Acute Withdrawal Symptom
The first stage of detox, acute withdrawal, is primarily physical withdrawal symptoms which will last from seven days up to 2 weeks. Acute withdrawal symptoms are the immediate or initial withdrawal symptoms that occur upon sudden cessation or rapid reduction of the use of addictive substances, including alcohol and other drugs.
Acute withdrawal can produce more dangerous health consequences—even life-threatening complications—if detox isn’t completed during a supervised setting.
This is especially true of individuals who are in the acute withdrawal stage of alcohol, Benzodiazepines, and Barbiturates, as these substances have an increased risk of complications without medical supervision, including seizures attacks.
Due to the wide selection of acute withdrawal symptoms which will occur, and therefore the various addictive substances which will be used, it’s always advised to hunt medical assistance rather than quitting on your own.
The second stage of detox, referred to as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), occurs because the brain chemistry re-calibrates after active addiction. Unlike acute withdrawal, which is primarily physical withdrawal symptoms, the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal are primarily psychological and emotional symptoms.
Depending on the intensity and duration of alcohol or other drug abuse, post-acute withdrawal is known to last many months. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms typically last between 12 months to 27 months, however, the severity and frequency of symptoms tend to dissipate as time goes by without the utilization of addictive substances.
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms can be not only discomforting, but symptoms can appear sporadically, making PAWS a driving factor for many individuals to relapse, despite how committed they are to stay clean and sober.
Regardless of the addictive substance(s) used, PAWS are typically equivalent for many individuals in early recovery from substance use disorders (SUD).
Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms
Some of the foremost common post-acute withdrawal symptoms include:
• sleep disturbances ( insomnia)
• Anger outburst, irritability, and hostility
• panic attacks or anxiety
• Depression, tension, or stress
• Impaired concentration
• Lack of enthusiasm or motivation
• Common Mood swings (severe highs and lows in the mood)
• Fatigue or low energy
• Foggy thought process
• Poor memory
• Poor impulse control
• Increased sensitivity to stress
• Craving for drugs
• Apathy
• Difficulty with cognitive tasks, such as learning, problem-solving, or memory recall
• Irritability
• Feelings of anxiety or panic
• Depressed mood
Other symptoms may include:
• Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
• Difficulty maintaining social relationships
• Craving originally abused substances
• Apathy or pessimism
• Disturbances in sleep patterns
• Increased sensitivity to stress
These symptoms tend to extend in severity when triggered by stressful situations, but might flare up even with no clear stimulus
Management and treatment.
Acamprosate, a drug commonly wont to help recovering alcoholics, has been found to be somewhat effective in managing some PAWS symptoms. Other drugs may also be used. Most patients undergo psychotherapy also, within the sort of behavioral therapy, group psychotherapy, or both to find out to deal with the symptoms.
PAWS are often challenging to affect, especially after browsing detox then working to resist relapse. The unpredictable fluctuations of symptoms are often stressful, but a mixture of medicine and therapy can help make those symptoms more manageable. The Dual Diagnosis Program can assist you to get over addiction and co-occurring psychological state conditions also affect the continued symptoms of PAWS.
