ALCOHOL ADDICTION; how to learn and understand what is going on.

The Symptoms of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

The symptoms of Post Acute Withdrawal are the #1 Cause of Relapse Among Addicts and Alcoholics

PAWS symptoms are the leading cause of drug or alcohol relapse.

For many people recovering from drug addiction or alcoholism, the most significant challenge to a lasting recovery is PAWS or Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. PAWS is a set of symptoms that occur immediately after a person has detoxed or completed the acute withdrawal stage of drug or alcohol cessation. PAWS symptoms affect a person physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and require proper management as they often compel an addict to use again in order to obtain relief. And because PAWS can occur and recur for up to two years or even longer for some people, understanding how to recognize and cope with this condition is the most critical factor for long term recovery success.
If you or someone you love is suffering from symptoms of PAWS and has relapsed or is in danger of relapse, please call 1-800-706-9190 right now, regardless of what time it is.  We can help.  Or, click here to take part in an open survey about the severity and duration of your Symptoms of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. You can also see the results of other users and how PAWS affected them.
PAWS sets in  after a person stops using drugs or drinking and has completed detoxification. At this stage the severe symptoms of acute withdrawal have passed and a person can begin to focus on their recovery on a cerebral level. However, PAWS sometimes makes this extraordinarily difficult to do because it has a severe impact on a person’s thought processes, decision making, ability to control emotion and ability to maintain physical coordination. However, these symptoms are normal and can be easily managed with a little education and a lot of vigilance.
It is widely accepted by addiction specialists that there are 6 general symptoms of PAWS that fall under the four main categories: