My client felt great when he quit drinking in December. But one month later, a mysterious bout of depression made him feel like he was “stuck in concrete.” He bounced back only to have it happen again.

The culprit here is post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)--which effects most people to some extent when they quit drinking. We call it "recovery" for a reason. It takes time for brain chemistry to recalibrate. 

In this episode, I coach on how to navigate the mood swings that are typical in early sobriety. While episodes of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can be difficult, they are also an opportunity to unload subconscious baggage. For years, we used alcohol to cope with or escape our feelings. But feelings are valuable information--not meant to be ignored. Learning how to use that information puts you in control of yourself and your life.

This story is a beautiful look at how the issues we have with our partners reveal more about US than them. Underneath the criticism and desire to “fix” his spouse (he thinks she tries too hard to please their dinner guests), my client discovers that it’s actually his urge to please that’s causing him stress.

The more he takes responsibility for his feelings, the lighter and more hopeful he feels.

Interested in learning how to use the tools we discuss in this episode? Register for the 5-Hour Change Your Mind Challenge.

Click here to go to access the free resources about post-acute withdrawal symptoms on my website, which include the PAWS AWARE questionaire and What is PAWS?.

Have more questions? Click here to join my private Facebook group for free coaching with me and connection to a tribe of women going through this together. Recover with Colleen

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Find more resources at https://recoverwithcolleen.com/freebies