PAWS
What does PAWS stand for?
Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
This distortion means expecting the worst possible outcome
What is catastrophizing
This common recovery saying reminds people to focus on staying sober today instead of worrying about the future.
What is “One day at a time or keep coming back."
This first step of recovery involves admitting that we are powerless over addiction and that our lives have become unmanageable.
What is Step 1
This simple coping skill involves taking slow breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Deep breathing
PAWS can affect this organ in the body as it heals from substance use.
Brain (and body)
This distortion happens when you believe you know what others are thinking about you.
What is mind reading
These are people, places, or situations that can increase the urge to use substances.
What are triggers.
The 12-Step program encourages people to rely on this concept, often described as “a power greater than ourselves.”
What is a Higher Power
This coping skill helps you focus on the present moment instead of worrying about the past or future.
mindfulness
Because the brain is healing, PAWS symptoms may last for this long after someone stops using substances.
What is several months to up to 2 years
Seeing situations as only good or bad with no middle ground.
all-or-nothing thinking
What is number on cause for relapse?
What is stress?
In many 12-Step programs, this person guides a newer member through the steps and offers support in recovery.
What is a sponsor
This grounding technique asks you to name 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste.
5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique
'What are cognitive problems (or brain fog)?
Difficulty focusing, remembering things, or thinking clearly during recovery is known as this PAWS symptom
Making one negative event and believing it will happen all the time.
What is overgeneralization
Returning to substance use after a period of sobriety is known as this.
What is a relapse
These regular gatherings allow members to share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other.
What are meetings?
This coping strategy involves writing your thoughts and feelings down in a notebook
What can you do to counteract PAWS symptoms?
exercise, sleep hygiene, nutrition, therapy, medications, holistic practices, avoid triggers, support
What is personalization?
Blaming yourself for things outside your control.
This process of returning to healthy physical, mental, and emotional functioning after addiction is called this.
What is recovery or healing
This principle of the program means members keep what they hear in meetings private.
What is anonymity?
This healthy coping skill involves moving your body to help reduce stress and improve mood.
What is exercise.