stillpooh19

Has any experienced depression and anxiety with PAWS without using antidepressants? If so, how did you do it? I really want to make it through without one more thing to withdraw from.

IvanMike

Yes.

Time.

But be careful, everyone is different. If depression persists, talking to an MD is a wise idea, just be very candid about your history.

FWIW, I wouldn't be afraid of medications that aren't controlled, and I would be (am) afraid of those that are. They're not controlled just for the heck of it.

Wastinglife

I have. I was on Paxil for years but actively drinking the whole time. Not sure if I gave meds a chance. Insomnia and anxiety were terrible for me. My doctor is an alcoholic himself, sober for 25 years and related to me that he didn't sleep right for a year. It does pass, you may be miserable for a year, but it's normal for recovering alcoholics

entropy1964

Yes. PAWS is different from clinical depression and anxiety, as I understand it. Sober time, allowing ones body and mind to heal from the onslaught of alcohol, should alleviate PAWS.

ScottFromWI

PAWS is really just a collection of possible symptoms, and it affects ( or doesn't affect ) people differently in each case.

Anxiety and depression are diagnosable, treatable conditions that can occur on their own in anyone, not just addicts. There are therapies for both that don't involve meds as well as meds. The best way to find a solution would be to speak with a counselor or therapist.

Anna

I didn't experience PAWS.

But, I had to have depression properly diagnosed and treated before I was able to stop drinking. For me, the depression came decades before the drinking. I still take antidepressants. For me, they level the playing field and give me a fighting chance.