Unfortunately, for many people in recovery, the withdrawal process is not limited to a short time frame of just a few weeks…  While the body may heal quickly, the brain may take months or years to recover from an addiction to the drug, Nicotine.

So what is PAWS?  Well, it refers to a group of symptoms that former addicts experience after a prolonged withdrawal period.  These symptoms can continue for months, or even years after the original withdrawal period, and they are primarily psychological and mood-related.  The brain will take time to correct the chemical imbalances and to re-learn to function properly, without the assistance of drugs like Nicotine.

There is an endless amount of symptoms that can be associated with “PAWS”, based on individual choices of drug/s, overall health, and the time length of drug abuse.  However, some of the most common PAWS symptoms are:

• Inability to think clearly, including lack of concentration or repetitive thinking patterns.  This can be the most prominent symptom.
  
• Inability to feel pleasure occurs because it will take the brain some time to begin naturally producing normal levels of Dopamine again (which is a feel-good chemical).
  
• Mood swings can happen in PAWS for seemingly no reason.   You can be up one minute and down the next.
  
• Anxiety prevents us to remain calm.  Panic attacks also can occur when Nicotine is removed from the body system.
  
• Extreme sensitivity to stress can also occur, because it does take time to regain your stress management and problem-solving techniques.
  
• I will limit talking about “cognitive impairment” because the abuse of alcohol makes this symptom happen.  It is a symptom, which affects memory and mobility.
  

This is by no means a complete list. However, knowing key signs of PAWS puts all of us in a better position to cope and manage symptoms.

HOW LONG does PAWS last?   The brain needs time to heal and PAWS symptoms can be with us for regular intervals of 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 days and at 1-year and 2-year anniversary dates.  We all need to work and cope on our own timelines, so keeping a positive attitude is paramount to ultimate success.

Obviously after learning of this syndrome, we all can understand how a Nicotine RELAPSE can interfere with our progress and healing…  Remember that please when you get a craving!  A craving does NOT mean you really want a cigarette…  It is the drug addiction [to Nicotine] that wants more!

There are challenges to PAWS besides RELAPSE.  The symptoms are not universally recognized in the medical community.  Although it is widely accepted by those in the addiction treatment community.

How can you treat PAWS symptoms?  From a therapist, a recovery group, family and friends.  Additionally, other methods, which are proven to be successful, include:

• Exercise and Healthy Diet
  
• The practice of impulse control
  
• The ability to identify triggers (just like you do with smoking)
  
• And celebrating the small victories.
  

Using “H.A.L.T.”   (Am I hungry, angry, lonely or tired?) will help identify your emotions.  Using patience and courage in healing is the recipe for success.