Alcohol addiction treatment has come a long way over the last several decades. Now that doctors understand the neurological basis of addiction, clinical alcohol addiction treatment centers are able to help thousands of alcoholics achieve lasting sobriety every year.
Unfortunately, a condition called Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, or PAWS, threatens almost all rehab patients' recoveries. Setting in immediately after detox, PAWS makes it extremely difficult for addicts to effectively engage their therapies. PAWS can also linger for months or even years, making it difficult for alcoholics to avoid relapse. The following are some of them most common symptoms.
*Continued alcohol cravings
*New cravings for food or other drugs
*Depression, paranoia, and anxiety
*Mood swings
*Constant overreaction or under-reaction to daily situations
*Loss of motor skills
*Short-term memory loss
*Inability to focus
*Exhaustion
*Hypersensitivity to physical pain
Some of these symptoms are the same as those experienced during withdrawal itself. Although PAWS is less severe than withdrawal, the long-term continuation of these kinds of mental, physical, and emotional problems makes it extremely difficult for alcoholics to avoid drinking.
PAWS sufferers often appear to be under the influence, as well. Because of this phenomenon, many recovering alcoholics have been dubbed "dry drunks." This term has contributed to society's stigma of alcoholism and is extremely frustrating for people who are struggling to avoid relapse.
A vast majority of recovering alcoholics report at least some of these symptoms. Many medical experts actually believe that all addicts experience PAWS, and that current statistics are inaccurate. Because this condition is so common, alcohol addiction treatment centers have begun makings its PAWS mitigation a top priority in their recovery programs. Here are some of the most effective strategies for dealing with the symptoms.
*Self-Reflection: During individual counseling sessions, alcoholics uncover the causes of their addictions and learn the people, places, and objects which trigger their compulsions to drink. To avoid succumbing to PAWS and relapsing, alcoholics must constantly reflect on their thoughts and behaviors, remember what they learned during treatment. By avoiding the negative thought patterns which lead to drinking, they can avoid temptations before they even occur.
*Purposeful Living: Depression, isolation, and other emotional PAWS symptoms can give alcoholics the impression than clean living is hardly worth the effort. They can avoid such feelings by finding meaning and purpose in their lives. Setting daily goals, making long-term plans, and engaging in spiritual quests for greater meanings in life are crucial.
*Frank Communication: Trusted friends or family members can make an enormous difference in recovering alcoholics' abilities to overcome PAWS and avoid relapse. These people provide healthy outlets for venting, and they can give gentle but honest feedback about alcoholics' irrational behaviors.
*Medication: In some cases, rehab clinicians will prescribe medications for dealing with certain PAWS symptoms. These are most effective in cases where alcoholics suffer from depression or other hormonal imbalances.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, click the links below to find a rehab facility near you. Alcoholism is a life-threatening disease, but alcohol addiction treatment can help you get back on your feet.
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