Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

42 days sober, but having some PAWS issues

Hello everyone, thanks to all the kind and affirming posts / replies on here...it has really helped me.  First off, I became an alcoholic gradually over the past few years and was pretty much drinking every day in the 12 months before I stopped.  Usually I had 4-5 vodka something's at night and was alway drunk after drinking.  I went to the ER about a month ago due to dehydration / almost passing out and decided then to go cold turkey.  This was not the best move due to the acute withdrawal issues, but those did subside.  I've also had several blood tests and everything has come back fine.

What I'm dealing with now are some lingering foggy brain, up and down mental energy, dizziness and bad anxiety that crops up unexpectedly.  Generally my progress has been three steps forward then one to two steps back.  I've read about PAWS and its symptoms which includes the foggy brain, variable energy, dizziness and some occasional bad anxiety, so think what I'm going through is just part of the process. Just looking to see what others may have experienced.

I'll be honest, some days I'm more mentally strong than others; today having a bit of a weak day.
7 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
COMMUNITY LEADER
I qualified for both AA and NA and tried many different meetings and found ones w/GOOD solid examples of recovery and stuck with them.I wouldn't be sitting here now pecking this if it wasn't for the oldtimers...and newcomers in both  that helped me to stay sober/clean and CHANGE my view of my reality !
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Interesting you mention that as lately and despite the discomfort of PAWS, I've discovered that my mind notices happy times and I seem to be "stopping to smell the roses" more.  In a strange way I'm more positive overall.  As far as recovery care, I haven't done anything specific yet...do you mean through AA or a support group?  I'm interested in recovery care just not sure where best to turn.
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
Dont focus on the PAWS too much as that can bring you down.  Focus on the positive things.  Getting sober is a life changing event.  It takes time for our body and mind to heal.  The fog will lift and with that some energy will come back.  Recovery is a slow process.  Are you doing anything with recovery care?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
31 years sober is awesome, congrats on that!  I hear you on the hour by hour, day by day mindset...it has helped me cope with the ups and downs much better than thinking about the 6 months to two year PAWS window.  Actually life in general is like that in many respects with ups and downs, so it's a good life skill to develop.  Will definitely look for some books on eating right, thanks for that tip!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
COMMUNITY LEADER
When i first got sober i was drinking @ 20 cups coffee a day and really whamming the chocolates!Over the years i have greatly tapered this way down!There was a pioneer of a book written in the late 80's by Dr.Anne Mueller called Eating Right to Live Sober.I do believe its out of print but there are some good options on Amazon on this topic!Sounds like you have a great start...its all one hour at a time...one day at a time...and I've found that even after 31 years sober/clean life can throw us boomerangs within THAT hour...and the recovery tools we develop are the best options for combating them!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for the reply; really appreciate it.  Diet is so so, been trying to keep my calories up to help with fluctuating energy levels, but could probably cut the fats a bit and definitely the sugar.  I've also mostly cut out caffeine which I heard was a good idea (problem is that created some lower energy levels too)...basically it feels like having to rebuild my body's nervous system.

I have a pretty close relationship with my friends and family, who have been supportive and helpful.  However, they don't know exactly what it's like, so hoping to find some support here as well.  I've also started turning to my faith more.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
COMMUNITY LEADER
First of all you are very right in this...unfortunately...being a normal part of the PAWS/getting sober journey!What is your diet like?Excessive caffeine and sweets can aggravate this.In time it will subside.Do you have a support group you attend?Who is your sober support system...family?friends?church group?
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Alcoholism Community

Top Addiction Answerers
495284 tn?1333894042
City of Dominatrix, MN
Avatar universal
Nebulae, OH
3060903 tn?1398565123
Other
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.