Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome – PAWS – can unravel a person’s early addiction recovery. Lisa Hann shares her thoughts on PAWS and the two books she wrote to help people thrive in early recovery in spite of what can often be a difficult period in the recovery process. Lisa is a freelance writer and author who specializes in addiction recovery. She holds a B.A. in Journalism from Temple University and has been sober since 2010 (a Caron PA alum). Lisa can be reached via email at lisamhann@gmail.com

Getting Through Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) to a Fun, Sober Life by Lisa Hann

When you first become sober, you step into a new world. That new world is supposed to be free of the pain of addiction and filled with positivity, promise, and happiness. In the beginning, however, it doesn’t always feel that way. It feels confusing, sometimes sad, and it’s certainly not very fun.

Those negative feelings in early recovery are the result of PAWS – post acute withdrawal syndrome – and they’re normal and can last up to two years. While your brain is repairing itself from the damage caused by addiction, you won’t always feel in the best state of mind. You may be asking yourself, “Is it going to get better?” or “Will it ever be fun?”

For things to get better, you need to do some work on yourself. You need to develop coping skills that will help you get through PAWS. One of the most important steps is dealing with feelings of guilt or shame over your addiction and learning to forgive yourself. Developing self-confidence is also crucial.

Lisa Hann wrote this book to help people in early recovery get through Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

In my book “How to Have Fun in Recovery,” I help guide you through the process of managing PAWS by working on your self-esteem and positive coping methods. The truth is that recovery can be more fun than you’ve ever experienced before; the trick is getting to a place where you can accept yourself and handle bumps in the road with more ease. I also discuss how to “find yourself,” because in the new world of recovery, you’re like a new person.

Finding ways to have fun can help with PAWS.

You need to figure out what you really enjoy when you’re not under the influence, and it should be a fun, insightful journey toward the “real you.” My second book “365 Ways to Have Fun in Recovery,” has plenty of unique ideas and suggestions that will help you enjoy life and discover new things about the world and yourself.

PAWS is difficult to handle, but plenty of people have overcome the hurdles of early recovery to live happy, healthy, and fun sober lives. As you persevere and learn new ways to handle the challenges of life, you will lead a happy, healthy, and fun life, too.

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