Understanding Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

Recovering from addiction can be challenging, especially if you experience Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) after detoxing. PAWS symptoms can persist long after the acute phase of withdrawal, but knowing what to expect can help you stay on track toward recovery.

At Buckhead Behavioral Health in Atlanta, Georgia, we offer aftercare programs, peer support groups, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and outpatient therapy to help you overcome PAWS and succeed in long-term recovery. Call us today at 470-460-6789.

What is PAWS?

PAWS refers to withdrawal symptoms that linger beyond the initial detox phase. While acute withdrawal symptoms are often physical, such as headaches or nausea, PAWS symptoms are typically emotional and psychological, lasting weeks, months, or even years in some cases.

Causes and Risk Factors of PAWS

PAWS occurs because the brain needs time to recover from addiction. Substance abuse disrupts your brain’s reward system, making it harder to function normally without drugs or alcohol.

Risk factors for PAWS include:

• Long-term or severe addiction
• Polysubstance abuse
• History of trauma or chronic stress
• Co-occurring mental health disorders
• Poor overall health

Symptoms of PAWS

PAWS symptoms can affect both mental and physical health, including:

• Anxiety and depression
• Mood swings and irritability
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Insomnia and fatigue
• Cravings and urges
• Digestive problems or headaches

These symptoms can make recovery challenging, increasing the risk of relapse.

PAWS Symptoms Timeline

PAWS symptoms often persist for weeks to months after acute withdrawal. For some, symptoms may last years or come and go in cycles. Factors like the type of substance abused, duration of addiction, and underlying mental health conditions influence how long PAWS lasts.

Symptoms from PAWS are more likely to rebound when you experience a relapse trigger. This is why it’s important to stay connected to peer support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or SMART Recovery. In addition, alumni programs at addiction treatment centers can help to prevent PAWS symptoms from rebounding.

Treatment for PAWS

Although PAWS isn’t an official diagnosis, its symptoms can be managed with professional help. It’s helpful to gradually step down from one level of care to the next over the long-term during addiction recovery. That way, you’ll have professional support to help you navigate your symptoms.

At Buckhead Behavioral Health, we offer several levels of outpatient rehab if you struggle with PAWS and need additional support after detox and residential treatment:

• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) is our highest level of outpatient treatment. Throughout PHP, you and your peers will engage in daily activities, psychoeducational instruction, and group therapy to build resiliency in recovery. PHP programs occur for about 6-8 hours each, five days per week.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): After PHP, it’s important to continue treatment at a high level of care to transition back to every day life in recovery. IOP programs provide a flexible schedule to help you gradually step down from a PHP and enhance your recovery skills. These programs last about 3-4 hours per session, 3-4 days per week.
• Evening IOP: If you have family, school, or work responsibilities that hinder your ability to get treatment during the day, our evening IOP program can help. This option offers the same type of program as our regular IOP program, but during the evening so you can tend to other responsibilities in your life.
• Virtual IOP: Oftentimes, transportation can be a barrier to treatment. Our virtual IOP program allows you to access treatment no matter where you are. This also great for people living in rural areas or people who need to stay home due to mobilities issues or family responsibilities.
• 90-Day Rehab: Our 90-day program will take you through multiple levels of care from detox to regular outpatient treatment. This helps you stay focused as you seamlessly transition from one level of care to the next.

Additional treatment options for PAWS include:

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Helps manage symptoms of opioid and alcohol withdrawal.
• Therapy and Support Groups: Mental health therapy and peer support groups provide guidance and encouragement.
• Sober Living Homes: These can help reduce the risk of relapse during early recovery.

Tips for Managing PAWS

You can take steps to ease PAWS symptoms and stay focused on recovery:

• Stick to your therapy and support group schedules.
• Practice self-care, such as eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
• Identify triggers that worsen symptoms.
• Explore creative outlets like journaling, art, or music.
• Be patient and kind to yourself during recovery.

Remember, PAWS is temporary. With the right support and tools, you can overcome it and build a healthy, fulfilling life in recovery.

Find Treatment for PAWS in Atlanta Today

PAWS can be discouraging to those who have gone through detox and inpatient treatment. When withdrawal symptoms linger, you might feel like recovery isn’t working for you. However, PAWS is treatable, and you can find solutions to meet your treatment goals.

Buckhead Behavioral Health provides evidence-based treatment for PAWS in Atlanta, Georgia. Our treatment team will help you navigate this complex, but treatable, condition. Contact us today to get started.