Before recovery can begin, it is essential that the body is free from all addictive substances. Addiction rehab often starts with a detox program to safely accomplish this and facilitate the start of recovery. Undergoing detox at a Los Angeles rehab center can provide you with the direction and support you need to overcome withdrawal symptoms and transition to inpatient rehab.
While detox programs address the acute stage of withdrawal – the symptoms you experience when you first stop using drugs or alcohol – there is also a second stage. Even after you rid your body of drugs and alcohol and begin recovery, you may still experience symptoms of withdrawal. This is a second stage known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome or PAWS.
Symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
PAWS comes and goes throughout typically the first two years of recovery. It is often stronger during the first six to eight months, then tapers off. While acute withdrawal comprises mainly physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremors, rapid heart rate, and intense drug cravings, post-acute withdrawal involves more psychological symptoms.
Your body is no longer under the influence of drugs, but it can take a while for it to return to more normal functioning. Your brain is still readjusting and rewiring itself. Also, while under the influence, it dulled your response to certain emotions and feelings, so now it may feel as though these emotions are amplified because you’re feeling them more fully and clearly. Symptoms of PAWS may include:
- Intense mood swings
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Memory problems
- Difficulty coping with stress
- Irritability
- Coordination problems
The severity of these symptoms can differ from person to person. They can vary depending on the substances you were addicted to, severity of the drug addiction, co-occurring mental health problems, and other issues.
Coping with Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
It can be frustrating dealing with PAWS, but it’s important to recognize that it is a normal part of recovery and many people experience it. You are not alone and experiencing these feelings does not mean that treatment has failed. It means that you are making progress in your recovery and healing your body and mind.
There will be many times when you are feeling perfectly fine, but then at other times, PAWS can creep up. It’s important to remember that it will pass and typically lasts a few hours to a few days. When these feelings strike, there are several ways you can ease the impact until they pass:
Recognize that they happen. Take PAWS symptoms in stride with your day. Instead of letting yourself get even more upset or frustrated that they are occurring, realize that it’s something that is going to happen from time to time. It’s part of the healing process. They are only temporary and they will pass. You don’t have to give in to these urges or let them lead you back to substance use. Stay strong and remain in control of your decisions. Brush up on your relapse prevention plan so that you feel more prepared to cope with these situations when they arise.
Simplify your day. When you’re feeling overwhelmed with emotion and out of sorts, take a step back. Make an effort to simplify your day and only focus on those activities that must get done. Give yourself time to relax and engage in activities that you enjoy. Tomorrow is another day, so take things one step at time for the time being. The more you overwork yourself, the worse you may feel.
Take care of yourself. Along with simplifying, focus on self-care. Make sure that you’re eating a well-balanced diet to fuel your body with the proper vitamins and nutrients and keep your blood sugar stable. Stay physically active to boost endorphin production and enhance your mood. You may want to go for a run, do some yoga, or take a walk along the beach or a nature trail.
Practice stress reduction. Relieving stress can be a beneficial way of alleviating some of the challenges of PAWS. Some people find meditation especially helpful as it helps to clear and refocus the mind. It may be difficult at first to calm your mind, but after a few minutes and some deep breathing you’ll begin to relax and de-stress. Have a list of go-to strategies that work for you when you need to relax and unwind. It can be different for each person. Exercise, music, writing, drawing, and spending time with friends are just a few possibilities.
While PAWS can be a trigger for relapse, it doesn’t have to be if you are proactive and know how to deal with it. Educate yourself about the full scope of the recovery process and continue attending support group meetings where you can connect with others and discuss your experiences. They may be able to offer helpful suggestions that have worked for them and may work for you. They can also provide encouragement and support so that you know you’re not alone and what you’re experiencing is a normal part of recovery.
Chapters Capistrano works with you along each step of the way so that you know what to expect in treatment as well as recovery from addiction. Through individual and group therapy as well as other activities, you’ll be able to work through underlying issues and develop strategies for preventing relapse and establishing healthier routines and thought patterns. If you’re ready to start a new chapter in your life, contact Chapters Capistrano at 888-973-0230.
