Mental health is a driving force behind people’s behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. Because of that, having a mental illness can manifest in negative actions, feelings and thought patterns. Anxiety is a condition that affects millions of people and has a connection with drug addiction. Reading more about anxiety and addiction may help people understand why they need anxiety treatment.

An Anxiety Overview

Clinician and depressed looking patient starting anxiety treatmentIt’s normal for people to feel anxious every once in a while. They might have anxiety about taking tests, making important decisions or resolving work problems. However, it becomes a mental health disorder when their fears and worries don’t go away.

For these people, the anxiety persists and may worsen with time. Their concerns and fears interfere with school work, relationships, work performance and other daily activities.

Generalized anxiety disorder is one type that affects people for months. It can cause numerous symptoms such as muscle tension, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating and an on-edge feeling.

Another type of anxiety is a panic disorder, which causes unexpected panic attacks. This sudden occurrence of fear can cause accelerated heart rate, pounding heart or palpitations. Some people shake, tremble or sweat, while others suffer from shortness of breath, choking or smothering sensations. They often feel out of control and avoid places where they’ve had panic attacks before.

Social anxiety is a third category that involves a strong fear of performance or social situations. People who have it tend to feel rejected, embarrassed or judged. In some cases, they’re afraid of offending others around them. Because of that, they often have trouble being with and talking to others.

The Link Between Anxiety and Addiction

It’s rather common for people who have anxiety to also develop a substance use disorder. They might feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek therapy because of its negative stigma. Instead, they self-medicate with alcohol or other drugs. This behavior might start with just a few drinks or cigarettes.

However, the drugs only provide temporary relief. When the substances wear off, the symptoms are usually worse than before, which is rebound anxiety. Then, people take more drugs to prolong their relief. The cycle of self-medication and worsening symptoms drag them down further.

As time goes on, people develop an addiction, and it becomes harder for them to break the downward spiral. One reason is that the substances change the chemical balance in their brains. At this point, addiction and anxiety treatment are necessary for them to overcome their problems.

Anxiety Treatment Options

Treatment for anxiety starts with an evaluation to confirm the condition and determine its severity. Diagnosing anxiety is necessary because some other health problems and medicines can cause similar symptoms. In general, the anxiety treatment that follows includes medication, therapy or both.

Prescription medicines don’t cure anxiety, but they can relieve the symptoms. Sometimes doctors or therapists use them as an initial stage of treatment. They might also be useful for people who have trouble making progress in therapy. The drugs provide relief so that they can concentrate on recovery.

Therapy is an essential treatment for anxiety. Sometimes people have temporary discomfort while they talk about the situations that make them anxious. For that reason, therapists must adjust the sessions according to their needs.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common method of anxiety treatment. It focuses on negative emotions and thoughts, helping people develop more positive ones. When they do, they have more positive reactions and behaviors in situations that once caused them anxiety. They develop skills that are vital for maintaining their recovery without medications.

Help for Anxiety at Serenity House Detox & Recovery

Many of the treatments that work for anxiety also work for drug addiction. Serenity House Detox & Recovery employs doctors and therapists who understand how to use medication and therapy to treat these co-occurring disorders. We offer a range of programs and services, including:

Serenity House Detox & Recovery uses a 12-step approach to treatment that includes evidence-based and holistic care. Our detox centers also know the importance of continuing treatment after detox. We can help make arrangements for rehab for women and men.

Don’t let anxiety or addiction command your actions or ruin your life. Begin your addiction and anxiety treatment at a caring detox facility. Dial 866-294-5306 today to get more details about Serenity House Detox & Recovery.