Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) After Alcohol

PAWS is a non-diagnostic term often used for symptoms that may continue or recur after acute alcohol withdrawal has ended. People commonly describe sleep disruption, mood changes, anxiety, concentration problems, low energy, and cravings. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms or timeline.

Acute alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous

If you recently stopped drinking and have severe shaking, hallucinations, seizures, confusion, chest pain, trouble breathing, or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek urgent medical help. Call 911 in the United States for immediate danger.

Support the next right action

Track patterns, protect sleep, eat and hydrate consistently, reduce avoidable pressure, and keep medical and human support close. Reclaim can help with daily actions but does not diagnose or treat PAWS.

Sources: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs PAWS guide and NIAAA alcohol recovery resource.