Anxiety is becoming increasingly common among Americans of all ages, particularly adolescents and young adults. An anxiety disorder can be triggered by life stressors or traumatic events. It can also emerge at any age and for no reason. People with anxiety are at increased risk for a substance use disorder (SUD). Those who experience substance addiction can develop anxiety. Anxiety treatment programs in rehab facilities can address these co-occurring disorders by focusing on both the mental health anxiety diagnosis and the SUD in a coordinated approach.
To learn how you can get help for an anxiety disorder, reach out to us by calling 866.714.5630 or using our online form. We can answer your questions about the different types of anxiety disorders, how they are treated, and how an anxiety treatment program can help you with both anxiety and addiction.
Living with Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can take control of your life because they are outside your control. Relationships, health, career, and education can be sidelined for people with even moderate anxiety. Anxiety shows up as overwhelming worry, stress, or fear. Sometimes with no apparent triggers or causes. Some people must adjust their entire lives in order to deal with those feelings. If social anxiety causes a heart-stopping fear of speaking in public, how will you conduct yourself in a job interview, meeting, or seminar?
If you suffer from anxiety, you have no doubt heard people say, “There’s nothing to be scared of,” or “Just stop worrying.” They don’t understand that logically pointing out that there is nothing demonstrably scary happening or giving the advice to stop feeling a certain way are not helpful when anxiety has you in its grip.
It is not surprising that people with undiagnosed or untreated anxiety often turn to alcohol or drugs. They often do this to mute some of the most crippling symptoms so they can feel normal.
Living With These Types of Anxiety Disorders
Not all anxiety is the same. Some people experience anxiety around public speaking and crowds. Others never leave the house because of overwhelming worry. Understanding what kind of anxiety disorder you have is one of the first jobs of your therapist and others on your care team.
Common types of anxiety disorders include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder – Characterized by crippling worry that to others seems unprovoked, generalized anxiety disorder can erode confidence, joy, and peace of mind.
- Social anxiety disorder – Perhaps the most common anxiety disorder, this one affects people in any number of social or public arenas. Sufferers feel trapped, afraid, shamed, or panicked when required to interact with others.
- Panic disorder – Severe fight or flight symptoms such as hyperventilation, racing heart, cold extremities, chest pain, or dizziness arise for any or no reason and occasionally require medical intervention. Panic disorder often co-occurs with another anxiety disorder.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also considered anxiety disorders. OCD is characterized by compulsive behaviors and intrusive thoughts. PTSD arises in people with a history of trauma. It often involves flashbacks that re-traumatize them and create a constant state of hypervigilance.
The danger of substance abuse is increased among people living with anxiety. At first, they think the drugs or alcohol are helping them live with their anxiety, making daily functioning seem easier. However, it does not take long for the SUD to simply amplify symptoms and make life even more difficult.
Treat Your Anxiety Today
You don’t need to live with anxiety. You can live without it by receiving treatment.
In fact, anxiety is highly treatable. Let our mental health experts at Nashville Treatment Solutions get you the help and support you need. If you are dealing with anxiety and substance abuse, a dual diagnosis treatment plan will address both disorders at the same time. Reach out today to learn more about our evidence-based therapies for anxiety. Our online form is simple to use, or you can call us at 866.714.5630.
