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| Post Acute Withdrawal - PAWPhysical and Emotional Symptoms- occurs in random cycles anytime during recovery and because of the apparent disassociation and length of time away from the active addiction, it is very often misdiagnosed as any number of other emotional and mental disorders.
As one of the most common examples - Often a deep emotional low occurs shortly after some pleasant experience like a good vacation, a promotion at work, a well deserved achievement or honor. The low is a baffling experience and is usually the point where the member goes back to the addiction, explodes uncontrollably or goes into a deep depression and is misdiagnosed. Another example of this is the recovering gambler that visits a casino or other gambling establishment and does not yield to the obvious temptation to gamble. All seems well and no harm done. Then a few days or weeks later the same individual experiences an extreme mood swing - either a high or a low - and is again baffled. The effects of being in the gambling environment actually did trigger an delayed emotional reaction. Recovering alcoholics in AA call this phenomenon a "dry drunk". In any case, post acute withdrawal symptoms are a normal part of recovery and attendance at GA meetings will reaffirm to the recovering individual that 'this too shall pass'. Another way in which post acute withdrawal manifests itself is by a normal build up of feelings. The recovering gambler who has little experience at dealing with any feelings other than by escaping into the 'dream world of compulsive gambling', is suddenly in the harsh world of reality. Reality is not a comfortable place for recovering addicts of any sort. And to make matters worse, in our society the words fear and anxiety have become incorrectly synonymous. Fear is one emotion and anxiety is quite another, anxiety is all the emotions rolled up into one unruly and misunderstood ball of feelings. Reactions to this anxiety are what have caused the most trouble. Almost always, addicts reach out to an addictive behavior. This is why relapse is associated with anxiety/ post acute withdrawal. Past experience has shown that addicts may not react with a relapse into any particular (gambling) addiction, but always into an addiction or addictive behavior of some sort. This includes the socially acceptable addiction to prescribed meds. This is the phenomenon that happens when a 20 year veteran of a 12 step program goes back to his/her addiction and leaves everyone scratching their heads in disbelief. In conclusion, use the GA tools and the GA steps to get out of the withdrawal cycle symptomatic abyss and back into the recovery solution.
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Regular attendance at GA meetings and using the GA 12 Recovery Steps are the best treatment for recovering gamblers/ adrenalin addicts. The GA recovery steps are adapted with permission from the AA twelve steps, which were written in 1937 from an accumulation of spiritual principles from various recovery and religious organizations. These steps are non-denominational thereby opening GA membership to all races, religions, professions and social levels. Visiting Victoria BC? Stay at the Gingerbread Cottage Bed and Breakfast Gourmet Food, Cute rooms, Recovery atmosphere! |
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Gamblers Anonymous membership is open to anyone who has a desire to stop gambling compulsively. There are no dues or fees for GA membership.
Gamblers Anonymous, Victoria BC Canada |
