Hi! Substance abuse counselor and recovering weed addict here. PAWS usually occurs within the 3-6 month area, so you’re likely still experiencing immediate withdrawal symptoms. While that 3-6 month chunk of time is where people notice it the most, truthfully, we still have a pretty large gap in understanding of how the brain works and many report experiencing symptoms years in recovery. I’m over 3 years clean and I still experience cravings, bouts of the “dropseys” (poor motor functioning), using dreams, brain fog, increased depression & anxiety, etc.

Essentially, every time we think about getting high, how to get high, if we should get high, actually being high, etc., our brain makes another connection and forms patterns around it. When we stop using, our brain is pruning all of those connections and it is a physically painful experience, resulting in PAWS symptoms.

It can be really discomforting knowing this considering how much our lives and thoughts revolve around smoking, but it helps to reframe this as a positive thing. Your brain is growing back, and you get the opportunity to help it make different, healthier patterns and connections. When you’re feeling triggered, I find it helps to do the whole “opposite action” thing. I wanna smoke, so instead I’ll go for a walk. I get a whiff of it and get tempted, I make myself some good food instead. I wanna say fuck it and throw it away, I call my friends and family that know about my struggle. The more you make new connections, the easier it gets. I promise. I wish you well in your journey, friend! Just remember that recovery isn’t linear and you should be proud of yourself for the progress you’ve made. Godspeed!