Decision-making abilities may be impaired, as the brain’s executive functioning is still recovering. Individuals may feel indecisive, struggle with problem-solving, and make impulsive choices. Memory problems are also common, with both short-term and long-term memory affected. People may forget appointments, struggle to recall information, or have difficulty retaining new knowledge. But experts think PAWS is likely caused by ongoing adjustments in the brain and other parts of the central nervous system (CNS). It can be hard not to resent PAWS, especially when it causes your loved one to behave in ways you can’t understand.
Refine Recovery is where clinical excellence meets concierge-level service, supporting clients across the country with the highest standard of care. Practice positive self-talk, including reminding yourself that what you are experiencing is normal and that “this too shall pass.” Be gentle with the thoughts you have, and be patient with yourself. Cognitive difficulties post-acute withdrawal syndrome and fatigue often impact job performance and academic functioning, though severity varies considerably.
PAWS is a dangerous withdrawal period with a high potential to cause relapse. If you experience PAWS, contact medical professionals or addiction specialists to help manage your symptoms. Seeking treatment at a detox or rehabilitation center can increase the chance of a successful recovery. It can also lessen the risk of relapse because of medical support and supervision.
Discover affordable rehab centers near you, offering easy access and convenience. Stay close to family and friends while getting the support you need. Seth brings many years of professional experience working the front lines of addiction in both the government and privatized sectors. Creating relapse prevention plans prepares you for vulnerable moments. Setting realistic expectations prevents discouragement when progress feels slow. These tools become more effective as you learn which approaches work best for your specific symptom patterns.
Sometimes this experience is directly related to the chemical process in the brain when going through withdrawal. For some, the physical withdrawal symptoms go away after a few days or weeks, depending on the type, quantity, and duration of drug use prior to detox. However, many people experience prolonged emotional and psychological symptoms long after the physical withdrawal symptoms have gone amphetamine addiction treatment away. This type of prolonged withdrawal is called Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, or PAWS, and can last for months or sometimes years. For many people, the acute phase of kratom withdrawal is just the beginning.
It is crucial to create a support system that includes an individual who can help recognize when someone is experiencing PAWS symptoms. There are multiple addictive substances that, when abused and detoxed, can result in PAWS. For example, 90% of people recovering from opioid addiction experience PAWS to some extent, as do 75% of people recovering from alcohol and psychotropic drug abuse 2.
They will provide you with access to the insight of active listeners who may even share some of your experiences, plus you may learn valuable coping skills. Keep balanced — After a life overrun by the negativity of addiction, it can be easy to overdo it by trying to make up for lost time. Take care not to overwhelm yourself—yoga and meditation can help provide balance. In addition, should a person not understand the possibility of PAWS, they will not know how or where to properly seek treatment.
If you or a loved one are experiencing PAWS, there are treatments to help you manage these symptoms. When therapy overlooks meaning, something essential may be missing. “The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao,” wrote Lao Tzu in Tao Te Ching more than 2,500 years ago, capturing a paradox that still resonates today.
PAWS isn’t an official medical diagnosis, yet there’s little question it exists. People who are addicted to methamphetamine or crack, for example, can do long-term damage to their brain’s dopamine systems, making it difficult to experience pleasure. Some people’s dopamine systems are so damaged that they experience low-grade depression for life.
Consider writing in a journal as a way to gain awareness and insight into your symptoms and document your experiences utilizing different coping skills. It is also a healthy way to express yourself and your feelings/emotions. Being physically active helps reduce physical and mental tension, as well as anxiety, depression and other symptoms. Dr. Victoria Perez Gonzalez is a highly respected doctor who specializes in the brain and mental health. Short-term use can trigger PAWS in some individuals, though longer, heavier use increases the likelihood and severity. Individual brain chemistry and genetics influence susceptibility more than duration alone.
PAWS describes a collection of symptoms that occur after people with addiction quit using and enter recovery. PAWS symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, sleep problems, cravings, cognitive impairment, and irritability, can last for months to years after initial withdrawal from any number of drugs. These include alcohol, benzodiazepines, crack, marijuana, methamphetamine, and opioids.
