How long can post acute withdrawal syndrome last?
Post acute withdrawal syndrome also known as PAWS was a term coined to describe the condition of patients who technically recovered from withdrawal symptoms, but had lingering problems after using benzodiazepine therapy. This falls into a category labeled as protracted withdrawal and relapses are a big issue for patients.
According to the American Addiction Centers, the research on this phenomenon is mostly anecdotal making the issue scant in medical publications. The issue is considered widely discussed and has become overgeneralized to describe any type of protracted symptoms from substance abuse.
The Symptoms
In the first few days after stopping the substance being abused, the patient can suffer from symptoms of withdrawal ranging from mild to severe. This largely depends on the substance abused, how long it was taken, and the amounts used. Some substances can have withdrawal symptoms that can last for weeks. If you are suffering from post acute withdrawal syndrome, it would be wise to consult with your healthcare provider in advance of stopping any substance you are abusing. Having the appropriate medical interventions in place could be lifesaving.
Patients who experience post acute withdrawal syndrome find themselves with uncomfortable issues that can include actual physical pain along with anxiety, insomnia, and other emotional discomfort. These feelings can last for days or weeks and can persist for months and even a few years. Depending on the drug of choice, these symptoms could be life-threatening and require the help of a licensed healthcare provider.
Recognized Problems
Alcohol has been well-documented in cases of post acute withdrawal syndrome. The symptoms commonly seen are anxiety, depression, mood changes, and irritability. Serious physical symptoms are also often seen in the form of fatigue, decreased sex drive, and even unexplained physical pain.
There is evidence that suggests that these symptoms can last for more than two years after you last consumed alcohol. There is a possibility of sleep disturbance that can last up to three years without ever having another drink.
Subjective Findings
The protracted withdrawal symptoms from many other substances, although not well documented in medical journals, start to accumulate when looking at the symptoms of the patients after discontinuing use. Benzodiazepine withdrawal is hard to judge because of something referred to as symptom rebound. The symptoms you treated with the drug now become the symptoms of withdrawal from stopping the drug. This creates a problem in distinguishing the former symptoms of the disease process from actual withdrawal. In turn, opiate, cocaine, and marijuana abusers all report varying degrees of symptoms lasting for extended periods.
Help Is Available
Substance abuse triggers neurotransmitters and endorphins in your brain giving you that “feel good” rush. When your brain no longer receives the substance it might be a while for the brain to adjust. This adjustment period for your brain results in withdrawal symptoms.
If you suffer from lasting symptoms after discontinuing alcohol or other addictive substances help is available. Post acute withdrawal syndrome is talked about more often today, and finding assistance for your withdrawal symptoms can be found in most local communities.
