Managing severe addiction is a long and suffering process, which requires strength and patience on both physical and emotional levels. Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) carries specific symptoms that manifest themselves after a sudden refusal from addicting substances like drugs or alcohol (Melemis, n.d.). The syndrome’s duration is individual and usually varies from six to eighteen months after immediate substance obstinacy, with symptoms ranging from minor to severe inconveniences.
The case study involving a recovering drug addict Maury is one example of how PAWS may provide a successful physical recovery; however, yet still, some mental grievances may remain present. A 42-year old man has triumphantly overcome his addiction and set life on the right path, proceeding to work with children, thus fighting internal struggles that have become more difficult to bear (Nixon, 2013). Maury’s main concern is that he will relapse; therefore, this paper is focused on developing a relapse prevention plan to help Maury combat inner fears and anxieties.
Mental relapse threat is as dangerous as the physical one; the mind is enhancing emotional worries provoking to consider using drugs again.
Maury is an unstable person who is continually caught up in self-consciousness, brutally blaming himself and the universe for his presence, and depressed about social acceptance. Working on these problems through therapy is the most feasible way to gain inner balance, free of thoughts about drugs (Melemis, 2015). Maury must start resolving his issues with a therapist to figure out the roots of the problems and act on techniques that will aid in carrying out personal anxieties.
Maury’s personal relationships with his significant other also require significant improvement. Even though he has a girlfriend, it does not seem to be a healthy, supportive relationship. A man has no other family, with a traumatic childhood background of abuse and multiple foster families (Nixon, 2013). It is vital for Maury’s recovery to find a support system that will fight inner battles along his side and would not let the man feel like a burden. Having someone to talk to will inevitably fasten the treatment of PAWS symptoms.
References
Melemis, S. M. (2015). Relapse Prevention and the five rules of recovery. The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, 88(3), 325–332. Web.
Melemis, S. M. (n.d.). What is post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)? [PDF document].
Nixon, G. (2013). Case study: Maury. [PDF document].