J&J, Cowgirl, thanks for the support in my post on how I woke up on day 17 feeling a little crampy. It actually got better throughout the day, did a lot of running around the city so I felt fine. I really want to learn more about PAWS and how it cycles, dont worry..I'm beating this thing. Just want to be prepared and hear experiences on this, as I've heard it can lasts up to 3 years.
Any info would be greatly appreciated. - Chris
Chris,
Google Post Acute Withdrawl. There are many online references.
Here is one link:
http://www.tlctx.com/ar_pages/paw_part1.htm
Good luck and congratulations on Day 18. What kind of face-to-face support do you have?
Gina
Google Post Acute Withdrawl. There are many online references.
Here is one link:
http://www.tlctx.com/ar_pages/paw_part1.htm
Good luck and congratulations on Day 18. What kind of face-to-face support do you have?
Gina
Chris,I have almost 3 years and I still get hit with it in the Spring.Don't obsess about it too much.Just be aware when you are going through it what it is.Talk about it at meetings,book extra appointments at therapy and pay attention to how you are feeling.
One of the biggest symptoms of PAWS I hear is a sort of resignation.You don't feel like your life has spark,you can't get motivated about anything or you believe that you're just not having fun like you used to.You feel like at least when you were high you were feeling something.
That's the most dangerous place and it's a complete lie.
This is when you have to create new experiences and although your heart may not be into it,the pay off is always worth it.Take art classes,start a hobby you've put off,anything to ignite a fire.
One of the biggest symptoms of PAWS I hear is a sort of resignation.You don't feel like your life has spark,you can't get motivated about anything or you believe that you're just not having fun like you used to.You feel like at least when you were high you were feeling something.
That's the most dangerous place and it's a complete lie.
This is when you have to create new experiences and although your heart may not be into it,the pay off is always worth it.Take art classes,start a hobby you've put off,anything to ignite a fire.
I hope you were able to find and read the "PAWS" thread the Cynical One started a couple of years ago. Someone bumped it up for you. It's a long read but really worth it. Tim's right though, try not to get to hung up on it, this too shall pass. Have a good day!
Chris;
PAWS can last for a very long time, as you already know. You should take comfort in the knowledge that how you feel now, is not the end point, just how you feel today.
Our tendency as addicts is to want it all and want it now. Recovery doesn't work that way, it takes time, that's why support is so critical.
Nervous tissue repairs itself very slowly, 18 days, 3 months, 6 months, they are long periods of time to the part of our psyche living it daily, but not that long for recovery from a brain injury, like addiction.
As the articles mention, restoring the brains biological function is one aspect to recovery, the more important part is developing a new way of approaching our lives to foster the serenity we are all looking for.
For me, in serenity, I have compassion, empathy, occasional wisdom, self confidence, in short a peace of mind that allows me to handle lifes challanges. That doesn't mean I don't get pi$$ed off and knocked off my pins occasionally, but far less often than I used to, and nothing like when I was using.
Hang in there, and take comfort in the thought, things will get better.
Paul
Ps:
If you use again you do know that it will further injur your brain, halt your recovery, and prolong the effects of PAWS, right
Pps:
The price you pay for the temporary Euphoria of drug use is the loss of peace of mind.
PAWS can last for a very long time, as you already know. You should take comfort in the knowledge that how you feel now, is not the end point, just how you feel today.
Our tendency as addicts is to want it all and want it now. Recovery doesn't work that way, it takes time, that's why support is so critical.
Nervous tissue repairs itself very slowly, 18 days, 3 months, 6 months, they are long periods of time to the part of our psyche living it daily, but not that long for recovery from a brain injury, like addiction.
As the articles mention, restoring the brains biological function is one aspect to recovery, the more important part is developing a new way of approaching our lives to foster the serenity we are all looking for.
For me, in serenity, I have compassion, empathy, occasional wisdom, self confidence, in short a peace of mind that allows me to handle lifes challanges. That doesn't mean I don't get pi$$ed off and knocked off my pins occasionally, but far less often than I used to, and nothing like when I was using.
Hang in there, and take comfort in the thought, things will get better.
Paul
Ps:
If you use again you do know that it will further injur your brain, halt your recovery, and prolong the effects of PAWS, right
Pps:
The price you pay for the temporary Euphoria of drug use is the loss of peace of mind.
