Expert: Druideck - 9/24/2008

Question
Hello, I think I might be experiencing some of the symptoms of PAWS and am in the care of a doctor.  I was wondering if you know where I can get more information about PAWS.  I've tried the web but I would like something more clinical.
Thank you.

Answer
Good day,

there are many feelings of ups
and downs in recovery as our
brain chemicals and our emotions
stabilize.

Often these confusing thoughts
and feelings leave us feeling
like we are different and alone
in our suffering.

The brain has to recover as well
as all the other parts of our being.
Our emotions are often buried
and stunted when using drugs or
alcohol. Many of the thoughts
and feelings in recovery feel strange
as we have drank to relieve our
anxieties until now.

These ups and downs go on for awhile
but with proper respect for our
bodies and minds we can see and
feel the confusion getting less
and less as we progress in recovery.

The saying "This too shall pass"
has helped many recovering persons
to overcome despair, guilt, boredom
anger, grief and all the stuff
that we have to deal with.

We really live one day or minute at
a time somedays.
The solution to dealing with these
mixed feelings is to keep your
mind occupied with reading helpful
books, keeping journals of our thoughts
and learning relaxation, meditation and how to
have fun again without alcohol.
We very often take life and ourselves
very and possibly too seriously.

If your doctor says you are doing
okay physically you may just need
some of the above activities to take your
mind off your PAWS symptoms and onto
a happy sobriety which is the real
cure for PAWS.

Sorry I can't be more help on
the clinical definitions.
I only know how I stayed sober
for 22 years, so far :)