Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome information for Drug And Alcohol addiction in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna, British Columbia by Options Okanagan Treatment Center in Kelowna, British Columbia treating Drug And Alcohol addiction and recovery.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (more often referred to with the acronym PAWS) affects those that have refrained from drinking alcohol after having become used to abusing it on a regular basis. The syndrome seems very similar to depression on the surface. As you’d expect, there is a significant change in the mood of the individual while withdrawal is being experienced.
Those suffering from the syndrome experience a loss of happiness, mood swings, and a negatively altered circadian rhythm. It’s imperative that one can identify the signs of PAWS. Understanding potential treatments is also immensely important.
How To Recognize Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Along with former alcohol abusers, PAWS can also affect those that abused barbiturates and benzodiazepines. If you know someone who has recently sworn off this activity, you need to keep a watchful eye on them. Symptoms seem to be most noticeable around the four week mark, and that can last for up to an entire month. Impairment of general cognition can be greatly impaired during this period.
Extreme cravings to return to alcohol abuse is going to be one of the biggest symptoms. Anxiety and panic attacks are also increasingly common. Suicidal thoughts may also appear. Medical treatment should be sought out immediately for anyone experiencing any combination of these, as they can lead to truly destructive decision making.
What To Do When PAWS Occurs
Like any other issues that may arise in the wake of substance abuse and addiction, there are many treatments available for PAWS. Treatment at a facility that specializes in detox is generally the best option available. It might be best for abusers to seek this out before the worst of the symptoms begin. The symptoms come forth due to the brain trying to readjust now that it isn’t used to operating without any substances circulating throughout the system. The adjustment is incredibly gradual, and a staff of trained medical professionals may be the best qualified to help make that transition comfortable. Addiction and subsequent withdrawal must be faced head on, but it doesn’t have to be done alone.
There are also some medications and behavioral therapy options that might prove useful for some people experiencing Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. Healthy living and focusing on a positive outlook have proven useful in a lot of cases. It’s important to focus on the fact that the syndrome is only temporary. Having friends or family to form a support system for the person going through the withdrawals is incredibly important. Rehab facilities and programs are also in full supply. This is a case where every single avenue for treatment should be considered just to make sure the problem is dealt with in the most effective means possible.
Options Okanagan Opiate and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vancouver, British Columbia – Men and Women are recovering and healing from Alcohol and Drug Abuse at our treatment center here in the Okanagan right now.
Our unique and distinctive Opiate Drug and Alcohol treatment program allows men and women to come in from Calgary as well as Edmonton as we offer airport pickup.
Numerous clients come to us from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton and other locations in Alberta and even other provinces for Opiate addiction treatment, meth drug treatment, many other drug and alcohol addictions for rehabilitation because of the uniqueness of our treatment center.
Our Treatment Location:
Options Okanagan Opiate Treatment Center
551 Sherrydale Crescent, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 2E6
Toll Free Phone Number : 1-855-335-0331