PAWS
What does PAWS stand for?
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
What does it mean to be complacent?
Feeling so satisfied with your own abilities or situation that you feel you do not need to try any harder
The process of removing a toxic substance (e.g. a drug) from the body.
Detoxification
Everyone in group name at least one emotion you have felt this past week.
Group response.
In 2023, the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reported that what percentage of individuals have used illicit substances at least once?
50%
Name three symptoms that indicate PAWS.
Lack of motivation, Anxiety, Depression, Foggy thinking/trouble remembering, Stress sensitivity, Fatigue/sleep disturbances, Urges/Cravings, Mood Swings, etc.
What does it mean to "hit the wall" in the recovery based on the Roadmap to Recovery?
Feeling like a plateau has been hit with progress toward certain recovery goals; Start seeing more of the harsh realities of maintaining recovery after the honeymoon phase and how challenging it can be to sustain long-term/how slow progress can happen after initial changes set-in.
What is the National Suicide/Mental Health hotline number?
Name three HEALTHY ways to cope with stress
Talking to support; exercise; getting fresh air; mindfulness/meditation; journaling; therapy; time spent with family; watching favorite tv show/movie; listening to music; drawing/painting; time with pets; etc.
Of the Americans that use illegal drugs, about how many are addicted? Is it 15%, 25%, 35% or 45%?
25%
Why do we experience PAWS?
The brain is correcting chemical imbalances that are suffered from active addiction and needs time to repair itself.
When does hitting the wall typically occur?
46-120 days after use stops.
A physical behavior one repeats involuntarily that can be harmful. (this is not a specific behavior, it is a word that describes several different behaviors)
Compulsion
What are three physical cues that you are experiencing anger?
Tense muscles, increased heart rate, body temperature changes, blood pressure, clenched jaw/fists, face turning red, etc.
In 2023, what age range do you believe has the highest use rate for reported drug use?
18-25 (39%); Coming in second is 26-29 (34%)
How long can someone experience PAWS symptoms?
It varies from person to person and how quickly their brain recovers; On average, many report symptoms occurring from 6 months up to 2 years.
What are three negative consequences of complacent behavior in recovery?
Relapse; Lack of progress toward goals; Negative behaviors resurface; Hitting a plateau; etc.
Mixing these two substances together, although very common, is one of the most dangerous combinations.
Alcohol and benzodiazepines
Name some of the common underlying feelings that people often experience but are expressed through anger?
Fear, embarrassment, depression, anxiety, grief, helplessness, etc.
What is the most popular prescription opioid used by those with opioid use disorder?
Hydrocodone
Name 5 ways to cope with PAWS symptoms.
Keep mental health/doctor appointments, Journal, Utilize calendars/reminders to stay focused on tasks, Practice self-care, Talk to someone about what you're experiencing, Change sleep hygiene routine, Practice patience through mindfulness techniques, Exercise, etc.
What are three red flags of complacent behavior in recovery?
Engaging in high risk behaviors; Distancing self from support network; Disengaging in self-care activities; Not pursuing further education/goals in recovery; Dismissing warning signs; Overconfidence, etc.
This consists of the brain and the spinal cord.
The central nervous system (CNS)
Group response
Taking opioids for longer than 3 months increases your risk for addiction by how much?
15 times