Withdrawal symptoms are prevalent when a person stops taking drugs or alcohol after using it for some time. Most of the time, those symptoms improve within a few days to up to two weeks. Yet, some people experience more intense and longer-lasting symptoms, which is called post-acute withdrawal symptoms. At Oceanfront Recovery, we can treat these conditions as a part of our detox program.
What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (sometimes called PAWS) occurs when a person who has used drugs for a long time suddenly stops doing so. When this happens, the toxic effects these chemicals have on the brain remain for some time even as the drugs are processed and removed from the body. Most people see improvement in days, but some will see long-lasting symptoms, especially if they have used drugs for a long time.
The ongoing withdrawal symptoms can range widely, including both psychological and mood-related changes. Most of the time, post-acute withdrawal syndrome does not involve physical symptoms such as headaches, cramping, or body aches, which usually occur when an individual first ceases to use drugs or alcohol. Yet, these can occur in some limited fashion.
These types of withdrawal symptoms can happen with many types of drug abuse, including:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Opioids
- Stimulants
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- benzos
What Happens with These Types of Withdrawal Symptoms?
When a person is experiencing post-acute withdrawal syndrome, they tend to go through a roller coaster of symptoms. That is, the symptoms can come and go over time, seemingly without warning. Sometimes, the symptoms will last for a few days. Other times, they can last longer.
The most common symptoms include irritability and hostility. They may also include low energy, mood swings, depression, and anxiety. Sometimes it becomes hard to think. Other times, a person will have chronic pain that’s otherwise unexplained. It can be very challenging to manage these symptoms because they may not last long.
Unfortunately, post-acute withdrawal syndrome can go on for a long time. Sometimes it can last for a year, with various phases of severity.
How Can You Limit the Outcome Through a Detox Program?
If you are struggling with addiction right now, the best way to overcome the dependence that forms is to enter into a detox program. In this type of program, you’ll receive one-on-one care and support. Like the one we offer at Oceanfront Recovery, a detox program can help you avoid the onset of withdrawal symptoms (or reduce how severe they are). This can give you more of an ability to heal and avoid relapse. Keep in mind that it may not eliminate the risk of post-acute withdrawal syndrome simply because this tends to be tied to the type of drugs used, the amount used, and the length of time they’ve been used.
How Our Detox Program Can Help You
If you face withdrawal symptoms as you detox from drugs or alcohol, it’s time to seek help from a trusted source. At Oceanfront Recovery, we can provide you with a wide range of therapy options to support you, including:
- Aftercare program
- Men’s rehab programs
- Women’s rehab programs
- Intensive outpatient program
- Residential treatment programs
When you enroll in these treatment options, you’ll have access to treatment options to minimize your withdrawal symptoms and help you to get through the detox process a bit easier.
Find the Support You Need at Oceanfront Recovery
If you’re facing post-acute withdrawal syndrome or experiencing withdrawal symptoms of any type, get the support you need. Our detox program at Oceanfront Recovery can provide you with the tools and resources you need to feel better and get over your addiction for good. Learn more about our programs by calling 877.296.7477 or reaching out to us online.
