PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) is a condition that occurs in an individual after the process of a detox off of a drug or alcohol is finished. Active for up to two years, PAWS affects a lot more individuals than one may think.

With PAWS comes the side effects of possible seizures, intense substance cravings, nervous system hyperactivity (sweating, tremors, rapid heartbeat, etc.), mood swings, trouble with sleep patterns, and so much more. These symptoms can be intense or manageable. However, it is in these two years that most relapses occur. Although relapse is always at this tip of the user’s fingers, it is proven that the highest chance of relapse happens in the first two years - the years when PAWS is at its peak.

PAWS effects the addicts that have struggled with: Alcohol, Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan), Antidepressants (Prozac, Effexor), Opioids (OxyContin, Vicodin), and Psychostimulants (Cocaine). Although not everyone will experience the same side effects with the same severity, everyone who has struggled with the addiction of those substances will deal with PAWS.

PAWS is not a steady feeling; the symptoms come and go. Sometimes things can trigger it (people, places, things), but other times, it comes out of nowhere. It is important to be patient with the addict suffering and to show them that you care and are there for them. These symptoms may even become as intense as the feeling of detox which may have been one of the worst experiences of a recovering addict’s life.

There are things you can do for the addict struggling with PAWS. Remind them that you care. Tell them that they are going to make it through and that they are more than what they are struggling with. Assure them that they are stronger than their cravings. Distract them with things they love or things that they love to talk about. Be there for them when their symptoms are at their worst - or even when they’re feeling great. Be sure to tell them all the time that you are proud of their recovery and all the hard things that they have gone through.

Remember that addicts are not bad people, just people who have made bad decisions. Show empathy and do not blame the recovering addict on how they feel because addiction is not a choice, it’s a disease. When the addict first started struggling, they did not wish to end up deep in their addiction. In fact, they didn’t wish to struggle with addiction at all.

It is estimated that 90% of recovering opioid users and 75% of recovering alcohol and psychotropic drug abusers experience PAWS to some degree. If you know someone (or you are someone) that is struggling with getting clean, staying clean, and dealing with PAWS, know that there are things you can do to cope and that you are not alone.