Anxiety is an emotion most of us know all too well. If we are worried about something, it can send our hearts racing and put us on edge until the issue gets resolved.
But for some people, anxiety is more than a temporary emotion. It can come about for seemingly no reason, and it can last for days or months on end.
People that are dealing with this type of anxiety should get help for their issues, but not everyone does. When the issue goes untreated, it could cause people to turn to drugs and alcohol to relieve their symptoms. While the drugs provide temporary relief, they often make things worse in the long run.
This article will further explore the question of, can anxiety cause addiction so you can see the connection.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is characterized by feelings of overwhelming fear and worry. Symptoms include:
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Trembling
- Difficulty concentrating
- Digestive issues
- Avoiding things that cause anxiety
- Trembling
- Restlessness
People with an anxiety disorder will have persistent feelings of anxiety and may not be tied to any specific matter. The emotion can get so bad that it gets in the way of their ability to function.
There are several types of anxiety. Here are some of the most common:
- General Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of anxiety that may not be tied to any one incident.
- Separation Anxiety may be triggered if the individual is separated from a certain person or place.
- Social anxiety occurs when the person is in social situations or crowds.
- Phobias are intense fears of a specific person, place, thing, or situation.
- Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by panic attacks.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is anxiety brought on by a traumatic event the person experienced.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves engaging in a behavior because the person feels it will yield a certain outcome. It is an unhealthy way to deal with anxiety.
What is the Relationship Between Anxiety and Addiction?
Individuals with an anxiety disorder may be best off getting help from a professional, but many choose not to reach out. They may be afraid of what people will think of them if they find out they have a mental disorder. They may not believe their problem is that bad or may not have the time and money for services.
Instead of getting help, many people with anxiety disorders self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. While certain drugs may temporarily relieve symptoms, they ultimately lead the person on a downward spiral.
Now, they will have to deal with both anxiety and addiction and all the problems that come with it. This can include legal issues, financial troubles, troubled relationships, and health issues.
How to Find Treatment for Anxiety and Addiction
Fortunately, there are clinics that treat both anxiety and addiction. They simultaneously target the addiction and its underlying causes making for a dual diagnosis approach. This is an ideal method for long-term recovery.
Many clinics offer help for addiction, but it’s not easy to find the one that’s right for you. It would help if you considered the environment, the treatments offered, the competence of the staff, and other factors to come up with the center that’s best suited to your needs. You can spend hours trying to find the perfect solution, or you can save yourself time by contacting Atlanta Recovery Place first.
At Atlanta Recovery Place, we understand that every patient is different. We work out individualized plans for each of our clients based on their addiction and its underlying causes. We integrate dual diagnosis into a variety of therapies based on the individual’s needs.
We offer various types of outpatient treatment, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient. This allows patients to recover while going about their everyday lives. Our therapies are paired with a structured environment and a team-based approach that will enable patients to focus on recovery.
Fighting anxiety and addiction is not easy. Atlanta Recovery Place provides the assistance you need to make it through. Contact us to find out how we can help you achieve a higher quality of living.
