
1110 - Beyond Willpower: Nervous System Regulation for PAWS (Counselor CEU)
From Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
May 22, 2026 · 1h 3m · Episode 1109
About this episode
This episode discusses nervous system regulation in relation to postacute withdrawal syndrome and various recovery strategies.
00:00 Introduction & Overview 01:04 Defining Addiction & Postacute Withdrawal (PAWS) 03:30 Symptoms and Experience of PAWS 05:56 Duration and Course of PAWS 08:06 Educating Supporters & Common Misunderstandings 09:53 Addiction's Effects on the Nervous System 13:05 Behavioral Addictions & Neurochemistry 14:38 Other Stressors in Addiction 15:40 Gut Health and Nutrition in Recovery 18:25 Hormonal Imbalances & Increased Pain 19:35 Hypervigilance, Trauma, and Stress Response 21:05 Treatment Strategies: Sleep, Nutrition & Environment 22:52 Supporting Gut & Hormonal Health Practically 25:08 Interpersonal & Relationship Challenges 29:13 Emotional Regulation in Recovery 30:06 Cognitive Impairment & Coping Strategies 33:13 Environmental Triggers & Safety 35:00 Sympathetic Dominance & Substitute Addictions 37:44 Empowerment & Managing Ongoing Stress 40:39 Therapy Skills: Grounding & Mindfulness 43:39 Checking Perceptions & Addressing Mind Reading 46:01 Sleep Hygiene, Emotional Numbing, and Activation 48:07 Cognitive Strategies: Ruminations & Impulsivity 51:36 Common Recovery Mistakes & Healthy Habits 54:06 Overlooked Areas: Blood Sugar, Oral Health & Vagal Tone 55:53 Mindfulness, Behavioral…
People in this episode
Host: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
Topics covered
- nervous system regulation
- postacute withdrawal syndrome
- addiction
- recovery strategies
- emotional regulation
- cognitive impairment
Keywords
- PAWS
- addiction
- nervous system
- recovery
- emotional regulation
- cognitive strategies
- gut health
- hormonal imbalances
- mindfulness
- behavioral addictions
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