PAWS -- Most people are not familiar with this abbreviation, but it stands for Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. This is the 2nd step/stage after going through detox and where most people relapse. By knowing what this phenomenon is and the different ways to manage it, you can overcome this chapter in your life. Below we will discuss PAWS, how it affects a person’s ability to overcome their obstacle, and different treatment solutions.
What is PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) and how it effects you?
Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome can happen after any substance dependence or abuse, or after any medication that makes ones body reliant/dependent on a drug including anti-depressants and alcohol. PAWS not only effects people dependent on opiates, but also alcohol, Benzodiazepines, amphetamine, antidepressants, and cocaine just to name a few. It can occur after medical detox and trying to "cold turkey" it at home.
After detox, the person gets a feeling of depression, isolation, anxiety, and a whole host of feelings that were suppressed when on their drug of choice or in many cases, the drugs they were prescribed by their doctors.
If you are not strong enough or don't have the will power, this is the time you might relapse back into addiction and dependence, but try not to worry, fret or think about relapsing because it will make PAWS worse. Take one moment at a time, one day at a time and so on. Some people may have quick feelings of withdrawal come over them with goose bump sweats or electric shocks during this stage but it will go away after a few seconds, the mental part takes a bit longer though to get through.
Since each person is different, post acute withdrawal syndrome is different for each person. During the mental stage, a person may have thoughts of taking the drug of their choice to relieve the depression and longing for it. They feel they can't function without the drug, can't do everyday things without it, but this soon passes and each day gets a little better.
Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome is part of the addiction/recovery process and you can and will succeed!
How to fight the battle:
There are several ways to help reduce PAWS and different ways on how to detox from opiates. I will mention a few very good ways to help you to prepare for this step of your journey to becoming free of addiction and staying that way.
The most important steps include exercising, eating right, getting good sleep at night and taking supplements. The substances listed above deplete the brain of many chemicals you need to function normally, this includes serotonin and tryptophan.
Serotonin is made in the gut and a part of that is converted into the kind of serotonin that crosses the blood brain barrier to get to the neurotransmitters that were so deprived. This is why people that are on certain meds aren't hungry and have constipation. When the serotonin is replaced or returns, the gut becomes active again thus producing diarrhea and gurgling sounds in the stomach. The stomach and intestines will also feel more hunger sensations.
- Imodium and its generic helps to stop the diarrhea and for some, takes away some of the withdrawal symptoms, The Imodium has alkaloids similar to opiates in it thus pleasing the opiate receptors in the gut. Imodium does not cross the blood brain barrier so it wont help the receptors in the brain.
- 5-HTP along with L-Tryptophan (which also helps you to sleep) are OTC supplements that can help to replenish serotonin.
- Sam-E helps with mood stabilization and a sense of well being. Some Amino Acids like L-Tyrosine help decrease the symptoms of post acute withdrawal syndrome.
- Vitamin-D3 helps the intestines to digest and function properly along with bone and muscle healing.
- Exercising is one of the best ways to replenish serotonin. I personally know when you first go through withdrawal or post acute withdrawal syndrome you don't even feel like getting off the couch, but you have to start healing your body by taking these first steps with exercise and supplements. If possible exercise outside in the sunlight. The sunlight helps your body produce serotonin.
- Take a walk in your front yard, then the next day walk one house down, then two houses, three etc, by then you should be feeling a little better, clearer headed and feeling stronger to continue the fight.
- Laughter is "good medicine" in more ways than one. It helps to increase endorphins and serotonin, so watch a funny movie, try to smile again at the things that used to make you smile before taking your drug of choice, this will lead to the laughter you once had and you will start feeling better!
There's a lot of help, support and information out there on the internet for you, you just have to take the first steps by reaching out! You don’t have to go this alone!
Start a journal from the beginning, from the time you first decided to become free of your addiction/dependence on drugs. This will not only help you to see your progress along the way, it will give yourself more will and determination to succeed. When you have seen where you have been to where you are now in the process, you will gain a sense of pride and accomplishment!
For some people, Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, can last anywhere from a few days to a year or so, but with your determination and the help of family, friends, and meetings (if you chose to go) you can make it through!
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