What is PAWS? (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome)

When you first get clean, your body and mind have to make some serious adjustments. Usually, a person who has a substance use disorder will go through a short detox program to help them get started out in the world clean and sober. Because detoxing is often uncomfortable and can even, in some cases, be dangerous, it’s important to complete a detox round before entering treatment. However, for many people in recovery, detox doesn’t end after a few weeks. Many people experience something called PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome) once they have been clean for a few months, although some people report symptoms up to 18 months after initially getting clean and sober.

PAWS is normal and doesn’t have acute, painful symptoms like the initial detox they completed. Instead, it can cause some noticeable issues in your daily life that can upset you or just make you feel “run down”. It’s important to know that this, too, is normal.

Understanding PAWS

Once a drug is removed from an addicted person’s life, many people believe the journey from addiction is over. This is a common misconception that can make it difficult for a recovering person to move forward or even lead to relapse. PAWS is a secondary, more subtle phase of withdrawal that is initiated after a few months. It’s normal and believed to simply be your body and mind’s way of adjusting to your clean and sober life. After all, you didn’t become addicted overnight. Getting and staying clean can’t happen overnight, either, as much as everyone wishes it could. That's why people continue to work a recovery program once they get clean.

While not as intense as acute withdrawal, post-acute withdrawal can be frustrating and upsetting. Learning more about what is going on with your body is important so that you can start to cope with these symptoms.

PAWS Symptoms

PAWS symptoms can vary depending on the drugs you used and how long you used them. Here are some common symptoms of it:

Quick to anger, exhibiting hostility
Panic attacks, general anxiety/fear
Irritability
Mood swings
Extreme fatigue or exhaustion unrelated to daily activities
Feeling blue or depressed
Insomnia
“Brain fog” and having trouble with concentration
Low sex drive
Trouble thinking or remembering things
Overreacting to stress and other emotions

Most people in recovery experience at least a few of these symptoms, but if you feel overwhelmed with them regularly, it’s important to see your doctor for a mental health screening. Many people in recovery discover they have been self-medicating a mental health disorder. Getting help for it can help increase your quality of life and make you healthier all-around.

Getting Help for Substance Abuse

Are you struggling with a substance use disorder but don’t know where to start? Help is available and it’s completely confidential. Please give us a call today at 1-619-363-4767 to learn more about your options and how you can heal.