What Is Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome For Alcohol Abuse?

The withdrawal period from alcoholism can be divided into two parts. One is the acute stage which happens immediately after a person stops consuming alcohol. It is a period which typically stretches over a few weeks. It is at this time when the physical symptoms of withdrawal are at their peak. The other is called the post-acute stage wherein the body is beginning to adapt to being clean but the mind is still fighting the loss of the habit. The manifestations of this stage are collectively referred to as Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS. 

PAWS Symptoms Come and Go

Going through the acute stage tends to create experiences that vary greatly among recovering patients. The opposite is true of the post-acute stage where there seems to be a remarkable consistency across the board. Most people suffering from PAWS complain of mood swings, irritability, trouble sleeping, anxiety, lethargy, indifference, inconsistent focus, and energy fluctuations. These symptoms aren't always there. They come and they go so the mood fluctuates like the graph of a sinusoid.

Withdrawal Episodes Last for Days

The good days are apt to grow longer in length as time goes on. It becomes easier to live life normally for long stretches and not be concerned about withdrawal. Meanwhile, the bad days usually last for a few days. They can strike without warning so people have to keep their guard up and have a plan for dealing with these difficult episodes to minimize their impact. Cultivate the strength of will to hang on until the cloud passes as it surely will.

Complete Recovery May Take Years

Be aware that Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome could last for two years. It is possible for it to be shorter or longer but this is the average for most people. This fact should not discourage those who are aiming to break free from alcoholism. Rather, it should serve as challenge that provides added motivation to take things seriously. Remember that many have already won their battle with the bottle and are happier because of it. Exercise patience and perseverance to join their ranks.

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Identifying The Signs Of Alcohol Abuse

There are times when it is difficult to know if you have moved from a recreational drinker to abusing alcohol. However, there are a number of questions you can ask yourself to see if you may have developed a problem, and become more dependent than you first thought.

Firstly, ask yourself if you now drink to mask problems, or to cope with stressful situations and issues in life. If you now drink when something is bothering you, you may have crossed the line, and this could be a warning sign. It is important to recognize this stage of the problem, as you can then deal with it, or seek advice.

If you need drink in order to relax, it could be another warning sign of alcohol abuse. Think about your old drinking habits, and see if you have progressed to being a more frequent drinker now. If the situations and reasons for drinking have changed, then you need to question your drinking habits. Those who drink in order to feel better about themselves are no longer drinking for enjoyment, and should be worried about their drinking.

Another serious symptom of alcohol abuse is if you lie to your close family and friends to mask how much, and how often, you are drinking alcohol.

One of the most serious signs is if you always drink more than you intended to. This often signals you don't have control over yourself once you have a couple of drinks. If you are always the drunken member of the party, or never remember your nights out, you should know this is a major sign of alcohol abuse. Once you become self destructive due to alcohol abuse, you can cause problems in your life, as well to the lives of the people you care about. Re-asses your drinking, and seek help were needed.