Dealing with substance use disorders and anxiety disorders can be tough. However, understanding their connections helps create better treatment plans.
If you’re struggling with both anxiety and substance misuse, you’re not alone. Co-occurring disorders happen when mental health issues and substance use problems occur at the same time. They are more common than many people think.
Research shows that more than one-third of people with alcohol use disorders have a serious mental health condition. Over half of those with substance use disorders also have a serious mental health issue. Nearly 30% of people with a mental illness misuse alcohol or drugs. Additionally, 60% will misuse substances at some time in their lives.
Dealing with each of these challenges can be hard. When they all happen at once, life gets even tougher.
The good news is that understanding how anxiety relates to substance use disorders can help you. This knowledge can guide you to the right treatment. It can also help you find the support you need.
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are complex problems. They happen when you cannot control your drug use, even if it hurts your life. This could be a substance like alcohol, tobacco, or drugs—anything that changes the way your brain works.
When you have SUDs, your interest in using substances becomes very strong. This can hurt your daily life, relationships, and responsibilities. You continue to use it, even if you are aware that it is doing you harm.
Using drugs or alcohol can change how your brain works. These changes can last even after the effects go away.
Initially, you might feel happy or relaxed when you use these substances. However, over time, your brain adapts to them, which often means you’ll need to take more to feel the same high. If you choose to stop using, you might experience tough withdrawal symptoms. These can include cravings and increased anxiety, as well as other physical and emotional discomforts.
This isn’t just about willpower. The brain goes through real, physical changes. You can change parts of your brain that help you make decisions.
This also helps you control your impulses and manage your emotions. These changes can make it harder to stop certain behaviors.
You may act differently. You might make choices that don’t match your values. You could also feel distant from who you used to be.
There’s no single reason why someone develops a substance use disorder. Often, it’s a mix of factors. People might start using substances for a variety of reasons:
Whatever the reason (once you start), it can be hard to stop. Even if you know that the substance is harming you, the brain changes that happen with continued use can make quitting feel impossible.
Living with a substance use disorder often means dealing with a range of challenges. These can affect multiple areas of your life:
SUDs can involve a wide range of substances. Some of the most common types include:
Many people often have more than one substance use disorder at the same time. This can include alcohol and tobacco use disorders. This is referred to as polysubstance use disorder. SUDs can vary in severity, with some individuals developing mild dependence while others experience full-blown addiction.
You’ve probably felt anxiety before—it’s that knot in your stomach, the constant feeling of worry, fear, or unease. It’s normal to feel stressed. However, if these feelings become too strong or last too long, they can lead to an anxiety disorder.
Anxieties, known as anxiety disorders, are mental health issues. They involve strong feelings of fear, worry, and discomfort. These feelings often do not match the actual situation or threat. This can get in the way of your everyday life and even show up physically, like a racing heartbeat, dizziness, or sweating.
Problems like financial stress, health issues, relationship conflicts, or legal troubles can make your anxiety worse. Sometimes, people turn to drugs or alcohol to numb their feelings. And sometimes, it’s hard to tell if symptoms are from anxiety or the effects of alcohol or drugs—they can look very similar. Anxiety disorders can appear in different ways, and each type impacts people in its own way.
GAD symptoms include:
Physical symptoms such as irritable bowel syndrome, muscle tension, headaches, stomachaches, excessive sweating, and an increased heart rate are also common.
SAD symptoms include:
Physical symptoms here could include blushing, sweating, shaking, rapid heartbeat, or even stomachaches.
PD symptoms include:
Anxiety can lead people to use alcohol or drugs. They may do this to relax, calm racing thoughts, or help with sleep.
Turning to these substances when anxiety feels overwhelming is not uncommon. However, while they may offer a brief reprieve, addictive substances do not address the root causes of anxiety. Once the temporary effects dissipate, anxiety frequently returns, sometimes more intensely than before.
Over time, your brain and neurotransmitter systems get used to these substances. What used to calm you down won’t work as well anymore. This is called tolerance, meaning you’ll need more substance to feel the same effect.
It’s a risky cycle. While you try to ease anxiety, you may also increase the chance of becoming dependent on the substance.
When anxiety and substance use disorder (SUD) overlap, it’s called a dual diagnosis. It means you’re likely grappling with a differential diagnosis and two separate but connected issues. If you have a dual diagnosis, it is important to get treatment for both anxiety and substance use. Without the proper support, it’s much harder to break the cycle and prevent relapse.
Yes, addiction can lead to anxiety. When you use substances, they interfere with the chemicals in your brain, and over time, that can change how you feel. If you choose to stop drinking or using drugs, you may feel anxious, restless, or irritable.
