Symptoms of PAWS are not constant; they may come and go unpredictably, often exacerbated by stressors or reminders of past substance use. Individuals may experience bursts of symptoms over a few days, followed by periods of relative stability. This variability can be frustrating and confusing for those in recovery, as they might mistake PAWS symptoms for a return to substance use.
How Long Does PAWS Last?
This syndrome is clearly not a disease entity; it probably represents an amalgam of pharmacological and psychological factors directly and indirectly related to benzodiazepine use. Withdrawal from substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines can be life-threatening if not managed properly. If you experience severe Drug rehabilitation symptoms like confusion, hallucinations, or seizures, it’s time to seek professional help. Alcohol withdrawal happens when someone who is physically dependent on alcohol suddenly stops or reduces their alcohol intake 3.
- Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal tend to peak 24 to 72 hours after your last drink.
- Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) and PTSD share many of the same symptoms, making it difficult to properly diagnose and treat patients struggling with addiction.
- When anxiety peaks or depression deepens, the temptation to self-medicate becomes overwhelming.
- Create a calm pre-sleep routine to improve sleep quality, such as reading or taking a warm bath before bedtime.
PAWS: Understanding Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
It’s a major reason why so many people relapse in the early stages of recovery. Unlike the intense physical effects of acute withdrawal, PAWS—sometimes called protracted withdrawal—affects your emotional balance, energy and focus long after detox ends. PAWS symptoms can be uncomfortable and distressing, and they can be risk factors for relapse.
Signs and Symptoms of PAWS
Things like automobile accidents, domestic violence, sexual perpetrations, and witnessing the untoward effects of one’s own addictive behaviors on loved ones, including children. PAWS-related depression is directly tied to neurological healing after substance use—it typically comes in waves that gradually decrease over time. Clinical depression may have existed before substance use or may be a separate condition.
It depends a lot on the substance a person used and the various other factors listed above under Risk Factors for Paws. For some people, PAWS only lasts for a couple of months, but for others, the symptoms can carry on for years after they get sober. Contact us today to learn more about our personalized addiction treatment programs.
Medical Disclaimer
Addicts who quit using prescription and illegal opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and heroin may have such PAWS symptoms as fatigue, anxiety, and sleep problems. When an alcohol-dependent person quits drinking, their nervous system becomes hyperactive. This hyperactivity may initially cause tremors and seizures, but mild symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and loss of libido can last for months or even years. After cessation of drug use, individuals may experience persistent impairments affecting cognitive function and emotional stability.
- Up to 15% of people who have taken benzodiazepines long term experience PAWS.
- Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that residential treatment programs provide the intensive support needed during critical phases of recovery like PAWS.
- Why Understanding PAWS MattersPost-acute withdrawal is one of the most common reasons people relapse.
Let us help you return to a place of peace and build a brighter future. During detox, you will be able to recover in an environment free from stress and other triggers. Veterans post-acute withdrawal syndrome Administration (VA), on inpatient psychiatric wards, and in treatment programs for addiction. I’ve worked with homeless residents fighting fentanyl and crack addiction in some of Columbus, Ohio’s, poorest, most disadvantaged neighborhoods. Having people who understand your struggles can make PAWS feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
Walking, yoga, or light stretching can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and support neurological healing. Our yoga therapy program provides accessible movement practices specifically designed for men in recovery. Learn about how yoga can help with addiction recovery and how movement helps recovery.