Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
What is post-acute withdrawal syndrome Trouble thinking clearly, making
(PAWS)? decisions, and solving problems
PAWS is a group of symptoms that happen Problems with balance and delayed
after acute alcohol withdrawal. It often reflexes
happens when you are no longer in the Feeling dizzy
hospital. PAWS can make it hard to live a More accident prone
healthy lifestyle.
These symptoms can frustrate you and your
Who does PAWS affect? support system.
PAWS affects people who have had long-
term alcohol use. The effects are also based What can I do about PAWS?
on factors listed below. Know the symptoms and have a plan to deal
Age with them when they happen. Below is a list
Gender of ideas that may help.
Length and amount of use Identify your support system. It can
State of health be family, friends, counselors, health
care providers, spiritual or religious
When does it start and how long does it group. Anyone that supports your
last? desire to stay clean and sober.
Acute alcohol withdrawal can last from a Stay in touch with your support
few days to a week. PAWS begins after this. system.
Based on the amount of alcohol you used, Identify emotional states that trigger
PAWS can last for weeks to months. Longer your desire to use: anger, boredom,
and heavier use of alcohol can cause more sadness, loneliness. Get more
severe PAWS symptoms that can last even support when they arise.
longer. Make a daily routine that allows time
to rest and relax.
What are the symptoms of PAWS? Try to have a routine sleep pattern.
Emotional outbursts or lack of Eat throughout the day. Reduced
emotion junk or processed foods and eat more
Anxiety healthy foods, such as fruit,
Difficulty dealing with stress vegetables, and whole unprocessed
Low energy foods.
Having a hard time sleeping, strange Exercise can help reduce stress and
dreams, and changes in sleep increase your energy.
patterns Treat yourself with patience and
Memory problems that make it hard understanding.
to learn new things
Take time to take care of your
spiritual self and do things that bring
you comfort.
Be good to yourself.
Give yourself time to heal. You
won’t feel better right away.
A Note to Your Support System
When your loved one is going through
PAWS, they may need extra support from
you. Ask what you can do to support your
loved one through PAWS.
References
Addictions and Recovery Organization. (2010). Post-Acute Withdrawal (PAWS). Retrieved from
http://www.addictionsandrecovery.org.
Carty, B. (2016, September 26). Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). Hazelden Betty
Ford Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/carty/post-acute-
withdrawal-syndrome
Heilig, M., Egli, M., Crabbe, J., Becker,H. (2010). Acute withdrawal, protracted abstinence and
negative effect in alcohol. Addictive Biology. Apr;15(2):169-84.
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have any questions. If this information was not given to you as part of your care, please check with your doctor. This
is not medical advice. This is not to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Because each
person’s health needs are different, you should talk with your doctor or others on your health care team when using
this information. If you have an emergency, please call 911. Copyright ©5/2018. University of Wisconsin Hospitals
and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7228.
