The harmful effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain and body know no bounds, but when you try to stop them, they also display some painful withdrawal symptoms. Individuals may have acute withdrawal symptoms in the days and weeks after the cessation of drug and alcohol use, which can be more severe for some than others and vary based on the substance of choice, among other factors.
When a drug-addicted individual abruptly quits using that substance, withdrawal syndrome occurs. Withdrawal can be caused by both illegal and pharmaceutical medications. It might extend from a few days to a couple of weeks.
You can check out the Austin detox treatment options because they have a special approach to treating different kinds of withdrawal symptoms, including the post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS).
What Is PAWS?
PAWS is a condition that occurs after a period of acute withdrawal of some substances. Doctors and patients frequently work together to manage withdrawal symptoms. People who battle with addiction and substance misuse, on the other hand, are more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop using the medication on their own or are unable to obtain it.
Although withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant, they usually pass in two weeks or less, especially when the detox is overseen by a medical practitioner.
However, some medicines can cause prolonged or protracted withdrawal, which can last months or even a year. People who take a considerable amount of an intoxicating substance over an extended period are more susceptible to developing PAWS.
PAWS was coined to characterize a group of persistent withdrawal symptoms, most of which are psychological and mood-related, that might persist after initial withdrawal symptoms have faded away.
Although PAWS seldom includes aches and pains, nausea, cramps, headaches, or other physical symptoms, it may be just as painful as acute withdrawal and puts a person at risk of relapse because they may resort to drug use to alleviate the agony.
Withdrawal symptoms can be frightening, unpleasant, and even hazardous in some situations. Therefore, it’s critical to get medical help if you or a loved one is experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Which Drugs Cause PAWS?
Any symptoms that continue after acute withdrawal has passed are referred to as PAWS. Each PAWS episode might last a few days, and they can run in a cyclical pattern for a year.
These symptoms can occur with any intoxicant; however, post-acute withdrawal syndrome is more common in those who have stopped using the following drugs:
1: Antidepressants
While few people take these medicines recreationally because they do not induce a high, abruptly discontinuing them can drastically alter serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels in the brain.
Since antidepressants are prescribed to those who suffer from depression, the acute withdrawal will feel like profound depression; unfortunately, this experience could last for months.
2: Antipsychotics
These drugs reduce hallucinations and delirium via binding to dopamine receptors. When they are stopped abruptly, especially without a taper, the person may undergo months of withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings.
3: AlcoholÂ
Though people have been battling alcohol addiction for much longer, PAWS symptoms were first identified in the 1990s as alcohol use disorder.
Stopping drinking alcohol suddenly can trigger psychosis, and seizures as well as increase the risk of exhaustion, long-term cravings, and the feeling of being ill.
4: Marijuana
Many people get dependent on marijuana to unwind and feel normal; when they stop using it, they may experience tension, depression, and paranoia. Insomnia is one of the most prevalent withdrawal symptoms, and if not treated, it can progress to PAWS.
5: Opioids
Whether prescribed opioids or illicit opioids like heroin or fentanyl, if not tapered off properly, these drugs can cause post-acute withdrawal syndrome.
People who go through the full range of acute withdrawal symptoms will most likely face PAWS, and it includes cravings, exhaustion, and long-term cognitive impairment.
6: Benzodiazepines
While these medications can assist persons with anxiety and panic attacks, they are also incredibly simple for the brain to get addicted to. Since they can be addictive, most prescriptions only cover two weeks of frequent usage.
Withdrawal effects are similar to panic attacks, making it difficult to quit taking them. In addition, PAWS symptoms like sleeplessness, exhaustion, and cravings can linger for months after the physical reliance is no longer present.
7: Stimulants
If the withdrawal is not treated properly, drugs ranging from Ritalin to Cocaine can produce PAWS. If you have been using these stimulants for a longer period and in high doses, you will face PAWS.
Although severe side effects such as psychosis, twitching and tremors, and hostility are possible, the opposing symptoms such as excessive exhaustion, deep depression, and physical weakness can be more difficult to manage.
Why Do People Feel PAWS?
PAWS is different from normal withdrawal symptoms and there are various reasons why people feel these symptoms. Let’s find out:
Physiological Adaptations
Drugs may be used to regulate certain bodily functions such as hormones or digestion. This is reflected in withdrawal symptoms and these might take longer than two weeks to resolve. Returning to a habit leads to relapse while losing a habit or tradition can exacerbate psychological symptoms such as despair, cravings, anxiety, or weariness, resulting in PAWS.
Homeostatic adjustment
Over time, a person’s physical dependency on drugs or alcohol causes alterations in brain chemistry. When the body does not have the chemical flowing in, stimulating the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins, it cannot establish balance on its own. It can emerge as mood swings, tiredness, cravings, and other psychological indications of PAWS.
Wrapping It Up
Retraining habits and reactions to drugs or alcohol is a part of recovery. Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms often occur after you stop taking the substance you are addicted to. But, it is more severe than withdrawal symptoms, and that’s why we have elaborated on this condition. If you face it or your known people go through it, you can help them with your knowledge.
For further information, let us know in the comment section. We will get back to you with an answer in no time.