Addiction Recovery Basics

Poast Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, Paws, Part 2

In part one of the article on post acute withdrawal syndrome we discussed the various stages of withdrawal. This article concerns itself with the actual symptoms and problems of PAWS.

Hear some symptoms of how PAWS affects the thinking process:

• Having a hard time learning and remembering new information.
• Both short-term and long-term memory can be affected.
• Inability to handle stress or uncertain situations.
• Fuzziness of thinking, an inability to think clearly or logically.
• Difficulty with solving problems and abstract reasoning.
• Difficulty concentrating for any length of time or blanking out.
• All or nothing, black or white thinking.
• Having a difficult time prioritizing goals and putting them into action.

There are some emotional symptoms of PAWS also:

An inability to sleep soundly.

• Having nightmares or dreams about using alcohol or drugs.
• Emotional symptoms are increase due to lack of sleep.
• A frequent occurrence of radical mood swings.
• Difficulty to relate to others.
• Disproportionate emotions for a situation, for example flying into a rage over a small incident.
• Having inappropriate emotions.

In the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous the description that they used was feeling restless, irritable and discontent.” The length of time these symptoms can occur is usually thought to be up to three to six months into recovery. However, depending on the severity of the substance use and length of time of its use, Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome may last up to two years in extreme and rare cases.

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