PAWS at an Orange County Rehab

So, last week I was speaking with Phil Allen, the CEO of the Pat Moore Foundation, and I was asking him questions about medications and other sorts of treatments we have here at our Orange County rehab. As he was answering he mentioned, 'PAWS.'

Honestly, I took a moment and went blank. I asked myself, what is he talking about? 'Pause what?'

Silly, but not silly at the same time. I felt like I knew what it was, but couldn't put my finger on it. Sometimes that happens with me. For the most part I consider myself pretty bright, but I have moments here and there. He simply said, "PAWS means Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome."

I simply wanted to smack my forehead. One of the main symptoms is memory problems. It isn't that I suffer out right from it any more. I just have these moments. I think we all do whether we are addicts or not. Memory problems can happen as we get older.

Post acute withdrawal is a set of sobriety-based symptoms that can make staying sober difficult for a lot of us. Its presence has been documented in approximately 75-95% of recovering alcoholics and addicts tested. A staggering number in my humble opinion. Usually acute withdrawal occurs within 3-10 days while post acute withdrawal can last 3 months to 2 years. Sometimes these symptoms have been known to be permanent, if only intermittent.

Now, when I got sober, I don't think PAWS was even known about (Again, the memory thing). If I had I would have gotten the help I needed. I know I suffered from PAWS and experienced all the symptoms.

I just thought I was going crazy.