Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that has many contributing risk factors associated with its development. One of the most common risk factors is having an underlying mental health condition. When you have an untreated mental illness, you are more likely to begin abusing drugs or alcohol to cope with your symptoms.
While any mental health disorder can lead to the development of an addiction, anxiety conditions are some of the most frequent. According to a study on co-occurring anxiety and addiction, 33% to 45% of people with anxiety disorders suffer from substance use disorders.[1]
No matter what type of anxiety disorder you have, symptoms like constant worrying, feelings of fear, and panic attacks can cause you to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. Once you have co-occurring addiction and anxiety, you will require dual diagnosis treatment. These treatment programs combine traditional addiction treatment methods with evidence-based anxiety recovery techniques.
What you will learn:
- What is the relationship between anxiety conditions and substance use disorders
- What are the signs of co-occurring anxiety and addiction
- How is anxiety and addiction treated in Memphis
What is the Connection Between Anxiety and Addiction?
Anxiety conditions are connected to addiction in a couple of different ways. First, if you have an anxiety disorder, your untreated symptoms could cause you to begin self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. Over time, you will become dependent on these substances to manage your anxiety, which only worsens your symptoms in the long run.
On the other hand, abusing drugs and alcohol can lead to symptoms of anxiety. For example, when you are addicted to a substance, you will experience severe anxiety until you can drink or use your drug of choice. Additionally, there is a condition called substance-induced anxiety disorder which is characterized by experiencing anxiety because of your substance abuse.[2]
Some statistics that display the relationship between anxiety and addiction include:[3,4]
- 10 to 20% of people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) abuse alcohol
- Up to 40% of alcoholics suffer from panic disorder
- Anxiety disorders predate substance use disorders in 75% of cases, meaning self-medication is prevalent
What are the Signs of Co-Occurring Anxiety and Substance Abuse?
If you are worried that you or a family member struggles with co-occurring disorders, it’s important to be aware of the signs. Early diagnosis and treatment of these comorbidities are associated with better treatment outcomes. The sooner you get help, the easier recovery will be.
The main signs and symptoms of co-occurring anxiety and addiction include:
- Using drugs or alcohol to reduce anxiety, like feelings of stress, fear, or panic
- Misusing prescribed anxiety medications like benzodiazepines
- Having a desire to quit drugs and alcohol but being unsuccessful
- Feeling like you need drugs or alcohol to socialize without being anxious
- Having a hard time fulfilling responsibilities at home, school, or work because of your substance abuse
- Experiencing strong urges or cravings to abuse drugs or alcohol
- Continuing to use substances despite experiencing an increase in anxiety symptoms
- Developing a tolerance for substances or needing to increase your dose to experience a desired effect
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using drugs or alcohol
Dual diagnosis treatment centers in Memphis can help you recover from both conditions at the same time.
How Does Anxiety and Addiction Treatment in Memphis Work?
During a treatment program for anxiety and addiction, you will receive an individualized treatment plan. Treatment begins with an in-depth assessment to determine your specific needs during treatment. You will receive evidence-based behavioral health treatments for your anxiety condition and your substance use disorder during your stay at the rehab program.
Treating Substance Use Disorder
Before you can begin unpacking your anxiety condition, you need to overcome the physical aspects of addiction. Medical professionals will help you rid your body of substances and treat withdrawal symptoms with FDA-approved medications.
Once medical detox is complete, you will engage in a variety of therapies that help you uncover the root causes of your substance abuse. You will also learn vital coping mechanisms that help you overcome addiction triggers. During addiction treatment, you will engage in both individual therapy and support groups.
Examples of evidence-based therapies for substance use disorder include:[5]
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Contingency management (CM)
- 12-step facilitation therapy
- The matrix model
- Family behavior therapy
You might also be offered medication-assisted treatment (MAT) depending on your needs and what substance you were addicted to. MAT is most commonly offered to those suffering from opioid and alcohol use disorders. It involves the use of medications to prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, lessening your chances of relapsing.
Addressing Anxiety Conditions
You will undergo a mental health assessment to determine which anxiety disorder you suffer from. Then, your therapist and doctor will determine what type of treatment best suits your needs.
Most people who struggle with anxiety disorders require a combination of therapy and medication. Therapy will help you learn how to manage your anxiety with emotional self-regulation techniques, coping mechanisms, and even exposure therapy. Medication is intended to balance any irregularities in your brain chemistry, treating anxiety symptoms that are not managed through therapy.
Because you are in treatment for addiction as well, the medications used to manage your anxiety will be non-habit-forming. Examples of non-addictive anxiety medications include:[6]
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Antihistamines
- Beta-blockers
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Find Help for Addiction and Anxiety in Memphis
Anxiety and addiction often come hand in hand. If you struggle with these conditions, it’s time to seek help. Dual diagnosis rehab program in Memphis can offer the tools and support you need to recover.
At PAX Memphis, we can connect you with a highly-rated anxiety and addiction rehab center. These programs offer a combination of mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
We can help you regain control over your life. Contact PAX Memphis today for more information.
References:
- Psychiatric Times: Anxiety Disorders With Comorbid Substance Abuse
- Springer Link: Substance-Induced Anxiety and Co-occurring Anxiety Disorders
- Medscape: Panic Disorder
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Anxiety and Substance Use Disorders
- Science Direct: Evidence-based practices for substance use disorders
- APA Psycnet: Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders: Current and Emerging Treatment Options