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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Can Marijuana Be Used To Treat Opiate Addiction?

 

Opiate addiction can be devastating. Those who have been touched by it know the pain it can cause, and how difficult it can be to treat. That is why Cape Cod clinical psychologist Shelley Stormo is considering alternative treatment methods. In particular, Stormo has broached the possibility of utilizing medical marijuana to help treat and prevent opiate addiction.

Stormo proposes using marijuana as a sort of "reverse gateway" drug. After all, it is not a substance that can cause physical addiction, and marijuana has never been the lone drug cited in an overdose situation. It grows out of the earth, and has long been used by indigenous peoples for its medicinal qualities. Some professionals believe that if an opiate user is given marijuana instead of opiates, the high provided by the marijuana will help alleviate the urge for opiates. Stormo asserts that marijuana can actually be used to prevent addiction from forming in the first place. If something as relatively benign as marijuana is taken up before opiates or other harder drugs, then she hopes the user will not progress on to those harder drugs at all.

While marijuana is definitely not crack cocaine, it's not bubblegum either. It may not be present in physical addiction situations, but it certainly can cause emotional addiction. No one knows this better that Dr. Kevin Hill, a psychiatrist at McLean Hospital who specializes in people who are hooked on marijuana. His research indicates that almost 10% of adults and over 15% of adolescents who use marijuana grow addicted. Dr. Hill does not see the drug as a viable alternative to opiates, because there is such a risk for an entirely new addiction.

The overall feeling of the medical community is that there is currently inadequate research to support Stormo's proposal. Much work would need to be done in order to make marijuana an opiate addiction treatment option.

Opiate addiction may have wreaked havoc, but it does not have to continue. Reach out, and use the resources that are available to you. You can start by simply following us, and we can provide you with more information on drug abuse and treatment.