How long do paws last

Cinde has a love for the places where opposites touch. This has led her to clinical explorations of somatic and spiritual healing of the things that wound us, as well as explorations of how the lived wisdom of the step tradition informs and brings color to clinical education and experience. It also leads her to the beach as much as possible! Cinde regularly trains on topics ranging from step based Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Spiritual Care principles to ethical practice and clinical supervision.

Her core belief is that love is more powerful than the wounds we have experienced, and, in fact, can cause us to become our strongest at those places. Randal Lea, our Chief Community Recovery Officer is a licensed addictions counselor with 30 years of clinical and administrative experience. He is a frequent presenter on a variety of topics such as assessment, sexual behavior in children, ethics, dreamwork and trauma. He is a certified practitioner of DreamTending and a qualified clinical supervisor.

Jay Crosson began his career with Cumberland Heights in and accepted his role as Chief Executive Officer in He has also served on an advisory committee with LegitScript, certification that lets search engines know which treatment centers operate safely and legally. Jay is a grateful recovering alumnus, having been a patient at Cumberland Heights in His personal treatment experience helped shape his leadership principles today.

Nick Hayes is the Chief Science Officer at Cumberland Heights, overseeing all research, technology and quality related initiatives for the organization. His research focuses on measurement-based practice systems, digital phenotyping and intensive longitudinal monitoring. He is also on the faculty of Lipscomb University as an adjunct professor of psychology. Chapman Sledge, a nationally recognized physician and speaker, has been the Chief Medical Officer at Cumberland Heights since Prior to joining Cumberland Heights, Dr.

When someone abuses drugs or alcohol for a prolonged period of time, their mind becomes reliant on these substances to produce certain chemicals to function correctly.

Once the drugs have been detoxed from the body, the brain will take time to correct the chemical imbalances and relearn to function without the assistance of drugs or alcohol.

There is an endless amount of symptoms that can be associated with post-acute withdrawal syndrome. While these are some of the most common symptoms associated with PAWS, it is by no means a complete list. However, knowing these key signs of post-acute withdrawal syndrome puts those suffering in a better position to manage them.

PAWS symptoms usually begin to occur between seven to 14 days after the acute period of withdrawal. These symptoms reach a peak between three to six months after the start of abstinence and can continue up to two years after the acute withdrawal period. The one prevailing theme among post-acute withdrawal symptoms is that they not consistent. Instead, they come and go intermittently, and each episode can last around two to three weeks.

According to current research, many people experience these symptoms at regular intervals of day, day, day, day, day, 1-year and 2-year sobriety dates. The brain is going to take time and patience to heal once the acute withdrawal period is over, and everyone must work on their own timeline.

The most significant concern with those suffering from post-acute withdrawal syndrome is a relapse. But there's more to drug and alcohol withdrawal than physical symptoms of discomfort. While acute withdrawal refers primarily to the body's process of healing, a second phase of withdrawal symptoms, known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome, or PAWS, occurs as the brain recalibrates after active addiction. These symptoms, unlike the first stage of acute withdrawal, typically involve more of the psychological and emotional aspects of withdrawal.

Depending on the duration and intensity of alcohol or other drug addiction, this secondary withdrawal syndrome can occur a few weeks into recovery or a few months down the road. More important, even though PAWS is a temporary condition, the symptoms can become a driving factor in relapse.

This is true even for people who are fully committed to staying clean and sober. Post-acute withdrawal, whether mild or serious, is a necessary process in early recovery from alcohol or other drug dependence.

Think of the withdrawal syndrome as the brain's way of correcting the chemical imbalances suffered during active addiction. PAWS occurs most commonly and intensely among individuals with alcohol and opioid addiction, as well as in people with addiction to benzodiazepines or "benzos," which are commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and panic attacks , heroin an opiate or medically prescribed pain medication. Often, symptoms are triggered by stress or brought on by situations involving people, places or things that remind the individual of using.

Many people in recovery describe the symptoms of PAWS as ebbing and flowing like a wave or having an "up and down" roller coaster effect. In the early phases of abstinence from substance use, symptoms can change by the minute. As individuals move into long-term recovery from alcohol or drug dependence, the symptoms occur less and less frequently. In order to minimize the risk of relapse, it's important to recognize that many of the unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations and feelings you experience in early recovery could be symptoms of PAWS.

Education is key in order to be prepared and learn how to manage the various symptoms. Being physically active helps reduce physical and mental tension, as well as anxiety, depression and other symptoms. Consider writing in a journal as a way to gain awareness and insight into your symptoms and document your experiences utilizing different coping skills. If you have problems remembering things, keeping a notebook or pad of paper nearby can help you keep track of important information, such as your daily schedule, to-do lists, and other important information.

Using your smart phone to schedule daily reminders of appointments or to complete tasks is also a great way to prevent forgetting responsibilities and commitments. Sharing feelings, emotions, and any post-acute withdrawal symptoms you are experiencing with people you trust, such as family, peers in step meetings , a counselor, or a close friend is useful in expressing yourself. Be good to yourself. Avoid situations, including triggers, that may initiate a craving to use, or situations that are anxiety-provoking, such as loud or crowded places.

This will help reduce the trigger of or exasperation of post-acute withdrawal symptoms. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, help reduce anxiety, tension, and overwhelming thoughts or emotions.

Although post-acute withdrawal syndrome can be a very challenging process while the brain and body begin to heal and reorient itself to life without the use of alcohol or other drugs, help is available. There are many outpatient treatment programs available to guide you through the post-acute withdrawal phase during recovery to prevent relapse. Contact a treatment provider today to learn more about the various rehab options.

Theresa is also a Certified Professional Life Coach and volunteers at a local mental health facility helping individuals who struggle with homelessness and addiction. Theresa is a well-rounded clinician with experience working as a Primary Addiction Counselor, Case Manager and Director of Utilization Review in various treatment centers for addiction and mental health in Florida, Minnesota, and Colorado.

She also has experience with admissions, marketing, and outreach. As a proud recovering addict herself, Theresa understands first-hand the struggles of addiction. There is no limit to what Theresa is willing to do to make a difference in the field of Addiction! All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional. David embarked on his journey into sobriety in June of , which led him to his current career path as a Certified Professional Addiction Recovery Coach in private practice in Greater Nashville.

David is also a public speaker and the author of two books.