I was told that it could last up to 2 years. But the longer you are sober it gets better & better,
I've experienced PAWS just recently with 145 days clean. The syndrome comes and goes. It's the nature of our disease. It continues on depending on how long and how much we depended on our DOC for pleasure. Just the mood swings, cravings and obsessions that hit out of nowhere from the PAWS syndrome make for an excellent reason to be surrounded by other addicts in aftercare. Making a support system a number one priority can prevent a relapse. Two years ago I seemed fine with 9 months clean after my first relapse. The next thing I know I was waiting at the drug store for a script after BS'ing my PC doctor. I also hadn't had a drink in over 28 years at that time. Then I started drinking again.
PAWS is one hurdle, triggers are another. As far as I'm concerned, keeping clean is something I don't ever want to try alone. Letting my own thinking take care of my own thinking can almost work during normal life, but then s--t happens. Anxiety & depression can kick in when just a small thing didn't go the way I wanted it to go. When I was using I got that false sense of happiness from my DOC. Now my happiness depends on circumstances going my way unless I'm always working on accepting life on life's terms with other addicts by working the aftercare program of my choice.
Keep on keeping on! Keep on sharing, asking questions, learning and working on your recovery.
After a person has become adjusted to a certain level of the drug/experience removal of its affects the emotional/biochemical balance that has been established. The person then has to readjust to living without the previous level of stimulation ect. POST ACUTE WITHDRAWS can last two years or more. It also has emotional and physiological aspects that are very diffecult to endure. This comes from the info I collect. It came from "The Nature of Addiction" .
What a drag I am only into 6 months S----t..
Hang in and I will too!!!!
vickie
I am getting close to my 90 day mark and still dealing with some PAWS. I read it can take up to a year for thoes to pass. But mental fog and low energy is what is been worse for me. I started drinking whey protine shakes and taking vit. B12. That helps. :))
Sorry tried to copy and paste and it did not work, I find this very informative
Exerpted From "Staying Sober" By: Terence T. Gorski copy that and it should pop up,, good reading.. many blessings.
Good saying This too shall pass.... feelings wont kills us , but drugs certainly will
http://www.tlctx.com/ar_pages/paw_part1.htm