DUAL DIAGNOSIS

Treatment For Anxiety And Addiction

Anxiety and substance use disorders can be co-occurring disorders that require separate interventions. Rather than dealing with one before the other, both should be addressed simultaneously. The presence of substance abuse minimizes the likelihood of recovering from chronic anxiety disorders, which underscores the importance of addressing both disorders.

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    What is Anxiety and Addiction?

    Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the US.[1] Anxiety disorders often co-occur with other diagnosed mood disorders, such as depression.[2]

    Little worries and pint-sized fear are both a normal part of life, but debilitating anxiety is not. While fear is a response to a specific threat, anxiety is a response to the feeling of fear itself.[3] It’s a feeling of doom or dread that you can never seem to shake. There are sometimes specific triggers (e.g. phobias), but sometimes the cause of anxiety is non-specific (e.g. panic attacks).

    Anxiety takes many forms, from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic attacks, and specific phobias to social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and more. In addition to co-occurring with mood disorders, anxiety sometimes co-occurs with substance use disorders (e.g. alcohol or opioid).

    At particular risk for co-occurring substance use disorders are those suffering from social anxiety disorder. To alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, many sufferers of social anxiety disorder turn to alcohol.[4]

    While addiction to anxiety is possible (wherein the sufferer becomes addicted to the feeling of “control” anxiety provides), such a definition lies outside the scope of this guide. For this purpose, anxiety and addiction will be treated as separate, albeit co-occurring disorders.

    Common Symptoms of Anxiety and Addiction

    Anxiety disorders can take many forms, but there are common symptoms:[5]

    • Feeling jittery or unable to relax
    • Being tired for no reason
    • Lack of focus
    • Irritation over trivial events
    • Having headaches, muscle aches, stomach aches, or phantom pain
    • Persistent, uncontrollable worry
    • Disrupted sleep patterns

    Substance use disorders can take many forms, but in order to qualify for a clinical diagnosis, at least 2 of the 11 criteria in the DSM-5 must be present in a 12-month period:[6]

    • Using more of the substance than you intend or is good for you
    • Prior failed attempts to stop using substances
    • Reallocating free time to sourcing the substance
    • Craving
    • Lack of meeting prior obligations and responsibilities
    • Despite interpersonal and professional damage, still continuing to use the substance
    • Reduction or elimination of former hobbies
    • Risky behavior (like unprotected sex or driving a car) while using the substance
    • Despite physical or mental damage, still continuing to use the substance
    • Needing a bigger and bigger dose to experience the same effects
    • Pain when discontinuing the substance use

    Anxiety and Addiction Statistics

    Mental Disorder

    Anxiety

    About 19.1% of US adults have an anxiety disorder in a given year.[7] During the same time period, approximately 31.9% of adolescents have an anxiety disorder.[8]

    Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects 6.8 million US adults yearly, but only 43.2% of those are actively receiving treatment.[9] Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) affects 15 million US adults yearly, and 36% of those reporting SAD waited 10 or more years before seeking help.[10]

    20% of people exhibiting social anxiety disorder also exhibit substance abuse in the form of alcoholism.[11] This is even more true for women than men. Unfortunately, addiction and anxiety disorders often go hand in hand. Research estimates those with an underlying anxiety disorder are 2 to 5 times more likely than others to develop a substance use disorder.[12]

    Dual Diagnosis Treatment Works

    Addiction

    A recent survey found 43.7 million US adults (15.6% of the population) either have an alcohol use disorder, an illicit drug disorder or have received treatment in a facility that specializes in addiction.[13] They would qualify as needing substance abuse treatment.

    When substance use disorder is a co-occurring disorder with anxiety, it decreases the likelihood of clinical recovery from chronic anxiety disorders. Basically, people are less likely to get better if they are suffering from both disorders at the same time.[14]

    Some people have a genetic predisposition for anxiety and addiction.

    For instance, people who have a nicotine substance abuse disorder have the same neurological (dorsal anterior cingulate cortex) impairment as people who have never smoked but have suffered from schizophrenia from a young age.[15] Nicotine helps them relieve symptoms of schizophrenia but makes quitting difficult.

    Anxiety disorder and self-medicating with substances in Connecticut

    Anxiety and Addiction

    If you have anxiety disorder and also self-medicate with substances such as alcohol or nicotine, you might also meet the DSM-5 criteria for a co-occurring addiction disorder. A dual-diagnosis treatment might be just the solution for you.

    What Does Treatment For Anxiety And Addiction Look Like?

    What Does Treatment For Anxiety And Addiction Look Like in Connecticut

    Now, imagine getting treated for your co-occurring anxiety and addiction disorders in an environment that inspires mental, physical, and spiritual tranquility rather than more stress. With medical detox on-site and a tranquil setting for inpatient treatment, you will feel comfortable, safe, and motivated.

    Let us introduce you to your new retreat.

    Imagine a 17000 sq ft. retreat nestled into the mountains of Connecticut where every room is newly remodeled with a private bathroom. There are 1.5 staff members for every patient, with an AP, MD, and RN both on-premises and on-call 24 hours a day, all of whom can help with detox and recovery any hour of the day or night.

    The opportunities to experience nature and indulge in recreation therapy are endless. Kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, fishing, and hiking are just the start. Let your imagination run wild with that. This peaceful environment is just the place to work on any anxiety and substance abuse disorder you may have.

    Since we are a 24/7 facility, you can start the admissions process anytime. There is no such thing as too early or too late. Somebody will answer your phone call no matter what time of the day or night. A staff member will qualify your insurance and do a clinical assessment to determine what exactly your needs are. Then, we’ll schedule an admission time at any time of the day or night.

    Related Programs & Therapies

    Learn More About Other Co-Occurring Disorders

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Anxiety and Addiction

    Sources
    What is the relationship between anxiety and addiction? Chevron Down
    Can anxiety disorder cause addiction? Chevron Down
    How do I overcome my addiction and anxiety? Chevron Down
    Is substance abuse a symptom of anxiety? Chevron Down