Anxiety is an everyday part of life for most people. Feeling anxious about upcoming events or stressors is typical for most. People can usually cope with stress using healthy stress management techniques.
However, millions of people live with anxiety that interferes with their daily functioning. Surveys show that about one in three people in the United States will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.
Living with an untreated anxiety disorder can increase the risk of developing substance use and addiction. This article will explore the link between anxiety and addiction, as well as how to treat these conditions. You will learn:
- The symptoms of anxiety
- Common anxiety disorders
- Why anxiety can increase the risk of substance abuse and addiction
- What to expect during treatment for anxiety and addiction
- Where to find comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment programs
If you or someone you love lives with an anxiety disorder and addiction, you are not alone. Find compassionate, effective treatment at Agape Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our evidence-based treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
Recognizing Anxiety: Signs and Symptoms
People may experience anxiety in different ways. Anxiety can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including:
- Sleep problems
- Lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- A feeling of pins and needles
- A sense of dread
- Restlessness or agitation
- Depression
- A need for reassurance
- Muscle tightness or tension
- Low libido
- Stomach or digestive problems
- Teeth grinding
- Excessive worrying
- Panic attacks
People who experience intense or frequent symptoms of anxiety may have an anxiety disorder. There are several types of anxiety disorders with unique symptoms.
Generally, anxiety disorders can respond well to comprehensive treatment. Treatment for anxiety disorders may include medications, talk therapy, holistic therapies, and lifestyle changes.
Without treatment, people with anxiety are at higher risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). It is critical to recognize and treat anxiety symptoms quickly.
Common Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions. There are several types of anxiety disorders people may develop.
Here is a brief overview of several common anxiety disorders.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
People with GAD may experience frequent anxiety symptoms without a clear cause. These symptoms can affect their ability to function and reduce their quality of life. People with GAD may worry a lot without knowing why they feel so anxious.
Panic disorder
People with panic disorder experience distressing events called panic attacks. Panic attacks cause a person to experience intense fear. Symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Fear of losing control
- Believing you are dying
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Rapid or pounding heartbeat
- Nausea
- A sense of impending doom
- Sweating
- A feeling of tightness in the chest or throat
- Fast breathing
Panic attacks are not life-threatening. However, they can be terrifying and highly distressing. People may also worry a lot about experiencing another panic attack.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Surveys show about 15 million people in the United States have social anxiety disorder (SAD). Social anxiety disorder can make people feel very anxious in social situations. They may dread events where they must interact with others. People with SAD may feel intensely anxious about speaking in front of others or being in crowded areas.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health condition that may develop after someone experiences an intensely stressful or frightening event, including:
- Witnessing or being involved in a violent crime
- An accident
- The death of a loved one
- A natural disaster
- Sexual or physical assault
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- A traumatic birthing experience
- Military combat
People with PTSD may avoid anything related to the traumatic event. They may experience flashbacks or nightmares or become startled or angry easily. People may also develop paranoia or feel as though they are “on guard” all the time.
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What is the Connection Between Anxiety and Substance Abuse?
People with untreated mental health issues are at higher risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). An anxiety disorder can impair daily functioning and cause chronic stress. People may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their mental health disorder symptoms.
Over time, self-medicating with drugs and alcohol can spiral into a life-threatening addiction. Substance abuse can change how a person’s body and brain work. These changes can make it almost impossible for someone to stop using addictive substances when they choose to.
Drug and alcohol abuse can also worsen mental health conditions. People may experience worsening symptoms as their substance abuse increases. This can put people into a destructive cycle that is very challenging to leave without professional help.
Treatment for Anxiety and Addiction: What to Expect
When people have a mental health condition and substance use disorder (SUD), experts call this a “dual diagnosis.” People with anxiety and addiction require specialized dual-diagnosis treatment programs to address both conditions.
Dual diagnosis treatment plans may include:
- Medically-supported detox programs
- Prescription medications to manage withdrawal and reduce cravings
- Mental health treatment, including medications and specialized anxiety therapies
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapy
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Mindfulness, nutrition support, exercise, and other holistic therapies
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Aftercare planning and support programs
Comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment programs can help people manage their mental health conditions while overcoming addiction. People may attend inpatient treatment before transitioning into outpatient care.
Overcoming Anxiety: Exploring Treatment Methods
Treating anxiety involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. The right treatment plan depends on the person’s needs and the severity of their symptoms. Here are some common approaches:
Therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage anxiety. Some of the most common options include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Exposure Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Some people benefit from medications that help regulate brain chemicals linked to anxiety. Common options include:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Benzodiazepines (these may not be used in people with a history of substance use disorders)
- Beta-blockers
- Buspirone
Everyone’s experience with anxiety is different, so treatment should be personalized. A combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can provide the best results.
Find Treatment Now
Anxiety and addiction can negatively impact every aspect of your daily life. If you or a loved one needs mental health and addiction treatment, you are not alone. Find comprehensive, compassionate treatment programs at Agape Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to verify your insurance, ask questions, or schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Anxiety and Substance Use Disorders: A Review
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder in Adults
- Psychiatry Online: Pharmacotherapy for Anxiety Disorders: From First-Line Options to Treatment Resistance
