Gill is the owner of the Sober Powered Media Podcast Network, which is the first network of top sober podcasts. When individuals understand PAWS, they may be more likely to engage in aftercare services and support groups. Recognizing that the recovery journey extends beyond initial treatment, individuals who are informed about PAWS may be more proactive in seeking ongoing support to help them navigate the challenges of long-term recovery. Several factors can influence the onset, duration, and severity of PAWS symptoms. Understanding these factors can help individuals and their support systems better prepare for the challenges of recovery. Anxiety and panic attacks may occur as the body’s stress response system becomes dysregulated.

1. Detoxing from addictive substances is a crucial step in overcoming substance abuse, but it can be just the beginning of a long journey toward recovery.
2. According to the research, these symptoms can endure weeks or even months after discontinuing use.
3. Consequently, the notion of PAWS remains highly controversial (Satel et al., 1993).
4. Engaging in regular exercise, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help regulate mood.
5. The main management for severe symptoms is long-acting benzodiazepines — typically IV diazepam or IV lorazepam.
6. At some point, the concept of PAWS became overgeneralized to describe any type of protracted course of withdrawal symptoms across the spectrum of substance types.

Don’t let the fear of possible withdrawal symptoms prevent you from getting the help you deserve. Learn more about treating alcoholism and support options by reaching out to a treatment provider. Alcohol affects multiple bodily functions that results in alcohol withdrawal when attempting to stop.

What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS?

Several reviews, including a 2018 review and a 2014 review, have noted that sleep disturbances are common during cannabis withdrawal. For those seeking addiction treatment for themselves or a loved one, all phone calls are confidential and are available for 24/7 help. All calls will be answered by Pinnacle Health Group or Still Behavioral Health Group, both of whom are paid advertisers. Calls to numbers on a specific treatment center listing will be routed to that treatment center. Calls to any general helpline will be received by Pinnacle Health Group or Still Behavioral Health Group, both of whom are paid advertisers.

However, for most people, the symptoms of PAWS tend to gradually improve over time as the brain and body heal from the effects of substance abuse. Often, symptoms are triggered by stress or brought on by situations involving people, places or things that remind the individual of using. Many people in recovery describe the symptoms of PAWS as ebbing and flowing like a wave or having an “up and down” roller coaster effect.

How to Manage Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

Now isn’t the time to isolate yourself or become complacent in your sobriety, but to surround yourself with family, friends, and professionals who can support you as you work to build a sober and fulfilling life for yourself. For example, if a person tapers off benzodiazepine use, their withdrawal symptoms usually resolve within 6–18 months of the last dose. However, anecdotal reports suggest that some symptoms persist for up to a decade following cessation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirms that benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can last weeks to years.

For example, treatment providers will be able to help alleviate some of the most painful of withdrawal symptoms, as well as provide 24/7 support through the entire recovery process. PAWS is one of the leading causes of relapse for individuals that have completed alcohol addiction treatment. Many people experience symptoms of PAWS in cyclical waves – one day you feel fine, and the next you’re plagued by low energy and intense cravings for alcohol. The spontaneity of this withdrawal phase can make resisting temptation hard. However, it’s important to note that each PAWS episode is often limited to only a few days at a time.

Drugs, brains, and behavior: the science of addiction. 2018

Dry drunk syndrome is part of the phenomenon known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). When a heavy drinker quits drinking, their brain must adjust to the chemical damage that alcohol has caused. A substance use disorder causes significant changes in the brain.1 These changes affect a person’s behaviors, thoughts, decision making, and emotions. When these changes in the brain continue long after the acute withdrawal period into post-acute withdrawal syndrome, pursuits such as dealing with how to get someone fired stress and difficult situations and finding interest and joy in normal activities can become problematic. These are some of the most common manifestations of post-acute withdrawal syndrome, but this is not a comprehensive list. One unifying theme among these symptoms is that they all impair various facets of an individual’s emotional state.

Importance of understanding the PAWS timeline

In the days and weeks after you stop drinking or quit substance abuse, you may experience acute withdrawal symptoms. It is the second withdrawal stage, often called post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). The alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a well‐known condition occurring after intentional or unintentional abrupt cessation of heavy/constant drinking in patients suffering from alcohol use disorders (AUDs).