If you have made the decision to stop using, then there are 7 important things you need to know about withdrawal. Being aware of these aspects will make it easier for you to take on this worthwhile change.
1. There are 2 stages of withdrawal.
What most people don’t realize is that on the road to recovery there are 2 stages of withdrawal: acute stage and post acute stage. The acute state is when a person experiences physical symptoms, and depending on the person and the drug(s) these symptoms can be quite varied.
The post acute stage, also known as post acute withdrawal syndrome or PAWS, is when a person experiences emotional and psychological symptoms. In PAWS, people tend to have more similar symptoms to one another than in the first stage of withdrawal.
2. Withdrawal means you are getting better.
Contrary to how it feels, if you are experiencing withdrawal, that means you are getting better. Even though the symptoms of withdrawal will leave you feeling close to miserable, you will be able to take hope and keep going if you realize the negative way you are feeling is actually a good sign and won’t last forever.
Post acute withdrawal takes place because your brain is starting to return back to normalcy. The chemistry in your brain is fluctuating as it is trying to find a new equilibrium, but this means your brain is improving and recovering.
3. PAWS usually last for 2 years.
Although you might not like to think about how long this stage of withdrawal will last, it is important for you to remember. In this case, ignorance really isn’t bliss because, as you are working toward recovery, you don’t want to be caught off guard or surprised to learn this stage will last longer than a few weeks or months. Such a surprise could cause disappointment, and you’ll be tempted to use again.
It’s going to take a lot of work, and it’ll be a challenge. But knowing this alone will make you more prepared for and less disappointed about the withdrawal episodes when they come, which will make you less likely to relapse. You are strong. You are up for the challenge. After you’ve experienced the symptoms of PAWS for a while, you’ll gain confidence, realizing you really can do this.
4. Each episode of withdrawal lasts only a few days.
This is another facet about PAWS that is vitally important if you are going to hang on and get through your recovery. As you experience an episode of withdrawal, you can take hope knowing it won’t last forever. Each episode lasts only a few days. Yes, the episodes come on suddenly and unexpectedly, but they leave just as quickly, too.
As you continue on your journey toward recovery, you will find the time between episodes gets longer and longer. Remember this. It will give you hope and something to look forward to. Still, don’t be surprised when the episodes do come—because they will—and realize the symptoms can be just as intense and last the same amount of days no matter how far into recovery you are. Again, it is important to be prepared for the reality of recovery, but take hope knowing each episode does have an end date.
5. There are common symptoms of PAWS.
To prepare for the second stage of withdrawal in your recovery, it is good to know what symptoms to expect. Symptoms include trouble sleeping, inconsistent energy and ability to concentrate, lack of enthusiasm, moodiness, ranges of emotions, irritability, tiredness, and anxiety.
Symptoms can change by the minute and the hour. And, like mentioned before, they can come out of the blue. You won’t see any obvious triggers for most of the symptoms. You may just wake up one day, after having a good stretch of zero withdrawal episodes, simply feeling tired and anxious, not knowing why. Remember, however, this is normal, and no matter how lousy you feel, this means you are on the road to recovery.
6. PAWS can lead to relapse.
I cannot repeat enough how important it is to be aware of the brutality of withdrawal. If you do not go into this challenge with eyes wide open, the suddenness of episodes and symptoms will blindside you, and you’ll be tempted to use for temporary relief.
However, each time you relapse, you undo the progress your brain has been making. Abstinence is crucial. By not relapsing you will be less disappointed and feel more optimistic—increasing your chances for success. Remember, if you know what to expect, you’ll be able to complete your recovery.
7. Withdrawal means taking care of yourself.
As you experience withdrawal while on your brave road toward recovery, wholeness, and healing, you will have to take care of you. You are brave and strong for taking on such a worthwhile challenge, but you aren’t superhuman. Be patient. Realize you can only take your recovery one day at a time. If you overextend yourself, you’ll end up more exhausted than you would have already been; and the temptation to relapse grows when you’re exhausted.
Don’t resent your symptoms. Don’t resent your episodes. Don’t resent withdrawal. These are signs of recovery, and, although they are uncomfortable, they really are good signs. Focus on your good days. You will have them. You have many of them, in fact! Let yourself enjoy your good days.
Give yourself breaks. You are enough and what you are doing is enough. Tell yourself this often. It’s okay to say no to things, and to take it easy these next 2 years because PAWS takes energy and brings tiredness. Don’t be too hard on yourself. And don’t focus too much on your symptoms, either. Focus on your recovery. Be good to yourself—something you never did as an addict. Take care of you. Give yourself permission to say, “It’s okay,” when you have little enthusiasm or energy. Relax as much as possible, and know you are doing a good thing.
You can do this.
