Post-acute-withdrawal syndrome (
PAWS), or the terms
post-withdrawal syndrome,
protracted withdrawal syndrome,
prolonged withdrawal syndromes describe a set of persistent impairments that occur after
withdrawal from
alcohol,
opiates,
benzodiazepines,
antidepressants and other substances. Infants born to mothers who used substances of dependence during pregnancy may also experience a post-acute withdrawal syndrome. While post-acute withdrawal syndrome has been reported by those in the recovery community, there have been few scientific studies supporting its existence. Because of this, the disorder is not recognized by the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or major medical associations.