994-Discover How Brain Chemicals Influence Addiction Recovery and PAWS

Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

**Summary: Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes**

[Watch the video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEDayQBJXkA)

**Outline Summary:**

1. **Introduction**

- Presenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes

- Topic: Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

- Objectives: Understand PAWS, its causes, and coping strategies

2. **What is PAWS?**

- Definition: PAWS stands for Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

- Affects people who have engaged in addictive behaviors

- Results from brain changes due to substance use

- Duration: Can last up to a year or more after acute withdrawal

3. **Factors Influencing PAWS**

- **Substance Use History**: Length and intensity of substance use

- **Age of Onset**: Younger users have more significant brain changes

- **Gender Differences**: Affects men and women differently

- **Physical and Mental Health**: Poor health and underlying mental issues exacerbate PAWS

4. **Causes of PAWS Symptoms**

- Memories of substance use trigger cravings and irritability

- Neurochemical changes: Altered dopamine, glutamate, and monoamine oxidase levels

- Detoxification effects: Opposite symptoms during detox compared to substance use

5. **Common Symptoms of PAWS**

- Emotional outbursts or lack of emotion

- Anxiety, irritability, depression, and anhedonia

- Difficulty dealing with stress and fatigue

- Sleep disturbances and strange dreams

- Cognitive impairments: Memory problems, difficulty making decisions

6. **Coping Strategies for PAWS**

- **Meditation and Breathing**: Helps modulate HPA axis response

- **Support Systems**: Engage sober social supports

- **Exercise**: Improves stress tolerance and brain health

- **Sleep Hygiene**: Ensure regular sleep patterns and quality sleep

- **Awareness and Mindfulness**: Regular check-ins on emotional and physical state

- **Pleasurable Activities**: Increase dopamine and other positive neurochemicals

- **Healthy Eating**: Provide the body with necessary nutrients

- **Relaxation Techniques**: Promote secretion of calming neurochemicals like GABA

7. **Long-term Recovery and PAWS Management**

- Expect PAWS symptoms for at least the first year

- Integrate recovery with stress minimization

- Gradual rebalancing of brain neurotransmitters

- Maintain a plan for handling PAWS symptoms

**Time Codes for Major Points:**

0:00 Introduction by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes

2:30 What is PAWS?

7:15 Factors Influencing PAWS

12:00 Causes of PAWS Symptoms

20:00 Common Symptoms of PAWS

27:45 Coping Strategies for PAWS

40:00 Long-term Recovery and PAWS Management

Feel free to ask if you need further details or a more in-depth explanation on any part of the video!

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