Acute is a term used to describe immediate and severe conditions and symptoms that require urgent, high-level care. In the medical field, a chronic condition or symptom is often seen as the opposite of an acute condition. Chronic conditions are ongoing and need long-term treatment. Addiction is a chronic disease that requires a long-term commitment to recovery and treatment. However, addiction may come with acute conditions such as intense withdrawal symptoms. The word subacute is sometimes used in the addiction treatment industry to refer to conditions that require immediate attention but may not need extremely high levels of medical care. For instance, certain drugs can cause acute withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening like seizures, delirium, and dehydration. These acute withdrawal symptoms are best treated by medical professionals in a hospital or medical detox setting.  Acute withdrawals can be serious, uncomfortable, and difficult to get through on your own, but post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) can also pose a threat to your sobriety. Post-acute withdrawal refers to the symptoms that linger after the initial period of acute withdrawal. These symptoms can last as long as two months or longer.  In some cases, certain symptoms can persist until you seek treatment. PAWS are usually psychological symptoms like depression, anxiety, and drug cravings. Without treatment, these symptoms can threaten your sobriety.