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Coping With Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) in Recovery and Health
For many recovering from addiction, post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) can represent a significant challenge to recovery, health, and well-being. But with the right techniques, it is possible to manage PAWS and live a healthy and fulfilling life in recovery.
What Are Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)?
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome is a collection of long-lasting impairments that recovering addicts can experience in withdrawal. These symptoms often include feelings of depression and anxiety, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, fatigue, and difficulty with memory and cognition. PAWS is caused by physiological changes in the brain and body caused by drug use and abuse.
Coping With Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms
The good news is that while PAWS can be difficult, they are manageable. Here are some tips for coping with PAWS:
Get Active: Exercise is an important aspect of recovery, as it can help reduce anxious and depressive feelings and improve cognitive functioning. Exercise can also help improve overall physical health, increase confidence, and provide other mental health benefits.
Seek Professional Help: Talking to a counselor or therapist can be a great way to handle PAWS. Professional help can provide support, resources, and individualized advice to help cope with PAWS.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy: Ensuring proper nutrition is important in recovery, as bad habits can lead to worsened symptoms of PAWS. Drinking plenty of water and healthy eating can help to restore strength and energy, while also combatting cravings.
Find Recovery Support: Recovery support groups can provide much-needed emotional and mental support, helping recovering addicts to navigate the PAWS. They are also great for receiving advice for coping strategies and other forms of support that can help manage PAWS.
Conclusion
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome can be a difficult thing to manage, but with the right coping strategies and techniques, it is possible to manage PAWS and live a healthy and fulfilling life in recovery. With help from professional help, recovery support groups, proper nutrition, and exercise, recovering addicts can maintain their sobriety, health, and well-being.
