessary Time off from work, difficult people, and other physical and mental stressors will keep your mind sharp and your emotions under control.
*Religion Spirituality has helped thousands cope with the stress of detoxification and recovery.
If you, a friend, or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, dont hesitate to seek help. Whether you have never sought treatment, or you are having a relapse, treatment is always a mere phone call away. Dial the number above to speak confidentially with one of our compassionate consultants. We are available night and day to help you start on the path to recovery.
by: Laszeros Chandlerson
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