Living in a consistent state of worry—whether in academic settings, professional environments, or your personal and social life—can be draining. Struggling with feelings of anxiety and fear is a challenge many individuals cope with daily. Around 20% of those who struggle with these challenges may develop substance use disorder (SUD) to cope with their feelings of anxiety. Social anxiety and generalized anxiety are different variants of the same mental disorder and each affects substance use disorder uniquely.
The terms “social phobia” and “social anxiety disorder” are virtually interchangeable. They vary only slightly in that social phobia is an older term, used to describe anxiety over being criticized or judged over public performances. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a newer term that includes nervousness in any social setting, including smaller or one-on-one social engagements. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes feelings of anxiety or excessive worry over everyday events or the future, in and out of social settings.
Those that struggle with GAD tend to worry more about minor day-to-day functions such as finances or life issues. Those that struggle with a social anxiety disorder will worry more about meeting with people or surrounding themselves in a social environment.
Anxiety disorders can occur on their own or concurrently with conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. Such conditions may be worsened by the presence of an anxiety disorder.
It is not uncommon for those who struggle with anxiety to find themselves with another diagnosis at the same time or another point in their life. In many cases, co-occurring disorders with anxiety may enhance the concerns of anxiety and how the individual copes with it. For example, some individuals who suffer from GAD may also be suffering from PTSD or substance use.
Anxiety disorders are a common secondary diagnosis in instances of substance use disorder. Anxiety can cause individuals to feel powerless and uncontrollable, and when substance use is added to the mix as a coping mechanism, the condition may be more debilitating. These two conditions can be mutually reinforcing and cause a cycle that is hard to break from. As one feels more anxious due to social phobia, SAD, or GAD, they are more likely to turn to substances like drugs or alcohol to cope with the intense feelings of anxiety. Substance abuse can worsen the effects of mental health disorders such as clinical anxiety due to changes in brain structure and physical dependency.
For example, someone with SAD may find it helpful to have a little “liquid courage” to prepare them for social events. This can lead them to indulge more and more in alcohol, eventually causing dependency, substance abuse, even addiction. As a result of addiction, one might have damaged relationships, fear of stigma, or feel out of control, contributing to more anxiety, and so the cycle continues.
It is normal to have a certain amount of anxiety, as everyone feels anxious over some things. When anxiety starts to disrupt day-to-day activities and normal functions, that's when it can become a disorder. Anxiety disorders usually develop around one's teen years.
Various experiences and environmental influences can impact anxiety and a variety of levels to how anxiety affects people. Symptoms can range from minor increases in heart rate to full-on panic attacks depending on the individual. This range can make anxiety either a minor inconvenience or a hindrance to daily functioning.
Fortunately, due to the increased awareness of anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and other co-occurring conditions, there are many lines of treatment available for those suffering. A doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medication to clients with extreme clinical anxiety disorders. However, this may not be the best course of action for people who also have a history of substance use issues because some anti-anxiety medications can become addictive.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a scientifically proven treatment to help individuals overcome symptoms of anxiety, especially when it is coupled with SUD. This treatment helps eliminate behavioral concerns and address the underlying root causes of substance use. Other forms of talk therapy and experiential therapies can also help individuals overcome anxiety and substance abuse.
When dealing with SUD and anxiety, it is critical to care for both conditions at the same time. Since they can influence each other, full healing cannot be achieved without attending to both. When seeking addiction treatment, choose a treatment facility that offers assistance for dual-diagnosis so that you can make sure you get the best care for both disorders together.
At NorthStar Transitions, we understand the importance of a full mental health screening and accurate diagnosis for your chances of full recovery from both substance use and co-occurring conditions like anxiety. Treating one without treating the other at the same time does not help you fully achieve healing from either. We understand how anxiety can influence your decisions and how substance use may be a way for you to cope with the struggles. However, when both the concerns are addressed, the negative impacts can be eliminated, and positive reinforcement can change your life now and in the future. Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff can help you create a custom treatment plan based on the severity of your conditions and what treatment options work best for you. For more information on anxiety disorders and how they affect substance use, or to find out about our treatment options, reach out to NorthStar transitions at (303) 558-6400.
