Good points.
I think we were so apathetic during drug use (wrapped up in ourselves/drug), that it is just another withdrawal symptom, granted that might be temporary or permanent at some level depending on the individual. After all, empathy is a critical social skill.
But, crying issues are a classic symptom of withdrawal, so I would guess it is just a lingering PAWS issue. I have read that some PAWS symptoms can last years in extreme cases.