Why Does Anxiety Increase the Risk of Substance Abuse?

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotion or feeling of worry or nervousness that occurs when an individual is anticipating something that may have a negative outcome. When these feelings become excessive and out of proportion to the actual situation, they may be an indicator of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders affect a significant number of individuals in their lifetime, with an estimated 40 million people in the United States experiencing symptoms in any given year. There are many types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.

Signs of Anxiety

Physical symptoms of anxiety disorders include a fast or erratic heartbeat, nausea, muscle tension, and sweating. Other signs of anxiety include:

• A fast or erratic heartbeat
• Nausea
• Muscle tension
• Sweating
• An upset stomach
• Restlessness
• Being on edge

How is Anxiety Linked With Substance Abuse?

There are many theories as to why people with anxiety disorders may turn to substance abuse more often than others, but none of them have been definitively proven. However, what is known is that there is a significant link between the two.

Everyone experiences stress in their life from time to time, but some people find it hard to cope with and let go. For others, stressors continue to build until they reach a breaking point. This can lead someone to develop a secondary anxiety disorder called co-occurring anxiety and substance abuse.

Consequently, many individuals who struggle with addiction also have an underlying anxiety disorder that needs treatment. Let’s take a closer look at the link between anxiety and substance abuse as well as the risks of having both disorders simultaneously.

3 Ways Anxiety Can Cause Substance Abuse

• Anxiety and Depression: Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand. In these instances, the person dealing with these issues often uses either alcohol or drugs as a way to self-medicate. Some studies suggest that people who suffer from both anxiety and depression are up to 11 times more likely to develop a substance abuse problem than other groups of people.
• Inability to cope: Some people cope with anxiety by escaping from the situation. This can lead them to find solace in drugs or alcohol. They may feel like they are too overwhelmed or anxious to deal with the situation.
• Raised risk: Some studies show that those who suffer from anxiety disorders may have a higher risk of substance abuse later in life. However, it is important to note that there are many other factors that can lead a person to develop a substance abuse problem. So, while anxiety may increase the risk of substance abuse, other factors are also involved.

3 Ways Substance Abuse Can Cause Anxiety

• Withdrawal: When a person becomes dependent on drugs and alcohol, they must take them regularly to achieve the desired effect. When they stop suddenly, they go through what is known as withdrawal. This can include nausea, anxiety, and other symptoms that mimic anxiety disorders.
• Damaged brain: When a person drinks or does drugs regularly, the substances can damage the brain. This can lead to issues that mimic anxiety disorders. Studies show that people who have suffered from a substance abuse problem in the past are more likely to experience anxiety disorders later in life. This may be due to the damage done to the brain from substance abuse.
• Comorbidity: In addition, substance use disorders often co-occur with other mental health disorders, such as depression and PTSD. People who suffer from these conditions are more likely to experience anxiety as well.

Why Anxiety and Substance Abuse Often Co-Exist?

Many individuals with anxiety turn to substances like alcohol, drugs, or stimulants to self-medicate and alleviate their emotional pain, leading to substance abuse.

Substances can reduce the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety. While anxiety can make individuals more vulnerable to substance abuse by intensifying feelings of stress, irritability, and discomfort, substances can ease all those things.

Both anxiety and substance use disorders also share common biological factors, including brain chemical imbalances and genetic predispositions that make individuals susceptible to both.

Anxiety also often increases in response to stress, and substances are used as a way to manage or escape overwhelming situations, further deepening both disorders.

Substances can provide immediate relief from the symptoms of anxiety, reinforcing the behavior and making it harder to break the cycle of dependence.

How Can Anxiety Affect Addiction Recovery?

Anxiety can significantly impact the process of addiction recovery, making it more challenging to maintain sobriety. For many individuals in recovery, anxiety is often a co-occurring disorder that amplifies the difficulties faced during the rehabilitation process. Anxiety may trigger cravings for substances as individuals seek relief from substances.

Some other ways that anxiety can impact addiction recovery are-

• Anxiety can trigger cravings, which can increase the risk of relapse
• It can lead to mood fluctuations and be very emotionally exhausting, making recovery difficult.
• Without the right coping strategies, individuals might find it difficult to cope with the stress of recovery.
• Ongoing anxiety can interfere with emotional regulation, leading to a sense of defeat and increasing the likelihood of abandoning recovery efforts.
• Anxiety and addiction often go hand-in-hand, so it’s crucial to address both conditions simultaneously through integrated treatment methods.

Take the first step toward a brighter future today with us

Anxiety disorders and substance use disorders often occur together. Whether you are dealing with anxiety or any other mental health issue, recovery is possible. Sober living homes make a good option for those who need to address both disorders simultaneously.

Bridges Sober Apartments in Los Angeles, CA, provides the structure and support needed in order to help you deal with both of these issues at once. If you or someone you love is struggling with both anxiety and addiction, help is available. Connect with us to find out what steps to take next!