Originally Posted by
Andante 
It might be an idea to avoid making sweeping categorical statements that invalidate other people's experiences and betray "contempt before investigation" on your part.
With the benefit of 5 years' hindsight I can certainly vouch for the existence of a peculiar and debilitating set of symptoms -- which can be conveniently grouped under the heading of PAWS -- that had nothing to do with adapting to a sober life and everything to do with whacked-out neurology.
Just because the syndrome isn't yet well recognized or understood by the mainstream medical establishment (which has enough trouble understanding alcoholism itself, thank you very much, never mind PAWS) doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
This is so true, both now and historically. . .
I also have had such symptoms, as have many, many others.
As to it not being "recognized" by the medical community,
as a researcher I have noted that unless something looks like
it will bring in great profit or prestige, it may never get much attention or funding.
Given the stigma of alcoholism, and how varied and longitudinal symptoms can be,
I don't expect to see much action anytime soon.
That does not invalidate the real experience of those who have lived it.
Not everything needs a rubber stamp to be real.