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