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What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?

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Healing from an addiction is like navigating a ship through a storm. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can test the determination of anyone striving for sobriety.  If you or someone close is battling substance abuse, it’s important to understand what PAWS looks like and how to seek support to get through it.

What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?

Withdrawal, in simple terms, refers to how our bodies react after suddenly being deprived of substances they were used to. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome happens when someone experiences these symptoms past the common timeline of typical withdrawal for a certain substance.

Identifying PAWS

Withdrawal manifests as an array of physical and mental health symptoms. These symptoms will vary based on the substance abused.

  • Physical signs include sweating, hands that shake or tremble, feeling nauseous or throwing up, getting headaches, and experiencing a racing heartbeat.
  • Psychological symptoms include feeling restless or irritable, experiencing anxiety or nervousness, having trouble sleeping or dealing with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, feeling depressed or having mood swings or sadness, and experiencing hallucinations.

The intensity and duration of these symptoms can vary based on the type of substance used, the length of use, who is using it, their overall health, and so on. PAWS involves these withdrawal symptoms lasting longer than the typical withdrawal period.

The Science Behind Withdrawal

The science behind addiction withdrawal symptoms lies in how our brains handle neurochemistry. Most substances that are commonly abused trigger a flood of dopamine, which is a chemical linked to pleasure, into the brain’s synapses. Over time, the mind adjusts to certain substances by reducing its own production and sensitivity, balancing out the release of this neurotransmitter with reward behaviors. However, when someone stops using a substance suddenly, they experience what’s called a dopamine deficit. 

This means there aren’t enough of these natural chemicals being released, which can shock the body and lead to a range of symptoms, known as withdrawal.

Mapping Out Ways To Minimize the Impact of PAWS

Treatment for withdrawal usually depends on how bad the symptoms are and what substance was being abused. It can involve:

  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Here, drugs like benzodiazepines are given during alcohol withdrawal or methadone for opioid withdrawal to ease off symptoms experienced.
  • Supportive care: Drinking plenty of fluids, eating a well-balanced diet, and resting helps one recover faster from this condition.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): These treatments seek to address underlying psychological problems associated with addiction.
  • Family therapy or individual counseling sessions: These sessions are designed not only to build support systems but also to deal with emotional triggers that may lead back into drug use again.

Find Support for  PAWS With Southern Sky Recovery

At Southern Sky Recovery, we know just how challenging post-acute withdrawal syndrome can get sometimes. 

That’s why our top-rated drug rehab in Bluffton, SC, has a family-oriented approach. We deeply value the relationships between clients and staff members, treating each other like family, especially during tough times.

We provide various levels of care tailored to individual needs – Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), or outpatient rehab.

We’re here to support you at every step of your recovery journey, wherever you are.

Reach out to us at Southern Sky Recovery to start your journey toward wellness today.

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Pam Deloach

Care Coordinator/CPRS

Pam is a Peer Support Specialist with Southern Sky, dedicated to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys with compassion, understanding, and hope. Born and raised in Hampton, South Carolina, Pam is a proud mother of two amazing boys, ages 20 and 10. She has always been drawn to work that helps others, spending 20 years as a massage therapist before beginning her own journey through recovery. Inspired by her experiences, Pam chose to use her story, strength, and insight to walk alongside others who are struggling with addiction.

In her free time, Pam enjoys going to the lake, spending time with family and friends, attending church, and cheering on her son at his baseball games. These moments keep her grounded and remind her of the joy in everyday life. She is committed to empowering individuals, building trust, and creating a safe, supportive environment for healing and growth.

Ben LaGrange

Community Relations Advocate

Ben is a person in long-term recovery with a gift for creativity, a deep connection with people, and a passion for helping others find their path to sobriety. After getting sober in 2018, he discovered that authenticity was the greatest gift he could offer. Embracing it brought genuine connection, creative freedom, and a beautiful life in recovery.

With experience in multimedia, fine art, and digital design, Ben studied photography at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and art at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He has spent years working as a professional photographer and marketer. He has also worked in recreational and art therapy for substance use treatment and has led educational groups on anger management and relapse prevention.

Ben believes that connection is the opposite of addiction—and that when we allow ourselves to be fully authentic, we become our most powerful selves, capable of deeper connection and better equipped to help others navigate a turbulent world.

Keith Toomer

Residential House Manager

Keith began his career in the maintenance and plumbing industry, where he built hands-on experience and a strong work ethic. During that time, he faced significant challenges with addiction. His decision to seek help led him to Southern Sky Recovery in Bluffton, South Carolina—an experience that transformed his life.

Through the support of Southern Sky Recovery, Keith rebuilt his foundation and discovered his true passion: serving others on their recovery journeys. He was given the opportunity to become the Men’s Residential House Manager, a role that allows him to guide, support, and mentor men as they work toward lasting recovery.

“For the first time in my life, I found a career that truly fulfills me. I love working in addiction recovery and being part of a community dedicated to helping others heal and grow.”

Outside of work, Keith enjoys spending quality time with his family. He remains committed to his own recovery and has a strong interest in nutrition and exercise, which help him stay grounded, healthy, and focused.

He is grateful every day for the opportunity to serve his community and work in a field that gives his life purpose.

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