Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
What is PAWS?
Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome is similar to acute withdrawal that occurs immediately after the cessation of use; HOWEVER, its symptoms are more PSYCHOLOGICAL rather than physical, and begins AFTER acute withdrawal and can last much LONGER.
Name 2 medications used in MAT?
Suboxone, Sublocade, Naltrexone/Revia, Vivitrol Campral, Antabuse, Topamax...
Name 3 activities that you consider as hobbies?
Reading, Outdoor activities, Sports, Board Games... etc
This is a natural sleep aid that the body produces, and you can also purchase over the counter.
Melatonin
What drug class do the following medication belong to:
Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, Effexor
Antidepressants
What does MAT stand for and why is it used?
Medication Assisted Treatment- it is used to support individuals in maintaining sobriety alongside other recovery-focused groups, and individual/group therapy.
This medication can be given to help with anxiety during detox?
Ativan (Lorazepam)
What are 3 common symptoms of PAWS?
Irritability, BRAIN FOG, anxiety, depressed mood, difficulty problem-solving, CRAVING, disturbed sleep, increased emotional sensitivity, INCREASED SENSITIVITY TO STRESS...
Why would MAT be encouraged after cessation of substance use?
To support the individual in maintaining sobriety alongside other recovery-focused groups and programming.
What is something you can do here that is a form of self-care?
Staff decides
Name 3 things we can do to improve our sleep hygiene (help us go to sleep)?
Minimizing screen time, reading before bed, dim the lights, warm bath or shower, not eating right before bed, aromatherapy, listening to calming music, meditation.
Which of these medications can you take for a headache?
Zyrtec, Tylenol, Imodium, Lexapro
Tylenol
Name a reason most MEN stop taking Campral?
Erectile Dysfunction (Sexual dysfuction)
What is one medication that can be given to treat anxiety?
Hydroxyzine
What are 2 things you can do to manage PAWS?
Lean on your support system, Individual therapy, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), 12- Step Meetings, Celebrate Recovery, SMART Recovery...
Do individuals in recovery have to take MAT medications for the rest of their life?
No.
The goal of MAT is to provide extra support during the initial recovery phases in conjunction with the individuals' personal recovery plan. (meetings, therapy...) It is discouraged to remain on MAT medications long-term- you and your treatment team can determine the length of time you need to remain on them for the added support.
Why is self-care important in recovery?
Give attention to the areas of our lives that we have neglected while in active use. Prioritizing ourselves in a positive way.
Studies have shown that you are ______ as likely to relapse if you're not getting enough sleep.
TWICE as likely
This medication is used to reverse the effects of opioids.
Narcan (Naloxone)
Name 2 OTHER medications used in MAT?
Suboxone, Sublocade, Naltrexone/Revia, Vivitrol Campral, Antabuse...
This medication, given to relieve diarrhea, can in excess cause similar euphoria as opioids and/or heroin.
Imodium
PAWS can occur after cessation of use from all substances; however, what 3 SUBSTANCES are most known for causing PAWS?
Alcohol, Benozdiazepines, and Opioids
What medication(s) are used to aid in alcohol cessation?
Naltrexone/Revia (Vivitrol)
Antabuse
Campral
Name 5 ways to take care of yourself?
Eating healthy, Going to bed early sometimes, Personal Hygiene, Hobbies, Journaling, Exercising, Reaching out... etc
What are 3 things you can do here that will help your sleep hygiene?
Read or color before bed, take a shower, communicate with your roommate about your sleep hygiene needs, dim the lights in your room, take your medication consistently...etc
True or False: You should stop taking antidepressants when you start feeling better.
FALSE
Which of these MAT medications must be taken 3 times a day?
Naltrexone, Campral, Sublocade
Campral
What is precipitated withdrawal?
Rapid onset withdrawal symptoms within 1-2 hours following the first dose of an buprenorphine when not enough time has lapsed since last use.
How long can the symptoms of PAWS last?
Up to 2 years
This combination medication provides just enough opioid to stop withdrawal, while also blocking the body's ability to get or feel high.
Suboxone, Sublocade... (Buprenorphine-Naloxone)
In your opinion, why is self-care so difficult?
Staff Decides
What neurotransmitter is responsible for the body's sleep/wake process?
Dopamine
**Dopamine is "hyper" released when using substances which makes the body slack in producing it naturally (hence feeling exhausted when you're detoxing). The body struggles to produce it on its own after we stop using which negatively impacts our sleep cycle and ability to sleep soundly (or at all). **
How do you administer Narcan (Naloxone)? (Multiple ways).
Intranasal (in the nose), intramuscular (shot in the muscle), Intravenous (through an IV).
Which MAT medication(s) must you check liver functions in order to begin?
Naltrexone/Vivitrol
How often will you see a provider when you're on the Residential Unit?
Once a week.