When we stop drinking most people experience physical withdrawal symptoms (acute) which can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It's not fun, but most people expect it and are rewarded with immediate physical benefits once the alcohol or drug is purged from their system. Our lives begin to improve and we are happy, BUT then there are other things that seem to be getting worse - mood swings, anxiety, irregular sleep, etc. - and we want to scream, "I did NOT get sober for this!"
The good news and bad news is this is completely normal. What we are experiencing is called PAWS or Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, which feels like an emotional roller coaster. PAWS can be very difficult to deal with and is a huge trigger for relapse, but drinking will only make the process start all over again and who wants to do that?!!! So how do we get through it? How do we manage the roller coaster ride of early sobriety?
Join us on this episode of The Bubble Hour as we talk to our guests about their experience with early sobriety and the tools they used to alleviate PAWS symptoms.
Showing posts with label withdrawal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label withdrawal. Show all posts
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Understanding PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Most people are aware that alcoholics, whether they are heavy drinkers or not, will experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, both physical and emotional, when they first get sober. Some of the more obvious signs of this “acute” or early withdrawal include: shaking, sweating, racing heartbeat, muscle twitches, insomnia and acute anxiety. These symptoms are mostly physical and may last as long as 2 weeks, but we are prepared for them and if we stay sober, most people think it will be smooth sailing going forward. It is true that people may feel better after the first couple of weeks, however it is the sobriety–based symptoms, known as Post-Acute Withdrawal (PAWs) that cause many people to relapse. PAWs may last as long as 2 years, so understanding what it is and learning ways to manage these symptoms is critical to maintaining long-term sobriety. On this episode of The Bubble Hour we will discuss these symptoms are share ways to deal with and relieve the effect of PAWS. Whether you’re just getting sober or have been sober for a while, this is a very important show for YOU.
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Sunday, April 27, 2014
Early Sobriety - Am I Ever Going To Feel Better?
When we stop drinking most people experience physical withdrawal symptoms (acute) which can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It's not fun, but most people expect it and are rewarded with immediate physical benefits once the alcohol or drug is purged from their system. Our lives begin to improve and we are happy, BUT then there are other things that seem to be getting worse - mood swings, anxiety, irregular sleep, etc. - and we want to scream, "I did NOT get sober for this!"
The good news and bad news is this is completely normal. What we are experiencing is called PAWS or Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, which feels like an emotional roller coaster. PAWS can be very difficult to deal with and is a huge trigger for relapse, but drinking will only make the process start all over again and who wants to do that?!!! So how do we get through it? How do we manage the roller coaster ride of early sobriety?
Join us on this episode of The Bubble Hour as we talk to our guests about their experience with early sobriety and the tools they used to alleviate PAWS symptoms.
The good news and bad news is this is completely normal. What we are experiencing is called PAWS or Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, which feels like an emotional roller coaster. PAWS can be very difficult to deal with and is a huge trigger for relapse, but drinking will only make the process start all over again and who wants to do that?!!! So how do we get through it? How do we manage the roller coaster ride of early sobriety?
Join us on this episode of The Bubble Hour as we talk to our guests about their experience with early sobriety and the tools they used to alleviate PAWS symptoms.
Popular Lifestyle Internet Radio with The Bubble Hour on BlogTalkRadio
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Re-Broadcast: What You Don't Know About PAWS - Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome - May Surprise You
You may think withdrawal from substance abuse only refers to the
immediate physical symptoms experienced when your body is trying to
adjust to NOT having drugs and/or alcohol in its system. We are all
mostly aware of some of the more obvious signs of withdrawal: shaking,
sweating, racing heartbeat, muscle twitches, insomnia and acute
anxiety.
But did you know PAWS symptoms can occur 7-14 days after your last drink, even after the acute withdrawal symptoms recede? Did you know recovery from nervous system damage requires 6-24 months in a healthy program of recovery?
On this show we will talk more about PAWS, share our own stories about how we were effected by the myriad of physical and psychological symptoms that can be experienced, and share ways to ameliorate the effect of PAWS. You do not have to be a long-time heavy drinker to experience these uncomfortable side effects, and understanding them can be key to maintaining your sobriety, especially in the early days.
Go HERE to see the show's page on Blog Talk Radio!
But did you know PAWS symptoms can occur 7-14 days after your last drink, even after the acute withdrawal symptoms recede? Did you know recovery from nervous system damage requires 6-24 months in a healthy program of recovery?
On this show we will talk more about PAWS, share our own stories about how we were effected by the myriad of physical and psychological symptoms that can be experienced, and share ways to ameliorate the effect of PAWS. You do not have to be a long-time heavy drinker to experience these uncomfortable side effects, and understanding them can be key to maintaining your sobriety, especially in the early days.
Go HERE to see the show's page on Blog Talk Radio!
Listen to internet radio with The Bubble Hour on BlogTalkRadio
Sunday, April 14, 2013
What You Don't Know About PAWS - Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome - May Suprise You
You may think withdrawal from substance abuse only refers to the
immediate physical symptoms experienced when your body is trying to
adjust to NOT having drugs and/or alcohol in its system. We are all
mostly aware of some of the more obvious signs of withdrawal: shaking,
sweating, racing heartbeat, muscle twitches, insomnia and acute
anxiety.
But did you know PAWS symptoms can occur 7-14 days after your last drink, even after the acute withdrawal symptoms recede? Did you know recovery from nervous system damage requires 6-24 months in a healthy program of recovery?
On this show we will talk more about PAWS, share our own stories about how we were effected by the myriad of physical and psychological symptoms that can be experienced, and share ways to ameliorate the effect of PAWS. You do not have to be a long-time heavy drinker to experience these uncomfortable side effects, and understanding them can be to maintaining your sobriety, especially in the early days.
Click on the widget below to listen to the show, or subscribe to our podcast by clicking on the link on the right hand side bar (on the picture) or follow the instructions found in the tab above.
But did you know PAWS symptoms can occur 7-14 days after your last drink, even after the acute withdrawal symptoms recede? Did you know recovery from nervous system damage requires 6-24 months in a healthy program of recovery?
On this show we will talk more about PAWS, share our own stories about how we were effected by the myriad of physical and psychological symptoms that can be experienced, and share ways to ameliorate the effect of PAWS. You do not have to be a long-time heavy drinker to experience these uncomfortable side effects, and understanding them can be to maintaining your sobriety, especially in the early days.
Click on the widget below to listen to the show, or subscribe to our podcast by clicking on the link on the right hand side bar (on the picture) or follow the instructions found in the tab above.
Listen to internet radio with The Bubble Hour on Blog Talk Radio
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