The Causes And Symptoms Of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome causes more relapses among recovering addicts than any other condition

. Unfortunately, most rehab centers do little to treat its frustrating and often crippling symptoms. Because PAWS sets in immediately after the five to fourteen-day detoxification period, rehab clinicians must have ample time to educate their patients on how to recognize its symptoms and cope with the difficulties they present. Many of these symptoms last for months, while others reoccur for years after addicts complete their clinical treatments. Because of the constant danger of relapse, it is crucial that recovering addicts develop strategies to mitigate the effects of PAWS.

PAWS symptoms are highly individual and can be physical or psychological. Some are minor and last for only a few days or weeks, while others are extreme, lingering for months or years and threatening an addicts entire recovery process. In addition, there are some symptoms which occur because of traumatic or stressful events. Addicts tend to experience these triggered symptoms intermittently and sometimes dont reencounter them until years after their initial treatments. Finally, PAWS symptoms can occur when a patient stops actively engaging his therapies. Rehab patients live in fragile mental and physical states, and without the coping mechanisms clinicians teach during cognitive-behavioral and reality therapies, they are at even greater risk for depression and anxiety.

Overall, the frustrating symptoms of PAWS have tremendous and negative effects on addicts ability to complete their treatment and return to a normal life. Among these symptoms are:

*Short-term memory loss

*Social anxiety

*Loss of motor skills

*Feelings of disorganization

*Loss of interpersonal communication skills

*Lack of focus

*Chronic headaches

*Sleeping problems

*Drug cravings

*Exhaustion

*Emotional numbness and hyper-sensitivity

To someone who has never experienced addiction, a recovering substance abuser who exhibits these symptoms may appear to be an active user. In fact, medical professionals often use the term dry drunk to describe this phenomenon. Appearing to be intoxicated in public can be extremely dangerous for recovering addicts because their recoveries often depend on their abilities to positively engage other people and establish close relationships. Instead, they are often ridiculed and scorned by a society which has only a stereotypical understanding of addiction and related problems.

One of the most important methods for treating PAWS is cognitive-behavioral therapy. Clinicians using these methods teach their patients that their unhappiness is a result of their own thought patterns. By changing the way they think, they can take on a new outlook more conducive to coping with the rigors of addiction recovery. PAWS symptoms may be difficult to endure, but positive thinking can mitigate their effects and help prevent relapses.

Another important mode of therapy for treating PAWS symptoms is reality therapy. Reality practices teach addicts that there are situations they can control and others they cannot control. By recognizing the difference, they can act appropriately and make their environments better for themselves and the people around them. For instance, an addict with PAWS may not be able to control his insomnia, but he can choose to do productive, drug-free activities during his waking hours, rather than engage in more harmful drug use.

No matter the situation, most addicts will experience at least some of the symptoms of PAWS during and after their treatment. However, good education and access to support groups, counselors, and other post-treatment resources can help recovering abusers stay clean for life.

by: Damlin Rekerstan

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