Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) in Orange County: How Detox Helps

Completing detox is a major milestone, but recovery doesn’t end there. After the body clears drugs and alcohol, many people experience a second phase of symptoms known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, or PAWS. Unlike the intense but short-lived physical withdrawal during detox, PAWS can linger for weeks or months and catch people by surprise. Understanding what PAWS is and how to handle it can make the difference between staying on track and falling back into old habits. If you’re planning detox in Orange County, knowing what to expect after discharge is as important as the first week itself.

PAWS after detox can last weeks or months. Learn about symptoms, support, and how Fresh Start in Orange County helps clients manage this stage.

What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?

PAWS is a set of lingering symptoms that appear after the acute withdrawal phase has passed. During detox, your body adjusts as drugs or alcohol leave your system. Once that’s over, the brain and nervous system keep trying to stabilize, which can lead to waves of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms. These symptoms are often less intense than the first week of withdrawal but can feel unpredictable. PAWS can affect mood, memory, sleep, and stress levels, and it is one of the reasons relapse is so common in early recovery.

Common PAWS Symptoms

The specific symptoms of PAWS vary by person and by the substance you were using, but many people report:

• Difficulty concentrating or memory issues
• Sudden mood swings
• Irritability and frustration
• Anxiety or depression
• Low energy and chronic fatigue
• Trouble sleeping or vivid dreams
• Cravings that appear out of nowhere

These symptoms tend to come and go in cycles. Someone may feel fine for a few days and then suddenly have a rough week. That unpredictability is why it’s critical to plan for PAWS as part of your long-term recovery.

How Long Does PAWS Last?

For some people, PAWS lasts only a few weeks. For others, it can linger for several months. Factors such as the type of substance, how long you used, your overall health, and your mental health history all play a role. It’s important to understand that PAWS is a normal part of healing. The brain takes time to recalibrate, and feeling some of these symptoms doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.

How to Manage PAWS After Detox

Continue Treatment Beyond Detox

The most important way to manage PAWS is to continue treatment after detox. Going straight home without a plan leaves you vulnerable. Outpatient programs, residential treatment, or sober living environments provide ongoing support during this stage.

Build a Daily Routine

PAWS symptoms are easier to manage with structure. Set a daily routine for meals, sleep, exercise, and recovery activities. This reduces the chaos that can trigger symptoms.

Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition

Good sleep hygiene and balanced nutrition make a big difference. Early recovery often disrupts both, but getting rest and eating well help your brain recover faster.

Stay Connected to Support

Talk about your symptoms. Share what you’re experiencing with counselors, peers, or sponsors. PAWS becomes much harder to handle in isolation.

Practice Stress Management

Mindfulness, exercise, journaling, and other coping strategies can help reduce anxiety and mood swings. Having a toolkit ready before symptoms hit will help you feel less overwhelmed.

Orange County Resources for PAWS Support

Orange County has a strong recovery community, and there are many local resources for dealing with PAWS. Outpatient counseling programs, peer support groups, and 12-step meetings are widely available throughout the area. Many treatment centers, including Fresh Start of California, connect clients to these resources before they leave detox. If PAWS becomes severe, medical professionals can also provide medications or therapy to help stabilize symptoms.

Why Fresh Start of California Prepares Clients for PAWS

At Fresh Start of California, we make sure that every client leaving our Orange County detox program understands what PAWS is and what to expect. We start discussing it early in the detox process so that no one leaves feeling unprepared. By building a plan for aftercare that includes therapy, peer support, and follow-up appointments, we help clients stay ahead of these symptoms instead of being blindsided by them. Knowing that these ups and downs are a normal part of healing makes it easier to stick with recovery when the hard days come.

Don’t Let PAWS Catch You Off Guard

Detox clears your body, but the work doesn’t stop there. Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome is part of the journey, and knowing how to handle it makes a huge difference. When you understand what PAWS is and have support in place, you can navigate it with confidence instead of fear.

Fresh Start of California in Orange County is here to help you every step of the way—from detox to aftercare. If you are ready to start, reach out today and let us help you plan for recovery that accounts for every stage, including PAWS. Recovery doesn’t end when detox ends, and with the right support, you can get through every phase and build a healthier future.