Regardless of one’s concept of God or one’s unique personal spiritual beliefs, a spiritual connection was shown to post-acute withdrawal syndrome be a valuable resource for anyone in recovery 11. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome is a controversial topic among medical professionals and individuals. Despite the thousands of people experiencing PAWS every year; it is not an official medical diagnosis. The symptoms vary greatly between individuals, while many of the symptoms are self-reported by individuals experiencing them. It may seem like you’re on a rollercoaster when you stop using substances.

• For some, the symptoms may last for a few weeks, while others may struggle with PAWS for several months or even years.
• Unlike acute withdrawal, which typically involves physical symptoms that resolve within days to weeks, PAWS primarily affects mental and emotional well-being.
• This long-term impairment may last for weeks, but often persists for months – and in some cases years – beyond the expected date of recovery.
• If you quit a drug cold turkey, your risk for post-acute withdrawal syndrome increases.

Staying in recovery from addiction

By binding to and activating the brain’s opioid receptors, they send dopamine – an estimated two to 10 times the “normal” amount  – flooding into the brain. The brain adapts to this by lessening dopamine production and sensitivity. There are not many research studies on PAWS and there is no test for it. Medical treatment is limited to medications like Vivitrol or Suboxone, the latter of which can cause withdrawal itself if not tapered off of correctly.

What Kratom Withdrawal Feels Like

This explains why PTSD is far less stigmatized than disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and addiction, which far fewer people experience firsthand. Each person has their own individual biological make-up and experience of substance abuse. Because of this, the timeline and severity of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome will look different for each person. Regular exercise, omega-3 fatty acids, and consistent sleep schedules show evidence for symptom relief. Always consult healthcare providers before starting supplements, as they shouldn’t replace professional treatment. Cognitive-behavioural therapy teaches you to recognize thought patterns that worsen symptoms and develop healthier responses.

When should I seek professional help for PAWS?

• This is due to the fact that most of the  week a person is functioning without the drug.
• Therefore PAWS related to benzodiazepine abuse is more common and tends to last longer.
• According to American Addiction Centers, anecdotal evidence indicates that PAWS symptoms can last 2 years or longer after someone stopped drinking alcohol.
• Post-acute withdrawal syndrome tends to affect those that suffer from a chronic substance abuse disorder.

If you have a heavy chronic substance abuse problem, the brain can take 6 months up to 2 years to readjust to being substance-free fully. Addictive drugs such as benzodiazepines are notorious for requiring a protracted withdrawal process. Therefore PAWS related to benzodiazepine abuse is more common and tends to last longer. The possibility of developing post-acute withdrawal syndrome can prove to be an obstacle for some chronic substance abusers to getting and staying clean. In some cases, symptoms can be so persistent that a person returns to using substances rather than continue to suffer.

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The term “post-acute” distinguishes this phase from acute withdrawal – the immediate physical symptoms you face when stopping drug or alcohol use. While acute withdrawal typically lasts 7-14 days and often requires medical supervision, PAWS emerges as a longer-term challenge in your recovery journey. In the first days and weeks following cessation of drug and alcohol use, individuals may experience acute withdrawal symptoms. Whether mildly unpleasant or seriously uncomfortable, these withdrawal symptoms are often severely prevalent in the early stages of recovery from alcohol or drug addiction.

For individuals who need a private, medically supervised environment to safely stop using kratom, Journey Hillside Tarzana offers one of the most personalized and comprehensive settings available. Understanding this timeline helps set realistic expectations and informs whether tapering, home management, or a medically supervised kratom detox is the most appropriate choice. Deciding to stop using kratom is a meaningful step—and knowing what to expect makes that step far less daunting. Kratom dependence is a physiological response, not a character flaw, and with the right support in place, withdrawal can be managed safely and with significantly less discomfort than many people fear. 1 Fitbit Labs features are available for a limited time to eligible users who have enrolled in Fitbit Labs in the Fitbit mobile app. AI-generated responses may include inaccurate or offensive information.

The duration of opioid PAWS can vary significantly, but most individuals experience the most intense symptoms during the first three to six months of recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling to manage recovery, reach out to Evolve Indy. Our professional team specializes in offering comprehensive support to ensure you or your loved one can successfully overcome addiction challenges, including post-withdrawal symptoms. The physical and emotional symptoms of PAWS, such as cravings or severe mood swings, can make individuals more vulnerable to relapse. PAWS can be a significant roadblock to achieving long-term addiction recovery.

Why Does Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome Occur?

The factors listed below may play a role in influencing both the severity and number of symptoms you experience. Individuals that have used any potent drug, particularly for a long-term and/or at high Sobriety doses are known to experience significant short-term withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may include things like dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Over time, they usually lessen in severity as the nervous system and physiology adjusts to function without the presence of the drug.