Substance Abuse CE Courses Mental Health CE Courses Healthcare CE Courses Behavioral Technicians CAP/CAC/MCAP

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is a condition that affects individuals who have recently stopped using addictive substances after a prolonged period of dependence. Unlike acute withdrawal symptoms, which occur immediately after cessation and last for a short duration, PAWS can persist for weeks, months, or even years.

This course will explore the common substances PAWS is associated with, the symptoms, both emotional and psychological, the phases of PAWS and the management of this syndrome.

Please see the board approval box for course approvals.

Course Objectives

  1. Define Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) and distinguish it from acute withdrawal.
  2. Explain the significance of PAWS in the context of substance use recovery.
  3. Describe the brain chemistry and neural adaptations associated with chronic substance use.
  4. Identify the common emotional and psychological symptoms of PAWS.
  5. Identify the common physical symptoms of PAWS.
  6. Explain the phases of PAWS and the variability in symptom intensity and duration.
  7. Outline the diagnostic criteria for recognizing PAWS in clinical settings.
  8. Identify pharmacological interventions used in the treatment of PAWS.
  9. Explain the role of family and social support in the recovery process.

Board Approvals

National Approvals

  • Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) (ACE)
    BaysideCEU.com, #1793, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. BaysideCEU.com maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 2/4/2026-2/4/2029
  • The Association For Addiction Professionals NAADAC
    Bayside Continuing Education and Development Provider Number 81892 is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider for educational credits. NAADAC Provider number 81892 is responsible for all aspects of the programming.
  • The National Board For Certified Counselors NBCC
    BaysideCEU has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP #6098. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. BaysideCEU is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

State Approvals

Information

  • Relevance: This course is intended for psychologist and masters-level counselors, social workers and marriage and family therapists working with individual who are in recovery to better understand the potential long-term issues related to substance abuse dependence.
  • Content Level: Intermediate
  • Course Format: This course is offered as a self-paced distance learning format (reading-based online activity)
  • System Requirements: This course is offered online. Internet connection required.
  • Course Completion Information: To earn continuing education credit, professionals must register and pay the fee for the course.  They must read the content and demonstrate understanding by earning a minimum score of 70 percent on testing materials.  The certificate of completion will be able to be downloaded after the above is completed. Refunds will be granted upon request with the withdrawal of credit for the course. For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please call 866-863-4225 or email ContactUs@BaysideCEU.com.
  • CEBroker Course ID: 1224982
This course is intended for psychologist and masters-level counselors, social workers and marriage and family therapists working with individual who are in recovery to better understand the potential long-term issues related to substance abuse dependence.
Add to cart $15.00