Treating Anxiety and Addiction
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medical reviewer:
adam swanson, lmft
Treating Anxiety and Addiction
Anxiety and addiction are two challenging illnesses that impact more people than most of us realize. Their lifetime rates, or the percentage of people who will experience them at some point in their lives, are among the highest for mental illness. Anxiety has a lifetime rate of 28.8%, and substance use has a lifetime rate of 14.6%.
Among adults living with a serious mental illness, one in four also has a substance use disorder. Unfortunately, treatment for co-occurring disorders is historically low. The 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) revealed that among people with a co-occurring disorder, 59.1% received treatment for either a mental health disorder or a substance use disorder, but not both. The number of people who received treatment for both disorders was just 17%.
While the landscape of anxiety and addiction appears overwhelming, both illnesses can be treated. Learn more about anxiety and addiction, the link between them, and treatment options available.
Defining Anxiety and Addiction
There are many reasons we might feel anxious today in modern society. Work, family dynamics and commitments, financial pressure, health concerns, and many other things in life are all reasons we sometimes feel anxious. In small doses, it can be helpful; however, when anxiety does not go away or gets worse over time, a person might have an anxiety disorder. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (often abbreviated as GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Addiction is “a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.” Commonly sought drugs in addiction include substances such as alcohol, cocaine, heroin, opioids, fentanyl, and prescription drugs. Addiction is a treatable mental health disorder. It is also referred to as a substance use disorder.
The Link Between Anxiety and Addiction
When a person experiences a mental health disorder, such as anxiety and a substance use disorder, at the same time, they are experiencing what is often referred to as a co-occurring disorder. While one doesn’t necessarily cause the other, they can. A few common risk factors for co-occurring disorders include:
- Genetic or environmental factors. Family genes can play a role in mental health disorders and addiction, as can stress, acute trauma, or generational trauma.
- Mental health disorders. Drugs or alcohol are sometimes used as a form of self-medication by people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Substance use makes symptoms worse, often resulting in a difficult cycle.
- Substance use disorders. Research has shown that substance use can create changes in a person’s brain composition and functioning, making them more susceptible to a mental health disorder.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Anxiety and Addiction
Dual diagnosis treatment is an effective, integrated approach to addressing co-occurring disorders, which really should be done at the same time.
So what does a dual diagnosis treatment approach look like? This will vary by individual, but it will often include evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and more. Therapy can help individuals develop coping skills for anxiety and addiction. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is another option that could be appropriate and can support the overall approach. MAT can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms and should be done under the supervision of a medical professional.
FAQs About Anxiety and Addiction
Co-occurring anxiety and addiction are more common than many people realize, and more than 25% of adults who experience a mental illness such as anxiety also experience a substance use disorder. The relationship between anxiety and addiction can go both directions, with either one of the illnesses capable of contributing to the other. This can also make diagnosis and treatment more challenging because they can mask or hide each other, which is likely one reason many people only seek treatment for one illness at a time.
One condition might sometimes appear more disruptive or worse than the other, and this is common. However, getting a comprehensive diagnosis and treating both conditions together is still important, as ignoring one or the other could hinder treatment progress. For example, someone who attends therapy for anxiety but doesn’t address their substance use is unlikely to learn to use their new skills effectively. Or, if someone addresses their substance use but ignores anxiety, it could put them in a bad position the next time they are stressed and could lead to relapse. Working through co-occurring disorders is important to do together because they may share the same roots or may impact each other significantly.
Yes, when medications are prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional, they can help with both anxiety and addiction. Research has shown that using addiction treatment medicine with behavioral therapy leads to the best chance of success for many patients. However, this is another reason having an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis for both conditions is essential–a healthcare professional can ensure the medications work safely and effectively together and don’t worsen either condition.
Overcoming Anxiety and Addiction at Buddy’s Ranch
Buddy’s Ranch provides substance abuse, mental health, and dual diagnosis treatment at our residential treatment facility in Yuba City, California. We have an amazing, dedicated team of licensed counselors, psychologists, and support staff ready to support you on your unique journey without judgment. We understand overcoming addiction is challenging, and we are committed to creating an environment that allows you to focus on your recovery. If you have been considering treatment options, please contact us today.
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