Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome sounds like something that soldier may suffer from when returning from war ravaged countries. However, Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome is a disorder that many people suffer from and may not even know that they have it.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome is an impairment that many addicts suffer from when they attempt quit drugs. It is a disorder that many drug addicts and alcoholics suffer from when they try to quit on their own. It can be a horrendous experience that drives the addict back to their habit.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome is also known as PAWS. It has many symptoms, and usually strikes up to fourteen days after the addict quits and last for months after immediate withdrawal symptoms have abated. It is like a slow release time bomb. The symptoms include

· Accelerated thoughts

· Hyperactivity

· Memory loss

· Sleeplessness

Another factor that greatly affects the addict is stress. Therefor, the recovering individual has to be made to understand that the lowering of as much stress as possible is vital. Specific lifestyle changes need to occur. Healthy living habits such as curtailing the amount of caffeine taken, getting a solid 8-10 hours of sleep, eating three or more well balanced meals per day and exercising 3 or more times weekly will bring about great benefits.

These symptoms can be very irritating, not only to the person suffering from them but also for their family and friends. Having a support system in place is critical the success of the addict. A support system is a group of people who will be available to the recovering addict both physically and emotionally. Because Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome can cause high stress levels, it is crucial that lifestyle changes be made such as avoiding beverages with caffeine, and consuming healthy and nutritious foods.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms can show symptoms usually present themselves for about six months, however studies have concluded that they can last a lifetime. The current treatment for addiction is methadone and other types of maintenance; however, they have also proven effective in treating Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms. It partly restores the chemical imbalance that the drugs change.

In order to deal with Paws it is imperative that his or her stress level be as low as possible. This may be a very difficult task, however it is necessary to the recovery process.