What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) and How to Know if You Have It

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

It’s important to remember that working through a treatment program such as the ones offered through Resurgence Behavioral Health is only the first step in a road to lifelong recovery. The damage that you inflicted on your body may take more than just a few days or weeks to overcome which is why it’s not uncommon for a person that suffered from any type of addiction to develop a condition known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome.

What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS?

By definition, post-acute withdrawal syndrome, also known as PAWS is a series of symptoms that come to light after a person has gone through the initial withdrawal process. While these symptoms are not severe enough to require you to commit to a withdrawal program, they can have a direct impact on your life, and they are something that should certainly be addressed so that they do not negatively impact your long-term sobriety.

Symptoms of PAWS

Another question that we receive in connection with “Do I have PAWS?” is about the symptoms that are associated with the condition. Some typical examples of PAWS symptoms can include but not be limited to:

How Long Does PAWS Last?

Overall, post-acute withdrawal syndrome can last anywhere between three and six months. It’s important to note, however, that symptoms of PAWS can appear at any time which is why it’s critical that you have the structure and support that you need to address them if and when they do come up. Knowing your triggers and avoiding them is key in this type of situation, however, it doesn’t mean that you won’t necessarily experience some form of PAWS once you’re sober.

How to Get Help for PAWS

There are several options that you have if you believe that you’re suffering from PAWs. Some examples include:

Ask for help: It’s critical that you express your concerns to people who can help you. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome is never something that you should be embarrassed by and it is not a condition that will last forever. When you reach out for help, you will be able to better manage the symptoms associated with this condition.

Setting goals for yourself: If you find yourself in a particularly stressful situation, taking a pause and focusing on the goals that you need to accomplish is a great way to work through those emotions. Take a moment, take a deep breath, and assess the task at hand.

Give yourself a reality test: Often, when there is a lot going on around you, it can be difficult to take hold of whether or not you are making sense or whether your PAWS symptoms are setting in. Ask a close friend, family member, or even a member of our team if what you’re saying is making sense.

Get Help with PAWS at Resurgence Behavioral Health

If you find that you’re asking yourself, “Do I have PAWS?” the Resurgence Behavioral Health team is here to help you answer that question. As addiction experts, we have a unique understanding of the concerns or fear that can arise from a person that may be uncertain of whether or not they have post-acute withdrawal syndrome. We will always take the time to speak to you or concerned friends or family members about the condition and put your mind at ease or provide you with the assistance that you need. For more information about post-acute withdrawal syndrome or if you’re ready to take your first steps toward sobriety by enrolling in a treatment program, please give us a call at (855) 458-0050 for more information.

Do you know what PAWS is and how to manage symptoms? Read our blog post below to learn more!#paws #postacutewithdrawalsyndrome #recovery #addictiontreatment #addictionrehabhttps://t.co/0iExCDkhzu

— Resurgence Behavioral Health (@RBHRecovery) August 17, 2021

David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.

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