Withdrawal is a challenging and often uncomfortable process that individuals experience when discontinuing the use of drugs or alcohol. While most people are familiar with acute withdrawal, they do not realize there are protracted and acute withdrawal phases. By understanding protracted withdrawal versus acute withdrawal, people can gain crucial insight for managing withdrawal symptoms during rehab effectively.

What Is Protracted Withdrawal?

Protracted withdrawal, also known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), refers to extended and lingering symptoms that can persist for weeks or months after acute withdrawal. These symptoms can include persistent cravings, mood swings, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

Protracted withdrawal is more common in individuals with a history of heavy or prolonged substance use. However, it is important to note that not everyone will experience protracted withdrawal.

Furthermore, the duration and intensity of these symptoms can vary from person to person. Factors such as the type of substance used, the duration of use, individual metabolism rate, overall health, and mental wellness all contribute to the severity and timeline of protracted withdrawal.

What Is Acute Withdrawal?

Acute withdrawal is the initial phase of withdrawal that occurs shortly after the abrupt cessation or reduction in substance use. This phase typically lasts for a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the substance and individual factors.

During acute withdrawal, individuals often experience physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, trembling, increased heart rate, and muscle pain. They may also face psychological symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.

Unlike protracted withdrawal, acute withdrawal is more immediate and intense due to the body’s sudden deprivation from substances it has become dependent on. However, with proper support and medical management during this stage, these symptoms can be effectively managed and minimized to ensure a safer and more comfortable withdrawal process.

Differences Between Protracted Withdrawal Versus Acute Withdrawal

While protracted withdrawal and acute withdrawal are both phases of the overall withdrawal process, several key differences exist between them.

Duration

Acute withdrawal typically lasts for a relatively short period, ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the substance. In contrast, protracted withdrawal can persist for weeks or even months after acute withdrawal has ended.

Symptoms

Acute withdrawal is characterized by intense physical and psychological symptoms that occur shortly after substance use cessation. These symptoms are often more severe but tend to subside within the initial phase. On the other hand, protracted withdrawal is marked by milder but persistent symptoms such as cravings, mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, and depression that may last long after drug or alcohol use has stopped.

Potential Triggers

Protracted withdrawal can be triggered by various factors, including stressors, emotional situations, or encountering people and places associated with previous substance use. In comparison, acute withdrawal stems directly from stopping the intake of drugs.

Management Approach

The management approaches for each phase differ as well. Acute withdrawal often requires medical monitoring and intervention due to potential complications such as seizures or delirium tremens from alcohol. Medications may also be used during this stage to alleviate discomfort and help ease the transition.

Conversely, during protracted withdrawal, tailored approaches like therapy, lifestyle changes, support groups, exercise, good nutrition, mindfulness, and coping strategies are used to improve physical and mental well-being.

Similarities Between Protracted Withdrawal and Acute Withdrawal

While protracted withdrawal and acute withdrawal have notable differences, it is equally essential to recognize the similarities between these two phases of withdrawal.

Origin

Both protracted and acute withdrawals stem from substance dependence and addiction. They occur as a result of the body’s attempt to regain equilibrium after prolonged exposure to drugs or alcohol.

Symptoms

While the intensity and duration may vary, both phases involve a range of physical and psychological symptoms. These can include anxiety, depression, irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue, sweating, tremors, and difficulty concentrating.

Individual Variations

The experience of both protracted and acute withdrawals can vary greatly from person to person depending on their unique circumstances, including previous substance use patterns, type of substance used, overall health status, and individual differences.

Non-Exclusivity

In many cases, individuals may experience elements of both protracted and acute withdrawal simultaneously or in succession. It is not uncommon for symptoms characteristic of one phase to overlap with those characteristics of another stage.

Treatment Considerations

Although management strategies may differ slightly between the two phases, both stages require appropriate treatment considerations, whether that be clinical supervision, psychotherapy, support groups, or treatment programs.

Which Type of Withdrawal Is Worse?

Determining whether protracted withdrawal versus acute withdrawal is worse can be difficult. Since it depends on various factors, including the individual’s unique circumstances and experiences, some people may find protracted withdrawal worse, while others may find acute withdrawal worse.

How Detox Can Help With Withdrawal Symptoms

Detox is a vital component of the treatment process for both protracted and acute withdrawal and can help with:

Acute withdrawal symptom management
Symptom relief
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Management of protracted symptoms
Identification of underlying issues
Aftercare planning and ongoing support

Overall, detox offers a structured and supportive environment facilitating physical and psychological healing while setting a strong foundation for successful long-term recovery.

Supportive Detox and Addiction Treatment in Columbus, OH

At Ohio Addiction Recovery Center in Columbus, we believe everyone deserves caring, compassionate, and supportive detox and addiction treatment. Our gender-specific programs are tailored to your specific needs to help you lay a solid foundation for long-term success in recovery.