Withdrawal symptoms can be one of the most challenging parts of detox and recovery. Whether you’ve used drugs or alcohol for a long time or have tried to detox before, withdrawal symptoms can easily lead to relapse. For those detoxing from alcohol, withdrawal can often lead to relapse or the use of other drugs. Many people think withdrawal only lasts until a substance leaves the body. This is not always the case. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome can last weeks or months after a person has stopped drinking or using drugs.
In some cases, people may experience withdrawal symptoms for years. This can be discouraging and lead to feelings of hopelessness. Often, withdrawal symptoms are the number one cause of relapse. Drug and alcohol detox programs can help clients safely detox and manage post-acute withdrawal symptoms for a healthy and safe recovery.
If you or someone you know needs detox, recovery, and post-acute withdrawal syndrome, our Baltimore Detox Center team is ready to help. Our alcohol detox program is often the first step in the recovery process. Contact us today by calling [Direct] or completing our online form to see if our alcohol detox program is right for you.
What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is an experience of extended withdrawal symptoms. For some, PAWS lasts weeks. For others, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms may last several months. While post-acute withdrawal symptoms vary, they are often similar to symptoms of mood disorders. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Trouble concentrating
- Cravings
- Hopelessness and apathy
- Insomnia
- Relationship problems
For those in recovery for dual diagnosis, it’s hard to determine which symptoms are caused by a mental health disorder and withdrawal symptoms. Reputable alcohol detox programs can help assess, manage, and mitigate symptoms with medical and psychiatric support.
How Risky Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?
Experts believe PAWS stems from changes the brain undergoes during substance abuse. Addictive substances often synthetically produce chemicals the brain naturally produces. Over time, substance abuse can cause the brain to stop making its own chemicals, like dopamine. When someone stops using drugs or alcohol, the brain has to adapt. This can take time, which is why post-acute withdrawal syndrome can last for weeks or months depending on a person’s drug habits, drug history, and individual brain. Symptoms can vary and fluctuate over time, making PAWS especially difficult to manage at home.
Scientists believe prolonged drug use can reduce the brain’s capacity to deal with stress, making withdrawal more difficult to endure. PAWS treatment is usually administered over several months. Doctors will often prescribe drugs like acamprosate for alcohol detox and recovery. This drug and other medications can manage withdrawal symptoms and help those in recovery return to a normal life. During post-acute withdrawal syndrome treatment, clients also undergo various types of cognitive and behavioral therapy to address addiction triggers and prevent relapse.
Therapy Options at Baltimore Detox Center
PAWS can be overwhelming and difficult to manage alone. The symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome are best monitored and treated by medical support. If you or someone you love is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, turn to Baltimore Detox Center. As the second free-standing detox center in the city, we understand the risks of PAWS. We specialize in dual diagnosis for substance abuse and mental health disorders. Our therapy options include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Trauma therapy
Overcome Withdrawal Symptoms with Support from Baltimore Detox Center
Our compassionate staff uses medically assisted treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms and prevent future health problems. Our intimate facility can help you reach your detox and recovery goals today with minimal side effects. Call us today at [Direct] or complete our online form today to learn more about our alcohol detox program and other services.
