What is Post Acute Withdrawal and How to Deal With It
The most talked about form of withdrawal is acute withdrawal. This is where detox facilities and hospitals come in. The stage that many people do not talk about or even acknowledge is post acute withdrawal. In order to recover fully from your addiction, you have to know what it is and how you can deal with it.
Post Acute Withdrawal
Post acute withdrawal is the second stage of withdrawal. It is also known as:
- Chronic withdrawal
- Extended withdrawal
- Late withdrawal
- Sobriety based Symptoms
- Subacute withdrawal
This stage in some drugs is extremely mild while in others like opiates is devastating and can quickly cause relapse if you do not know how to recognize it.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, some of the most common drugs that are associated with post acute withdrawal are:
If you are dealing with the symptoms of post acute withdrawal and need treatment, call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?).
Symptoms of Post Acute Withdrawal
Although the symptoms vary, some common ones show up across the different drug types. These are:
Fatigue and depression are symptoms of post acute withdrawal.
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Cravings
- Memory loss or memory difficulties
- Fatigue
- Reduced interest in sexual relations
- Loss of Pleasure in normal activities
- Impaired motor control
- Difficulty making decisions
- Difficulty focusing on what you are doing
- Irritability
- Depression
These symptoms range in severity depending on the drug involved. Although most of them are not dangerous, they do need to be treated because they often lead to relapse.
Dealing with Post Acute Withdrawal
According to the University of Wisconsin, understanding the symptoms is the first step in dealing with post acute withdrawal. Some of the things you can do to help yourself deal with post acute withdrawal are:
- Keep your support system in mind, turn to it when you need to
- Identify and deal with your triggers
- Use a structured daily routine
- Eat right
- Keep a good sleep pattern
- Exercise daily
- Do the things that bring you comfort and keep you away from drugs
- Return to treatment if necessary
A comprehensive treatment program will help you learn how to manage post acute withdrawal syndrome.
Treatment for Post Acute Withdrawal
There are treatments available for post acute withdrawal syndrome if they are necessary. In some cases, returning to a treatment center may be necessary to help you through a withdrawal episode. In a treatment center, they can:
- Regulate any medications you are on
- Individual counseling to help with the psychological aspects
- Teach you to deal with things like triggers and cravings
- Give you a drug free place to ride out the symptoms
- Group counseling to help you with your support structure
All of these things are available at most treatment centers. If you start to feel post acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms, call 888-602-1971(Who Answers?). We can help you find the right treatment center for you.
