PAWS characteristic: PAWS occurs after acute withdrawal and can persist for months. Which option describes this?

PAWS characteristic: PAWS occurs after acute withdrawal and can persist for months. Which option describes this?

• A. During withdrawal
• B. Only days
• C. After taper and can last months
• D. Never

Answer: (C)

PAWS stands for Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, which refers to withdrawal-related symptoms that persist after the acute withdrawal phase has ended. These symptoms reflect the brain and body rebalancing after substance use stops and can fluctuate in intensity as recovery continues. Because this phase involves longer-term brain adaptation, PAWS can last weeks to months, and sometimes longer, even when use has tapered off or stopped. That’s why the description that fits best is occurring after taper and potentially lasting for months. Symptoms often include mood swings, anxiety, sleep disturbances, cravings, and cognitive difficulties.

PAWS stands for Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, which refers to withdrawal-related symptoms that persist after the acute withdrawal phase has ended. These symptoms reflect the brain and body rebalancing after substance use stops and can fluctuate in intensity as recovery continues. Because this phase involves longer-term brain adaptation, PAWS can last weeks to months, and sometimes longer, even when use has tapered off or stopped. That’s why the description that fits best is occurring after taper and potentially lasting for months. Symptoms often include mood swings, anxiety, sleep disturbances, cravings, and cognitive difficulties.