Understanding Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome PAWS

The duration of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) can vary significantly, lasting anywhere from a few days to several years after cessation of substance use. Symptoms typically emerge within the first days to weeks after stopping substance use and can persist for anywhere from 6 to 24 months. However, there are accounts of individuals experiencing lingering effects for much longer durations, even extending up to a decade in some cases. At BIG SKY Treatment, we understand that overcoming benzodiazepine withdrawal is a profoundly personal journey. We take a holistic and individualized approach, combining evidence-based medical practices with experiential therapies to address your unique needs. After your detox, you can continue onto addiction treatment for long-term recovery.

One of the symptoms that may result during benzo withdrawal is sleep disturbances. These may include sleeplessness and sleep difficulties such as insomnia or strange and disturbing dreams. These sleep disturbances may last longer than 2-3 weeks, when many of the other possible symptoms peak and resolve. Most people abuse benzos due to their euphoric and relaxing effect on the central nervous system, and within a short time, they become physically dependent on the drug. Benzodiazepine’s withdrawal symptoms prove fatal when left untreated, with commas, seizures, and other complications occurring without notice.

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When tapering off benzodiazepines, you’ll always want to work with a trained healthcare professional who can monitor you for side effects and adjust your pace accordingly. If you take benzodiazepines infrequently, such as once a week or once every few weeks to treat panic attacks, you can take them for a longer period of time. This is because inconsistent use doesn’t pose the same risk of dependence or withdrawal. Anecdotally, a slow rate of reduction may reduce the risk of developing a severe protracted syndrome.

Xanax Side Effects

Abruptly stopping benzodiazepines can lead to seizures and other life-threatening complications. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention if you are considering discontinuing benzodiazepines. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.

• For people wanting to withdraw from prescription drugs, such as opiates, benzodiazepines or stimulants, the detox process can feel overwhelming.
• Someone taking long-acting benzos though may not begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms for several days and may continue to experience them for several weeks.
• Our dedicated team understands the unique challenges of benzodiazepine withdrawal and is equipped to provide the care, understanding, and treatments needed to transition to a healthier, drug-free life.

Learn about benzo abuse, its psychiatric, behavioral, and physical effects, risks of mixing substances, and treatment options. The acute benzodiazepines withdrawal phase lasts between a week and a month, with the most intense symptoms and side effects. This is because your body tries to adjust to the feeling of living without the drug. According to the DEA, benzodiazepines are classified as schedule III drugs, forming a class of drugs such as Xanax and Valium with potential misuse and abuse.

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Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics

• Timely assessment and accurate treatment are vital to preventing disease progression.
• Support groups can also provide a safe and non-judgmental space to share experiences and learn from others going through similar challenges.
• Should symptoms worsen, patients and their support person should be instructed to present to the emergency department for evaluation and further treatment.
• Diazepam, a long-acting benzodiazepine, is the most common choice for dose tapering.

Protracted withdrawal, also known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), refers to a subset of withdrawal symptoms that persist for months, or even years, after stopping benzodiazepines. While acute withdrawal symptoms are intense and predominantly physical, protracted withdrawal symptoms can be more subtle, chronic, and often more psychological in nature. Protracted withdrawal syndrome refers to symptoms persisting for months or even years. A significant minority of people withdrawing from benzodiazepines, protracted withdrawal syndrome which can sometimes be severe.

Withdrawal seizures can occur in patients within just a few hours of alcohol cessation. Dealing with Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) can be a daunting aspect of recovery, but effective management strategies are available. Therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can empower individuals to tackle cravings and emotional difficulties head-on. Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) refers to a collection of prolonged emotional and psychological symptoms that manifest after the acute withdrawal phase from substances like alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. The detox itself will happen with high levels of medical support and round-the-clock monitoring to ensure safety and comfort. This type of professional supervised medical detox can significantly reduce the risk of you having severe withdrawal symptoms (such as seizures) and relapse.

Medication Assisted Treatment

Ideally, after a person completes detox, they drug addiction will go on to complete further benzodiazepine addiction treatment. For some, this includes enrolling in an inpatient addiction treatment, where they can address the underlying causes of their benzo misuse and/or addiction. In the outpatient setting, mild alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be treated using a tapering regimen of either benzodiazepines or gabapentin administered with the assistance of a support person. Should symptoms worsen, patients and their support person should be instructed to present to the emergency department for evaluation and further treatment. Protracted symptoms continue to fade over a period of many months or several years. Treatment can occur in various settings, such as the emergency room, outpatient clinic, intensive care unit, or detoxification facility.

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Your doctor can help you weigh the potential risks and benefits of benzodiazepine use and your pregnancy. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Uncover reasons people become codependent, its effects, and ways to break free for a healthier life. Explore the need for drug addicts’ recovery, from barriers to treatment to empowering therapy approaches.

• Some symptoms may appear without warning and can be a significant source of distress.
• Patients presenting with alcohol withdrawal syndrome should receive thiamine and folate supplementation as they are often nutritionally deficient.
• Support groups are crucial for individuals recovering from benzodiazepine addiction.
• The journey of recovery from addiction is fraught with various hurdles, including the emergence of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS).
• Typically, these symptoms evolve within hours to days and resolve within two weeks.

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This approach helps you learn to tolerate discomfort and distress, instead of avoiding it, and choose to live according to your values. In the first week of tapering off, your doctor may reduce your dose as much as 30% to get you to a safe amount. After that first leap, the steps become smaller, usually 5% to 10% of the original dose. Depending on your situation, your doctor may reduce your dose on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis. In most cases, your doctor will reduce your dosage by 5% to 25% in the first week. Every 1 to 4 weeks after that, they’ll reduce your dose by another 5% to 25% of the original dose.

By combining professional assistance with supportive relationships and educational resources, individuals facing PAWS can navigate their recovery more effectively. Managing Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) can be challenging, and a strong support network plays a vital role in recovery. Various resources are available to individuals experiencing these prolonged symptoms. The journey of recovery from addiction is fraught with various hurdles, including the emergence of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). Certain factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to experiencing PAWS, which can significantly complicate recovery. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be a challenging journey, but it’s important to remember that recovery is possible.