PAWS and Brain Function
A syndrome that occurs after acute withdrawal as the brain attempts to regain equilibrium.
What is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)?
The process of returning to an addictive lifestyle.
What is relapse?
Making excuses or minimizing substance use consequences.
What is denial?
Stage in which the individual does not yet recognize the need for change.
What is precontemplation?
Tell me what "F.I.N.E" stands for
What is "f--d" up, insecure, neurotic, and emotional?
Difficulty concentrating, impaired reasoning, and rigid thinking patterns.
What are cognitive impairments associated with PAWS?
Substance use is considered the end result of relapse rather than the beginning.
What is relapse completion?
Remembering substance use as more positive than it actually was.
What is euphoric recall?
Stage characterized by ambivalence about change.
What is contemplation?
Quote me the serenity prayer WITHOUT looking!
What is god grant me the serenity to accept things I can NOT change, the courage to change things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference?
Emotional numbness or exaggerated emotional reactions due to nervous system instability.
What is emotional dysregulation?
A relapse that increases insight and strengthens commitment to recovery
What is therapeutic relapse?
Unrealistic confidence that recovery challenges are no longer a threat.
What is the pink cloud?
Stage involving commitment and planning for behavior change.
What is preparation?
There is always ____ and ____ in recovery
What is always ACTION and PRACTICE?
Difficulty with balance, slow reflexes, or feeling intoxicated despite sobriety.
What are physical coordination problems or “dry drunk” symptoms?
A relapse in which the individual does not return to recovery behaviors.
What is pathological relapse?
Increased isolation and secrecy from support systems.
What are behavioral relapse warning signs?
Stage involving active behavioral change and use of coping skills.
What is action?
The____keeps the score.
Why does the BODY keep the score?
A biopsychosocial condition in which neurological healing may take 6–24 months.
What is prolonged neurological recovery?
Returning to habits, thinking patterns, and relationships associated with substance use.
What is reversal of recovery progress?
Increased guilt, anger, boredom, or loneliness contributing to relapse vulnerability.
What are emotional relapse warning signs?
Stage focused on sustaining long-term change and preventing relapse.
What is maintenance?
The brain reward pathway responsible for experiencing pleasure and reinforcement becomes dysregulated during addiction, often leading to reduced ability to feel pleasure naturally during recovery.
What is the hedonic system?