Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems, affecting over 30% of adults in the US. You’ve probably experienced anxiety yourself at one point or another. When faced with life challenges, we can become anxious and stressed; however, these feelings often subside with time.
People with anxiety disorders often struggle with ongoing anxious thoughts, tension, and intense fear about a variety of situations. When this goes untreated, it can lead to substance abuse.
Many people who struggle with co-occurring anxiety & addiction often turn to drugs & alcohol to cope with stress, relax, and socialize easier. Understand the link between addiction and co-occurring anxiety disorders and how they are treated during recovery.
Understanding the Basics of Anxiety
Anxiety is a mental health disorder affecting over 300 million people on the globe. It is a stress response that protects us during times of danger, sending the body into survival mode. However, someone with anxiety disorders lives in this chronic state of stress.
They may perceive danger or threats to situations that aren’t actually harmful. This ongoing distress can affect their ability to function, build relationships, and even cause chronic health problems.
Some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders include:
- Persistent worrying, fear, or nervousness
- Muscle tension
- Increased heart rate or tightness in the chest
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating or trembling
- Fatigue
- Stomach problems
- Headaches
- Changes in sleep/appetite
Can Addiction Cause Anxiety?
Struggling with addiction can cause symptoms of anxiety and is known as a substance-induced anxiety disorder (SIAD). Some drugs, such as stimulants for example can increase activity in the Central Nervous System, mimicking physical symptoms of stress & anxiety disorders.
SIAD can also occur during withdrawal from drugs or alcohol and may require a medical detox to monitor vitals and one’s mental state. Symptoms of anxiety usually manifest while intoxicated or on the comedown during withdrawal, creating a cycle of substance abuse and anxiety.
Can Anxiety Cause Addiction?
Anxiety can cause addiction, and it happens in different ways. It can be accidental, such as someone who is taking medication to help with their anxiety and ends up getting hooked.
Getting on anxiety meds can significantly benefit someone in managing their symptoms. However, the problem with anxiety medication is that it can be highly addictive. Some common anxiety meds with a risk of addiction include:
- Xanax
- Valium
- Klonopin
- Ativan
- Another common way anxiety can cause addiction is through self-medicating to cope with symptoms and distress. Anxiety may cause people to become isolated or have trouble socializing. People may turn to alcohol, weed, or other drugs to increase their sociability and relax.
Another common way anxiety can cause addiction is through self-medicating to cope with symptoms and distress. Anxiety may cause people to become isolated or have trouble socializing. People may turn to alcohol, weed, or other drugs to increase their sociability and relax.
Co-Occurring Disorders: Addiction and Anxiety
Addiction and anxiety have a high co-morbidity rate. In one study by the National Library of Medicine, over 17% of respondents with a substance abuse disorder also reported struggling with anxiety.
Spotting a co-occurring disorder can be difficult. Some symptoms of anxiety may mimic substance abuse and vice versa. They both affect the ability to participate in daily tasks, manage relationships, and problem-solve.
Some of the signs of a co-occurring disorder include:
- Tension and worry
- Finding drugs or alcohol in the home
- Cravings for drugs and alcohol
- Increased tolerance to substances
- Irritability or aggression
- Slurred speech that is difficult to follow or understand
- Trouble focusing
- Nausea or headaches
- Drastic mood swings
The Link Between Addiction and Mental Health
When you struggle with both addiction and a mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar, it is called a co-occurring disorder. Recovering from addiction is already challenging but can be even more complicated when you’re also struggling with your mental health. According to the American Medical Association:
- 50% of people with mental illness also struggle with substance abuse
- 37% of alcoholics also struggle with an MH disorder
- 53% of illicit drug users also struggle with a MH disorder
- 75% of people with substance abuse disorders have experienced trauma
How to Treat Addiction & Anxiety
During substance abuse recovery, counselors will also treat the underlying mental health problem. This is known as Dual Diagnosis. Some of the common treatments for addiction and co-occurring anxiety include:
| CBT | Break anxious thoughts that lead to substance abuse, develop coping skills, set goals |
| DBT | Focuses on distress tolerance, mindfulness strategies, and emotional regulation |
| EMDR | Helps process traumatic memories and emotional distress that drive addiction & co-occurring anxiety |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction | Builds mindfulness around how stress affects the mind and body, helps reduce anxiety, can work as a supplemental therapy to ease physical discomfort during addiction recovery |
| Group Therapy | Connect with others who are in recovery from addiction or struggling with anxiety. Provides a space to share experiences and learn new coping skills under the guidance of a therapist |
| Family Therapy | Creates a support network, addresses issues in the home that can trigger anxiety or substance use, focuses on communication and relationship-building |
| Recreational Therapies | Can help ease cravings and reduce feelings of anxiety. May include hiking, art, dance & movement, music therapy, and animal-assisted therapies |
| 12-Step Programs | Primarily addresses addiction, providing a structured space with meetings, sponsors, and peer support for users to stay clean |
Safely Recover in California
Located in Anaheim, Restorations Health Care can help you or a loved one heal from substance abuse & co-occurring anxiety disorders. Our mission is about saving lives and guiding people to a fulfilling life of sobriety.
We offer detox and inpatient treatment programs that help people get back on their feet, as well as outpatient rehab services to support aftercare & transition back to the community. Our dedicated team of addiction counselors provides individualized addiction treatment programs for recovery to support the unique needs of each of our patients. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
Anxiety Disorders. World Health Organization.
Management of persons with co-occurring severe mental illness and substance use disorder: program implications. National Library of Medicine.
Childhood trauma among individuals with co-morbid substance use and post-traumatic stress disorder. National Library of Medicine.
Treatment of Co-occurring Anxiety Disorders and Substance Use Disorders. National Library of Medicine.
Lacey graduated from Brand University with a MA in Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy. Lacey is a skilled clinician, supervisor, and administrator with extensive therapy experience. She is responsible for providing clinical leadership and policy direction for our program and maintains accepted standards of medical practice throughout the facility.