Not everyone knows the potential for experiencing post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS broadly relates to symptoms that arise in the weeks and months following detox. Lingering effects associated with PAWS can put a person at risk of relapse, so it’s essential to be aware of signs that someone may be experiencing these issues during the early stages of recovery.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to contact DetoxLA today. Call 818.616.7341 to speak with a recovery specialist about the benefits of our medical detox program in Los Angeles designed for lasting recovery.
Signs of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
A person experiencing post-acute withdrawal syndrome will likely show signs of struggling in recovery. When someone stops using alcohol or drugs, their body begins to adjust to the new normal, which involves recalibrating toward a baseline. PAWS directly relates to the second stage of detox.
Addiction is a lifelong disease. A person who quits abusing alcohol or drugs remains in recovery for the rest of their life. They are always working towards a better version of themselves while maintaining sobriety. The road to recovery may last a lifetime, but there are ways to make the path easier.
Managing PAWS in Recovery
PAWS symptoms are typically psychological or emotional. The severity of symptoms is often determined by the severity of a person’s addiction. These difficulties can remain challenging for up to two years after completing a detox program. This process may sound daunting and may cause some people to shy away from recovery to avoid discomfort.
Those in recovery need to continue regularly scheduled appointments with a mental health counselor. These appointments will continue to provide the support and education to continue in sobriety for a lifetime of recovery.
Common Symptoms of PAWS
It’s essential to keep in mind that feelings and emotions related to PAWS are temporary to help reduce the risk of relapse.
PAWS symptoms can be psychological, emotional, and physical. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant but try to put this in perspective. A life of alcohol abuse is a destructive force. If you are strong enough to get yourself to kick the habit, then you can push yourself to learn life skills that will help you manage PAWS.
Common symptoms associated with PAWS include:
- Cravings
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Sleep issues
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
Those who are experiencing PAWS are likely to feel increased anxiety and depression. They may show signs of mood instability and have other challenges that make daily life choices feel more complex and strenuous.
Unpleasant feelings can result in a person experiencing cravings and the desire to abuse substances. Patients learn effective coping methods they can apply to real-world situations in treatment. Detox is just the beginning of the recovery journey.
The Benefits of Detox
The benefits of detox always outweigh the risk of continued abuse or addiction. A person abusing alcohol or drugs is at risk for overdose, deterioration of their physical health, worsening of mental health issues, and the potential for an overdose fatality.
At DetoxLA, we take pride in treating our patients with the respect and dignity they deserve. We are constantly updating our center with new features and amenities. We specialize in treating those who struggle with addiction to alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opiates. Our team knows it takes specialized skills to help someone who has developed a dependence on these drugs detox, recover, and find new ways to create a meaningful life in sobriety.
Contact DetoxLA Today About Treatment Options
Our detox facility maintains a pleasant atmosphere where patients and their families can rest easy knowing that medical professionals care for their loved ones around the clock. Contact us today to learn more about the luxury amenities, comprehensive recovery programs, and services DetoxLA offers. Call 818.616.7341 now to get started.