For most people, withdrawal from drugs or alcohol lasts about a week or so. But for others, a condition known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can extend the process for much longer. PAWS can threaten your recovery, so it’s beneficial to prepare yourself for what you can expect and develop a plan to manage it.
The first step toward getting through drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms safely often involves a supervised detox program to provide you with the guidance and monitoring of experienced addiction treatment staff. Promises Brazos Valley offers a full range of treatment options, from detox to inpatient and outpatient care, as well as long-term support through our aftercare program.
What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?
To truly understand what post-acute withdrawal syndrome is, it helps first to know what acute withdrawal is. Acute withdrawal symptoms are the uncomfortable physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person addicted to a substance abruptly stops using it. This phase is referred to as acute withdrawal because it usually only lasts a few days to a couple of weeks as your body detoxes.
On the other hand, post-acute withdrawal is the phase that occurs after acute withdrawal, and it can linger much longer—several weeks to months and even years. However, PAWS doesn’t afflict everyone who detoxes from drugs or alcohol. This extended version of withdrawal tends to occur more often in those withdrawing from alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines.
Recognizing the Signs of PAWS
After acute withdrawal symptoms peak and start to fade, you may transition into post-acute withdrawal syndrome, characterized by some of the following signs:
- Cravings for the substance
- Difficulty sleeping
- Brain fog
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Low energy
It’s difficult to determine exactly how long each individual will experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms. Still, those who used high doses of substances or engaged in frequent use may have a longer road ahead.
Managing Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms
While you can’t eliminate all of your symptoms, you can do plenty to minimize the discomfort and its impact on your daily life.
Educate Yourself
Learn as much as possible about PAWS and its symptoms to prepare yourself for what to expect. Planning how to manage symptoms as they arise can help you address them and stay on track for recovery.
Prioritize Sleep
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, and when tired and irritable, it can be much more challenging to deal with triggers and temptations. Practice good sleep hygiene by developing a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine at least six hours before bed, avoiding screens at least an hour before bed, and sticking to a regular sleep schedule.
Talk With a Therapist
Depression and anxiety are common when going through post-acute withdrawal and can derail your recovery progress. Schedule an appointment with a therapist to explore your mental health symptoms and find healthy ways to address them. This could include medication, lifestyle changes, and specialized therapies like trauma-informed therapy, music therapy, and art therapy.
Join a Support Group
Look for online or in-person recovery support groups. Your peers in recovery understand what you’re going through, and some are likely to have also experienced PAWS. They can provide support and advice to help you get through this phase without relapse.
Enroll in an Aftercare or Alumni Program
Aftercare or alumni programs provide long-term support for recovery. After you complete treatment, you’ll still have access to your care team, but your sessions will be less frequent. These ongoing programs are excellent for helping you transition back into everyday life and the challenges they can present for recovery.
Contact Promises Brazos Valley to Enroll in Our Detox Program
If you’re experiencing post-acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms, Promises Brazos Valley is here to guide you through. Find the long-term support you need for a successful recovery by giving us a call 979.426.0086. You can also reach us by completing our online contact form.