How to Spot the Symptoms of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
Posted by admin in Drug Abuse on November 23, 2011
To make a lasting recovery, drug addicts need to understand and be able to recognize the symptoms of Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, or PAWS. Though PAWS is responsible for more relapses and failed recoveries than any other condition, most treatment facilities and rehabilitation programs do little to mitigate its frustrating and crippling effects on recovering addicts. PAWS symptoms are normal and even expected for addicts who have completed detoxification and overcome the obstacles of their initial withdrawal. However, the ways in which addicts experience these symptoms are highly individual, so it can be difficult to clinicians and patients to recognize exactly when they occur. To maintain clean and sober lives, recovering substance abusers must learn to constantly self-reflect and monitor their behavior patterns for signs of this dangerous condition.
PAWS typically sets in as soon as addicts complete detoxification. Detox is a painful but necessary five to fourteen-day process of purging their bodies of drugs. The symptoms can affect the bodies, intellects, and emotions of its sufferers, and they range from mild to severe. They can even cause addicts to abusively self-medicate in an effort to relieve their pain, thereby continuing their cycles of addiction. Some of the most common symptoms are as follows:
Physical Problems:
Those familiar with PAWS often refer to its sufferers as “dry drunks” because of their apparent lack of motor skills. The visible, physiological symptoms of this condition include impaired balance, poor depth perception, and chronic dizziness. Read the rest of this entry »
Psychological Aspects of Cancer
The psychological aspects of cancer begin way before the first visit with the oncologist. For many, it begins after they have had their mammogram and are asked to stay seated in the “holding area” after their mammogram. They are told the radiologist wants to ensure the films are clear enough to read. For some the technician comes back and tells them they are OK to go, but for some, the technician tells them to follow her, the radiologist would like to speak with them. It’s at this point the mind starts to feed you with anxious thoughts. ” What does he want to see me about?”, ” no… there’s nothing there!”, “There must be some mistake!” And when you get in the room with the radiologist, he points to your films and shows you a spot, or possibly more which he is questioning and then tells you he would like you to go for a biopsy. All the while you are trying to hear what he is saying, trying to stay composed, even as your mind continues it’s internal chatter… BIOPSY oh no… CANCER!
You attempt to hold your composure until you at least have hit the front door, when you realize “the twins” have now entered your life… Fear… and Anxiety… And not to be outdone, their Big Sister Stressed Out. She plays a big part especially between the time you go for your biopsy and then again between the time of the biopsy and the results. Those three play havoc with your emotions. And sad to say, their cousin Depression, will come to visit also. The renegade cousin NO ONE wishes to have visit! And all of them can bring negative feelings to the forefront.
We often tell ourselves that our negative feelings aren’t productive, so why dwell on them? The answer to that question is that if those feelings aren’t resolved in some way, they won’t simply go away – and they can cause you both emotional and physical pain for years until you work them through. Read the rest of this entry »