Originally Posted by Andante

Just to point out that PAWS, by definition, is not a "given." Acute withdrawal symptoms are a given if you're addicted to alcohol, but for most people they clear up after a few days of abstinence. PAWS refers to symptoms that persist or recur well beyond the typical period for acute withdrawal. As has been pointed out, there is no precise definition. It's just a convenient way to label withdrawal-type symptoms that linger or recur long after the initial period for acute withdrawal is over.