Post: After something
Acute: Sharpness or exact but not chronic
Withdrawal: Do without or give up something
Syndrome: A condition or affliction
Giving up my addition to alcohol puts me in a position to experience physical and mental withdrawals. Stress, worries, doubts, fear, depression, anxiety, etc. triggers my PAWS.
My default “go to” has been alcohol for 26 years and I’m now trying to learn better and healthier ways to cope.
THere are times when my body and brain try to convince me that alcohol is my only solution. It’s the syndrome portion combined with the acute portion trying to put an end to the withdrawal.
In treatment I’m learning ways to fight back, but almost all require asking for help from others – which I’m not good at and an embarrassed to do. I know what I need to do. I just need the courage and vulnerability to act.
I’ve also been warned that PAWS can last for a year or two, depending on the individuals body and healthy living.