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Post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS as it is otherwise known, essentially sees individuals who are recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction encounter withdrawal symptoms for a prolonged period.
While post-acute withdrawal syndrome is yet to be classified as an official medical diagnosis, it is believed that thousands of individuals worldwide will sadly experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome.
Occurring after the initial withdrawal stage has been completed, post-acute withdrawal syndrome can be somewhat uncomfortable to experience.
Regrettably, as a result, post-acute withdrawal syndrome is one of the leading causes of relapse among those hoping to obtain a long-term recovery and sobriety.
Considering this, it is crucial to understand what post-acute withdrawal syndrome is and how it can be overcome.
To assist you, we have answered the question “what is post-acute withdrawal syndrome?” in this blog.
What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome and Who Does It Impact?
As individuals struggling with drug and alcohol addictions enter rehab and embark on a rehabilitation programme, withdrawal symptoms are typically encountered as harmful toxins and substances are removed from the body and brain.
Although withdrawal symptoms can cause some discomfort, they are entirely normal and controllable when experienced in a professional rehabilitation setting.
Usually, withdrawal symptoms reach their peak within 72-hours and alleviate entirely within the space of one or two weeks when medically induced detoxifications are prescribed.
However, in some instances, prolonged withdrawal symptoms arise and linger, leaving many struggling with post-acute withdrawal syndrome.
While post-acute withdrawal syndrome is known to impair the lives of between 70% and 90% of people who have progressed through addiction recovery, research has determined that post-acute withdrawal syndrome is more likely to impact individuals who consume substances for a significant period of time.
The consumption of drugs including marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine also put an individual at greater risk of encountering post-acute withdrawal syndrome.
How Long Does Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome Last?
Ascertaining how long post-acute withdrawal syndrome lasts for is somewhat tricky. This is because the time it takes an individual to recover from post-acute withdrawal syndrome will depend on many factors, such as whether further treatment is sought.
Although an exact time frame cannot be provided, many people find that they can overcome post-acute withdrawal syndrome within two years.
Signs Of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Unlike the withdrawal symptoms experienced during detoxification, post-acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms are primarily emotional and psychological. This means that individuals who experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome are unlikely to encounter physical symptoms such as nausea and headaches.
Should you experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome, the symptoms you encounter will likely come and go in short episodes. Each episode will likely last for a few days before alleviating for weeks or even months.
If you believe that you are struggling with post-acute withdrawal syndrome, it is worth reviewing the signs and symptoms outlined below. These symptoms are often associated with post-acute withdrawal syndrome and highlight that further treatment may be required.
- Heightened mood swings
- Violent outbursts
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Reduced energy levels
- Insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Poor memory
- Intense cravings
Treatment Is Available For Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Having answered the question “what is post-acute withdrawal symptom?” we hope that you will have been able to identify whether you are subject to the syndrome or not.
If you have come to realise that post-acute withdrawal syndrome is impairing your life, you may be hesitant to seek help and support.
Although we understand that admitting that you require further help weeks, months or even years after initially seeking treatment for your drug or alcohol addiction can be difficult, it is vital that you do so.
As noted above, individuals who struggle with post-acute withdrawal syndrome are at much greater risk of relapsing due to being unable to cope with the emotional and psychological symptoms encountered.
Across the United Kingdom, many rehabilitation centres and treatment providers, such as our rehab clinics, offer treatment for post-acute withdrawal syndrome.
Our Rehab Clinics Are Ready To Support You
At Rehab Clinics Group, we have a wealth of private rehabs that are able to provide treatment to those struggling with post-acute withdrawal syndrome.
Irrespective of whether you attend Cassiobury Court, Ocean Recovery, Asana Lodge or Nova Recovery, you can rest assured knowing that the treatment you are offered is industry-leading.
Although the treatment you are offered will depend on the centre attended, treatment for post-acute withdrawal syndrome typically combines psychological and well-being therapies.
These therapies have proven to be highly beneficial when treating post-acute withdrawal syndrome as they enable those struggling with post-acute withdrawal syndrome to identify triggers and causes of the syndrome.
As triggers and causes are identified, coping strategies that drastically reduce post-acute withdrawal syndrome can be devised.
If required, medication can also be prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms that are associated with post-acute withdrawal syndrome.
You may also have the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits that come hand-in-hand with Satori Chair Therapy and NAD+ therapy.
Contact Us Today For Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome Treatment
Having answered the question “what is post-acute withdrawal syndrome?”, if you are concerned that the syndrome is controlling your life and are worried that your sobriety could be compromised in the near or far future, we would encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.
In doing so, we can discuss your concerns with you and help you identify whether post-acute withdrawal syndrome is impairing your life.
If, upon talking to you, we have reason to believe that your recovery could be hindered because of post-acute withdrawal syndrome, we will ensure that you understand the treatments that are available for you to take advantage of at one of our residential rehabs in the United Kingdom.
Should you find yourself prepared to attend one of our residential rehabs, we will provide you with a suitable admissions date to commence treatment.
To find out how we can support you, please call us today on 0800 470 0382.
Sources
https://www.everydayhealth.com/addiction/experts-how-long-does-withdrawal-last.aspx
https://www.smartrecovery.org/am-i-going-crazy/
https://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/post-acute-withdrawal.htm
