Addiction and PAWS

Are you dealing with up and down emotions during early recovery? This is called Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS). Many people in their first 3 months of recovery are unprepared for the emotional ups and downs, which then lead one back to relapse. Without the proper tools and education, you can be taken by surprise. Terence T. Gorski first brought the symptoms to our attention in his book Staying Sober. Since then it has become a "household name" in treatment of addiction. I believe that without the education and understanding of what is happening, you will be caught off guard. The most common post-acute withdrawal symptoms are: 1. Inability to think clearly 2. Memory problems 3. Emotional overreactions or numbness 4. Sleep disturbances 5. Physical coordination problems 6. Stress sensitivity These symptoms can begin within the first 7-14 days after the physical detox, and can last up to 3-6 months. There are survival tools to help you through this time period. If you are experiencing these, please ask for help. It's as simple as a phone call away.