Co-Occurring ANXIETY And Substance Abuse

Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health condition in the U.S., and all too often, they give way to substance abuse.

ANXIETY and substance abuse

When we’re faced with danger or a crisis situation, it’s normal for our “fight or flight” impulse to kick in. Adrenaline courses through our veins, our hearts pound and our blood pressure rises as we prepare to battle — or run — for our lives. These responses serve us well in certain rare situations. But when they become the norm, they signal anxiety disorder.

Many people with anxiety disorders, whether diagnosed or not, turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with the daily difficulties that come with the condition. Self-medication can work for a while, but inevitably fails. The substances themselves often cause “rebound” anxiety in their own right. And as your dependence on those substances grows, withdrawal is often accompanied by a marked sense of anxiety and discomfort. The result is a vicious cycle that can be extremely difficult to break.

what are the signs of anxiety?

Anxiety tends to be highly physical in its manifestations. If you’re experiencing anxiety (either with or without substance abuse), you may exhibit:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Trembling hands
• Sweating
• Sleeplessness
• Dizziness
• Choking 
• Stomach pain
• Nausea

There are other signs of anxiety that may be a little more challenging to pinpoint. For example, people with anxiety disorders may experience:

• A sense of fear that occurs most of the time for six or more months
• Repeated failed attempts to address the sense of fear
• Reliance on substances or behaviors to manage symptoms
• Struggling with socializing life, career, relationships and other facets of life

How Does Discovery Point Retreat Address Anxiety?

We recognize that it’s impossible to treat your substance abuse disorder without also diagnosing and treating any co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety. That’s why, when you join us at Discovery Point Retreat, we spend a lot of time getting to know you and your situation. Our clinicians are experts at identifying the conditions that fuel addiction. Through therapy and, if necessary, medication, you’ll discover the tools to manage your anxiety disorder in a positive, healthy way. So you won’t need to self-medicate through drugs and alcohol. Meanwhile, you’ll develop a strong network of sober friends to provide support throughout your recovery.

If you struggle with both anxiety and addiction, don’t give up. Discovery Point Retreat has helped so many people manage their co-occurring mental health conditions — for a more serene, more fulfilling life. Call us today, and we’ll get started.

Take control of your life

Anxiety doesn’t have to stand between you and recovery. Discovery Point Retreat can help you find peace.