Managing Long-Term Withdrawal Symptoms and Cravings in Addiction Recovery
Managing Long-Term Withdrawal Symptoms and Cravings in Addiction Recovery
Experiencing short-term withdrawal symptoms is common when someone struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD) goes through detox or stops abusing drugs or alcohol. However, some people may also experience long-term withdrawal symptoms or cravings that can cause mental and physical health issues and put them at an increased risk of relapsing.
Known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is comprised of side effects that people struggling with drug and/or alcohol addiction may experience after a prolonged period of sobriety. While some people may not experience any long-term withdrawal symptoms, those who do are urged to find coping methods or treatment to help them maintain their sobriety.
Updated: 2023
Written by: Allendale Treatment
If you or anyone you know are struggling with addiction, call (833) 338-6946 to speak with a professional.
How Does PAWS Impact People?
While symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, the type of substance(s) the person was abusing and the length of time they were struggling with addiction can have a significant impact on whether they develop PAWS or not. Certain substances such as opioids can cause people to have more severe symptoms but even marijuana and alcohol abuse can cause someone to develop PAWS. To understand how PAWS can impact someone, it’s best to look at each substance individually:
How PAWS Can Lead to Relapse
40% to 60% of people who get sober will experience a relapse and when they are feeling the effects of PAWS, it may be hard for them to ignore the cravings and desire to use again. People in recovery from alcohol and opioids have the highest rates of relapse, with some studies reporting a relapse rate for alcohol as high as 80% and 80% to 95% for opioids during the first year after treatment. Benzodiazepines also have a high rate of relapse.
For people to maintain their sobriety they need to understand any triggers that could cause them to relapse and have a prevention plan in place. Nate Moellering, a community outreach coordinator at Allendale Treatment and Fort Wayne Recovery says that part of the recovery process is understanding that it won’t always be easy and to create a support network to help you navigate through difficult times. “People think of recovery as a linear line from point A to B with point B being rehab, but that’s more of a Hollywood version of recovery,” says Moellering. “Recovery is a bumpy ride and sometimes you’re going to feel great and then there are going to be times when life sucks! That’s why you got to surround yourself with people who can help you maintain your sobriety.”
For people to maintain their sobriety they need to understand any triggers that could cause them to relapse and have a prevention plan in place. Nate Moellering, a community outreach coordinator at Allendale Treatment and Fort Wayne Recovery says that part of the recovery process is understanding that it won’t always be easy and to create a support network to help you navigate through difficult times. “People think of recovery as a linear line from point A to B with point B being rehab, but that’s more of a Hollywood version of recovery,” says Moellering. “Recovery is a bumpy ride and sometimes you’re going to feel great and then there are going to be times when life sucks! That’s why you got to surround yourself with people who can help you maintain your sobriety.”
Long-term Sobriety is Possible with PAWS
While it may be an additional hurdle for people to navigate even if they experience PAWS, they can still find a way to maintain their sobriety. Tommy Streeter, also a community outreach coordinator for Allendale Treatment and Fort Wayne Recovery says that it took several times after he left rehab to understand that he needed to find ways to maintain his sobriety when he started experiencing the effects of PAWS. “The first 6 times I completed treatment I didn’t want to talk about it afterward, I just wanted to move on with my life and pretend it never happened,” says Streeter. “What I quickly realized was that once I started to experience the craving to use drugs again, I went back to my old habits. It wasn’t until I was able to understand that I needed to continue to work on my sobriety every day and connect with people who were or had struggled with drug and alcohol addiction – that I was able to maintain my sobriety.”
Addiction experts also recommend that people struggling with PAWS try to integrate some of the following habits into their daily lives to help maintain their sobriety:
- Establish a support network including therapy and groups like NA or AA.
- Focus on self-care through diet, regular exercise, finding new hobbies and avoiding trigger situations.
- Reach out to your sponsor when you feel the urge to use substances again.
- Start a journal to collect your thoughts and reflect on your past experiences.
- Try to distract yourself when you start to feel down on yourself with positive behaviors such as talking to a friend, listening to music, or going for a walk.
- Don’t give up. Even if you do experience a relapse, it doesn’t mean you failed. The symptoms are part of your recovery journey and proof that you’re making progress.
“It’s easy to get discouraged when you experience PAWS but it’s a natural part of recovery. It’s a tough path but if you keep one foot in front of the other, you’ll get there.”
“It’s easy to get discouraged when you experience PAWS but it’s a natural part of recovery. It’s a tough path but if you keep one foot in front of the other, you’ll get there.”
Nate Moellering
Community Outreach
If you or anyone you know are struggling with addiction, call (833) 338-6946 to speak with a professional.
