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Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms

Many people use drugs and alcohol recreationally because they think they’re necessary to have fun.

However, while these individuals are enjoying the temporary euphoria these drugs may produce, their bodies may be suffering. Alcohol and drug abuse are poison to the body, and the chemicals and toxins in these substances can result in horrible physical and mental problems. People who realize they have an addiction may be unable to quit, even if they wanted to, because of the physical dependency they’ve developed. Individuals in this position should seek addiction treatment immediately. Without the proper detox treatment to start their recovery process, individuals may suffer from post-acute withdrawal syndrome.

We offer detox programs individually designed to treat the withdrawal symptoms of specific forms of addiction. Patients who receive treatment for substance abuse at our facility will usually undergo a detox treatment first to expel all the toxins from their bodies. This allows patients to begin their recovery process with a clean slate.

What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?

Following detoxification at a rehab facility, many individuals may experience a short phase of discomfort that is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This form of withdrawal can produce severe health repercussions and life-threatening complications if the detox treatment isn’t performed or supervised correctly. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome occurs when the brain is struggling to readjust after active addiction. Especially after long-term substance abuse, completely cutting off drugs or alcohol from the body may cause the individual to go through a period of physical distress.

Although detox is a helpful and often necessary first step in an individual’s addiction treatment, our drug and alcohol treatment center also offers a wide variety of substance abuse treatments and programs that can help individuals continue their recovery process.

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Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms

The symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome may vary, depending on the duration and the intensity of the person’s addiction. A person’s age, health condition, and any existing forms of mental illness may also contribute to the severity of these symptoms.

Acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms include:

  • Inability to think clearly
  • Trouble remembering things
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Nightmares
  • Low enthusiasm or lack of motivation
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Inability to focus
  • Mood swings
  • High sensitivity to stressful situations

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome is a common and necessary part of the early stages of recovery from substance abuse. This syndrome is the brain’s way of rewiring the chemical imbalance that was caused by drug or alcohol abuse. Post-acute withdrawal commonly occurs in individuals with alcoholism, opioid addiction, benzo addiction, or heroin addiction. These symptoms are caused by stress or coming across things, people, or situations that trigger addiction cravings. In the early phases of detox, the person may experience a rollercoaster of emotions as they become physically and mentally accustomed to an addiction-free life.

Although PAWS is a temporary condition, it can be a leading cause of relapse. The best way to avoid the effects of post-acute withdrawal syndrome is by receiving a safe and monitored detox program that is administered by trained medical personnel. We offer different forms of detox and residential drug treatment in Boca to help individuals suffering from addiction get sober.


If you or a loved one is battling with substance abuse, do not wait a moment longer. Call Banyan Boca now at 888-966-9413 to learn more about our different addiction treatment options.

Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.