What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal?

Anyone who thinks detoxing from drugs and alcohol ends with withdrawal should think again. Contrary to what most addicts, their loved ones, and even some behavioral and medical professionals believe, life does not get back to normal once the offending substances are out of the body. In reality, some symptoms can persist for months after one has stopped using. The withdrawal process has two phases:
• Acute Withdrawal
• Post-Acute Withdrawal

The first stage usually lasts for the first couple of weeks. During this stage, an addict experiences flu like symptoms as well as other physical symptoms. The second stage, on the other hand, can last for weeks or even months, depending on the intensity and length of active use. This stage tends to be less severe than the first stage and mostly involves more emotional and psychological symptom, but fewer physical symptoms. These symptoms persist even after all physical traces of drugs and/or alcohol has left the body and brain.

Post-acute withdrawal happens because the brain chemistry is slowly returning to normal. As the brain gradually improves, the brain chemicals levels fluctuate as they move towards the new equilibrium. Most people experience the same post-acute withdrawal symptoms. In contract, acute withdrawal symptoms may differ from person to person.

Symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Low enthusiasm
• Anxiety
• Tiredness
• Variable energy
• Disturbed sleep
• Variable concentration
• Brain fog
• Problems with memory
• Problems with coordination
• Feelings of depression
• Cravings
• Obsessive compulsive disorder

These symptoms vary in duration and intensity from one person to another, usually in correlation with the duration and intensity of one's substance abuse. In addition, the symptoms can come and go in wave--like recurrences and fluctuate in severity. The post-acute withdrawal phase is a necessary process that all addicts in early recovery must go through as the body and brain begin to recover and adjust to life without drugs and/or alcohol.

Sometimes, even when an addict has a genuine desire to stay sober, the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal can be a driving factor in his/her relapse. Recovery can be a minefield; however, with the conscious understanding of what the obstacles are, addicts can find their way through them successfully.

Prescription Drug Abuse: Here Are The Facts

 

Prescription drug abuse is far more common than many persons think. Unfortunately it is becoming even more popular among young teens. The misuse of prescription drugs is the third most popular form of drug abuse among those persons 14 years old and older. Prescription drug abuse follows closely behind Marijuana and alcohol as the drug of choice.

Opoids, Depressants and Stimulants

Popular prescription drugs that are abused generally fall into the categories of Opioids, Stimulants and Depressants. Drugs falling into these categories also go by popular street names like:

• Depressants: Barbs, Downers, Tooies, Phennies, Zombie Pills, A-minus, Reds, Yellow Jackets and Red Birds
• Opioids: Oxy, Oxycotton, OC, Happy Pills, Percs, Vikes and Hillbilly Heroin
• Stimulants: The smart drug, Vitamin R, Speed, Uppers, Skilly, Black Beauties, Hearts and Roses

As is suggested by some of the street names like uppers, downers, and percs, Opioids, Stimulants and Depressants are basically mood altering drugs. Unfortunately, many teenagers and young adults (primarily) will take these drugs for a myriad of reasons ranging from numbing pain and getting high, to creating greater focus for the purposes of school work. Opioids are pain killers, while depressants are used to alleviate anxiety, while stimulants are used in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Prescription drugs within these categories that are likely to be abused include:

• Opioids: Codeine, OxyContin, Vicodin
• Depressants: Xanax, Valium
• Stimulants: Riterin, Adderall

As is the case with just about any prescription drug, when used as prescribed by a doctor, they are generally safe without many adverse side effects. However, in the case of substance abuse, proper use of these drugs is thrown out the window. When this happens, addiction and other problems are likely to result.

Who Uses What and Why

The differences in why these drugs are used, are closely related to the sex of the abuser, with boys being more likely to use prescriptions to get high while girls may be to be more alert or to help with weight loss. Whatever the reason however, it is clear that these drugs are often abused by those who are ignorant to the consequences. This may or may not be due in large part to the perception that prescription drugs are not hardcore drugs like cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol. As such, the abuse of prescription drugs is generally perceived differently.

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