Post Acute Withdrawal

Student will demonstrate an Understanding of Post Acute OBJECTIVE: Student will demonstrate an Understanding of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome and its effect on their struggles with relapse.

Post Acute Withdrawal - PAW Definition: A normal, predictable period of stress when the alcoholic/addict undergoes experiences that propel one to “use” despite sincere and honest efforts to maintain sobriety. (18 – 24 months) Physiological (Body) hunger for alcohol, pills, drugs leads To psychological (Mind) discomfort or emotional inebriation which produces a specific behavior. Recovering person will experience several of all of these “flare-ups” with varying intensity for a period of 3 – 5 days at a time, and periodically over a two-year period during recovery.

PAW-Symptoms of Internal Dysfunction Inability to think clearly Can’t solve simple problems Same thoughts keep repeating themselves Mind goes blank Can’t concentrate on anything for very long Can’t make mind up about what to do next Make bad decisions even when I know better Can’t Manage Feelings and Emotions Feel too much; overly sensitive Feel nothing; emotionally numb Don’t really know what I am feeling Feel like I am going crazy as I feel the “wrong” thing Mood Swings Feel down in the dumps Feel worried, but stuff these feelings Have fears that I can’t explain Overreact in ways not like me

Difficulty in Managing Stress Memory Problems I can’t remember things I’ve learned for more than 20 minutes I can’t remember important things from my past Sometimes I remember; other times I can’t Feel cut off from my memories Make bad decisions because I can’t remember things Difficulty in Managing Stress Don’t realize when I am stressed Can’t relax when I do feel stressed Hard to relax even when doing things that should help (exercise) Feel like I am going to collapse, physically or emotionally Difficulty in Sleeping Restfully Can’t fall asleep Have unusual or disturbing dreams Wake up often and can’t get back to sleep Wake up feeling tired Feel sleepy at the wrong times of the day Sleep around the clock for one or more days

Difficulty with Physical Coordination Lose balance at times Feel dizzy Eye-hand coordination “off” Have slow reflexes Clumsy Accident-prone Shame, Guilt, and Hopelessness Feel like I am emotionally disturbed Feel like something is wrong with me; I am no good Feel guilty because I think I am not doing what I should do Won’t talk about things that bother me with others Cover-up my warning signs Dishonest at times to hide my shame Can’t handle things Feel that it is hopeless for me to stay clean and sober

Remember: Progression is un-dramatic, difficult to notice, the individual is not consciously aware of its onset. It creeps up on you UNLESS you know what to look for: Bored; restless; anxious; depressed Difficulty in eating and sleeping Altered behavior patterns; irritability Fight or flight Cut people off; skip meetings; dream of drinking or using The fall; drink; pop; chip; alibi system takes over Congratulations! Begin again