Excel Treatment Center is a high-quality outpatient recovery service provider for those suffering from addiction and co-occurring disorders. People struggling with conditions such as chronic, persistent anxiety can be prone to using substances like alcohol, cannabis, and sedatives to self-medicate. While these drugs may provide temporary relief, over time, they can make the condition worse and lead to addiction in the long-term.
According to results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders are closely linked. The nervousness, hypervigilance, and deep discomfort characteristic of anxiety can be exhausting. For those suffering, body and mind-altering drugs can be seen as a means of escape from these feelings. However, this escape is only temporary.
If the condition is left untreated, the symptoms will return when the effects of the substance wears off. This may lead the person to continue using the substance, ultimately putting their physical and psychological well-being at risk.
Over time, as substances are used more frequently and in higher doses due to increased tolerance, dependence and addiction can develop, and the person finds they need the drug to function properly. Addiction is a downward spiral and can make any co-occurring disorder much worse.
Understanding Anxiety and Addiction
According to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorders worldwide.
Anxiety-related conditions generally fall under the following five categories:
All the conditions above are characterized by intense and sometimes uncontrollable symptoms that can significantly disrupt a person’s life. The anticipation of anxiety itself can even bring on anxiety.
Living with an anxiety disorder is not easy. For those suffering, it can feel as though everyone else is living a carefree, comfortable life and that they are alone in their suffering. However, the truth is they are far from alone. While we know anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues worldwide, we also know that facts and statistics don’t always help when anxiety symptoms take over.
The symptoms of anxiety can be debilitating. Many of those suffering may want to use substances to self-medicate and find relief from their anxiety. However, the use of substances will not prevent symptoms from surfacing.
Symptoms of anxiety include:
Certain medications are available to help those suffering deal with the symptoms. However, to heal fully, anxiety must be dealt with at its root cause. Excel offers focused, client-centered treatment for anxiety, which includes psychotherapy and counseling. This gives clients the chance to explore their deeper thoughts and feelings in a safe and compassionate environment. From here, clients can learn more about anxiety and how it is a natural process but can become self-defeating if it is not managed correctly. Clients are taught about how substances, particularly alcohol, cannabis, sedatives, and illicit drugs, can make anxiety worse.
Anxiety and addiction treatment can make a massive difference to you, or your loved one’s life. At Excel, our addiction and mental health experts can help you overcome the challenges brought on by these co-occurring disorders. We are a dedicated team of psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and recovery specialists who can help you understand your condition and ultimately overcome it.
Co-occurring Anxiety and Cannabis Addiction
Anxiety and Addiction Treatment
Call (877) 331-4114 and talk to an expert to learn more about medically assisted detox, one-on-one therapy, family support, and relapse prevention programs.
Important Resources
Can I Keep My Job and Go to Day Treatment?
Realizing that you might need treatment for your addiction is a huge step in the right direction. However, many fear their life will change when they take that first step, including potentially losing their job. This is a valid concern; however, at Excel Treatment Center, we want you to know that you have options.
How Can I Support a Loved One Struggling With Addition?
Addiction not only affects those struggling with the addiction but also affects the friends and family around them. It can be just as challenging to support them as it is to watch them in active addiction. Learning to create a loving, supportive space without enabling can be difficult, but it is crucial to develop this space to help your loved ones through their recovery.
The Importance of Family Participation During Treatment
Addiction is a disease that affects the whole family. Family members often feel the impact of addiction in a very real way, which can lead to feelings of anger, resentment, and frustration. While these emotions are natural, they can also be detrimental to one’s treatment if left unchecked.