Addiction Recovery Basics

Part 1

Post acute withdrawal syndrome, also known as PAWS, was brought to the forefront in relapse prevention by Terence Gorski. His foundation Cenaps is the standard for relapse prevention research.

In discussing stages of withdrawal for addictive chemicals we usually think terms in of two stages. The first stage is the acute, intense and immediate withdrawal that occurs directly after stopping use. The second stage is the long-term effects or withdrawal symptoms that occur after initial withdrawal symptoms.

The severity of the post acute withdrawal symptoms usually depends on two factors. The first is the amount and degree of brain dysfunction or disruption that has been caused by the length of use, and type of chemicals used, and any injuries that occurred associated with the use. The second thing that can affect post acute withdrawal symptoms are the stress factors experienced early in the recovery process and the severity of the psychological and social stressors that may occur.

In part 2, we will discuss post acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms, problems, and duration.

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