PAWS....How Long Do They Last???

[justneedtotalk]

Well, I am several weeks into sobriety with only a couple of small relapses which consisted of only a couple of pills but other than that it has been probably a month and a half of so.  I still do not feel like myself yet.  I have read a lot about PAWS but do not see a lot of people posting about it.  I sometimes have good days and bad days but it seems like I am constantly fighting depression, exhaustion, and scattered thoughts.  I truly hope that I feel better soon. I am in pretty decent shape and eat healthy, I have also maintained my vitamin regiment but still have not noticed a huge gain in energy or mental stability.....By that I mean depression and energy.  Anyone have any information or comments?

[gnarly_1]

HI  the energy thing can take a wile to come back and a lot of us go into a depression after detoxing what your feeling is pritty normal for how fare along you are it sounds like you have had a few relapses already you really need to get into some sort of aftercare
theres is a lot of good stuff out there N/A and A/A always come up they are free and the 12 step programs work if you work them addiction specialist or substance abuse conslors are also good its one on one...but you need to do something to help you learn the skills and tools necessary to lead a clean and sober lifestyle they will also help you understand things like PAWS and what to expect from where your at in your recovery...I cant recommend this enough to you...it has helped me immensely and we here on the forum recommend it to all those that want to get clean and stay that way
this is not an optional part of recovery it is a necessity ...good luck and God bless....Gnarly  

[avisg]

paws normally rears it ugly head and peaks between 3 to 6 months but it can last far longer .As Cathy said there is an article in the health pages about it I would check it out .I think it will help you understand it alot better .

[LeaAnn807]

PAWS last a few months...at LEAST!  Symptoms are depression, lack of energy, insomnia, lack of motivation......that kind of thing.  Depending on how long you used, they could go on longer.  Not what you want to hear, I'm sure!

I am still struggling with energy, and I am taking the vitamins and aminos too.  It just takes a while!

You aren't alone!

[cathy5841]

There is an article in the health pages on the right of the forum page. I don't know a lot about it, but I think it is a little early in recovery to experience paws. HopefulLy someone with more knowledge will come along!