Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

Symptoms that are now known to be those of PAWS were first recognized in individuals recovering from alcohol addiction. Since the 1990s, medical journals have published studies that examine prolonged symptoms of alcoholism ³.

Alcohol works, in part, by activating the brain’s GABA symptoms, which inhibits brain activity. The brain then makes changes to avoid permanent or recurrent inhibition. These changes cause the nervous system to become overactive and easily excitable when the drinking stops ³.

PAWS symptoms related to alcohol include stress and anxiety, feeling sick, extreme exhaustion, and cravings that stick around for a long time.

While people tend not to use antidepressants recreationally, when someone stops taking them abruptly, they will usually experience PAWS symptoms.

Most antidepressant drugs work by targeting neurotransmitters in the brain and raising serotonin and norepinephrine levels. When someone stops taking antidepressants, the levels of these neurotransmitters change dramatically ⁴.

PAWS for antidepressants is usually characterized by prolonged and intense depression because of the drastic alteration in serotonin and norepinephrine once someone stops taking them.

Benzodiazepines include drugs like Valium and Xanax and work similarly to alcohol. However, those who use benzodiazepines seem to be at an extremely high risk of developing PAWS symptoms that can last for years ².

PAWS symptoms associated with the use of benzodiazepines can also be very extreme. These symptoms can include anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and even schizophrenia ⁵.

Many people who smoke marijuana use it to relax, and those addicted to it can become reliant upon it to feel normal. When someone stops using marijuana, they may become depressed, paranoid, and stressed.

PAWS symptoms associated with marijuana use can consist of the continuation of depression, paranoia, and stress. Symptoms also include difficulties with sleeping and abnormal dreams ⁵.

Opioids work by activating the opiate receptors located in the brain and spinal cord, which effectively blocks pain messages sent through the spinal cord to the brain ⁶. When taken in large doses, they can create a euphoric high.

PAWS symptoms associated with opioids typically include anxiety, depression, lack of focus, and sleep disturbances. They can also consist of feeling sad, extremely tired, and irritable ⁵.

Stimulants include drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine, and they work by stimulating the body’s central nervous system. Like other drugs, they can cause changes in the way the brain functions.

PAWS symptoms associated with the use of stimulants include aggression, depression, extreme fatigue, lack of motivation, and issues with controlling impulses ⁵.