But it’s not only about the physical withdrawal symptoms. Living with a substance use problem can be very stressful. This stress can increase anxiety or even cause it to start when it wasn’t a problem before.
Anxiety can sometimes push people toward addiction. When you feel overwhelmed, you may want to grab something to help you feel better. This could be alcohol, drugs, or another substance. This is called “self-medicating.”
At first glance, it might appear to be a simple answer that gives you a brief escape from the endless anxiety. In reality, though, it creates more problems than it solves.
Over time, the things that seem to help can actually raise your anxiety. This creates a harmful cycle that is hard to break. What starts as a way to cope can eventually lead to dependence and addiction.
Several factors contribute to the development of both substance use disorders and anxiety, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
A co-occurring disorder can run in families. If a family member has a mental health issue or addiction, other family members might also have these problems.
Experts also believe this happens because of changes in the brain. Sometimes, differences in brain structure or the functioning of brain chemicals can cause mental health problems or addiction. These changes in the brain can make it more likely to use alcohol or drugs. This can lead to or worsen mental health problems, creating a cycle between them.
Trauma can hold people back, like an anchor that keeps them tied to the past. Childhood abuse or neglect can shape how a person sees and interacts with the world. This can make them more vulnerable to issues like anxiety and drug addiction.
When faced with trauma, it’s understandable to want to escape the pain. For many individuals, substances provide temporary relief from overwhelming emotions.
However, this relief is often short-lived, and the cycle can quickly take hold. Anxiety comes back, and addiction becomes a way to cope with it. This creates a cycle that feels hard to escape.
Anxiety and substance use disorders (SUD) are not only caused by biology. Outside factors also play a big role. If childhood trauma remains untreated, it can haunt your adult life, raising the risk of anxiety, depression, and addiction. Those deep emotional scars can fester if left untreated, paving the way for bigger troubles ahead.
It’s not just past wounds that weigh us down. Ongoing stress—be it work struggles or financial woes—can also push someone toward substances as a means of escape. A shaky support system or toxic influences only amplifies the risks. Amid the chaos, substances may seem like a refuge, but they only deepen the cycle of despair.
We know that cost is a major factor for most people when seeking treatment for drug & alcohol abuse in Virginia. Novara Recovery Center works with most major insurance plans to help cover up to 100% of the costs associated with treatment at our program. To find out your personal options for treatment, get a free verification of insurance benefits right now by clicking the button below.
In the past, treatment usually addressed a mental health condition like anxiety and any co-occurring substance use disorders separately. The downside is that it often results in fragmented care. Today, though, integrated models are the most effective treatments. They take a more holistic approach, borrowing from both mental health and addiction fields.
Integrated treatment means bringing together therapy, medical help, and social support into one plan. This plan helps with all the issues you are facing at the same time. Instead of just looking at one problem, this method addresses both issues, ensuring every part of your health is cared for.
Mixing different types of care creates a complete and personalized approach. This can help you progress in a way that fits your needs.
When treating anxiety and substance use disorders (SUDs) together, some medications can be helpful. Here are a few that are commonly used:
SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline are often prescribed. They address anxiety and depression without the risk of abuse. This makes them a safer choice if you face both issues.
If anxiety is more of a concern, buspirone could be an option. It is a partial agonist for serotonin receptors. Some studies suggest it can help people with anxiety, especially those who struggle with alcohol use.
Topiramate, originally an anticonvulsant, emerges as a warrior against alcohol dependence and anxiety, including PTSD and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It’s a dual defender, bringing solace to anxiety patients who are also battling alcohol use disorder.
Tiagabine is an anticonvulsant that has shown potential in easing anxiety symptoms. Research suggests it may help lower cocaine use. This offers a double benefit for people dealing with anxiety and substance use issues. It’s one of those options that could address multiple concerns at once, making it a promising choice for some.
There’s a wide range of behavioral therapies that can help address issues to do with anxiety and SUDs. Here are some of the most commonly used approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
It is a type of talk therapy. It helps you find and challenge negative or irrational thoughts. These thoughts can often increase anxiety and addiction.
The goal is to break the cycle by addressing the way you think, which then helps change the way you behave. Cognitive behavioral therapies help you recognize and change unhelpful thoughts. This empowers you to think in healthier ways. It is a key tool for managing anxiety and addiction.
Family Therapy
Family therapy can significantly enhance communication and conflict resolution among you and your loved ones. It brings everyone together to strengthen their bonds. This is especially important when facing issues like anxiety or addiction.
These problems can test family ties. By gaining insight into family dynamics, each member can learn to support one another in more positive ways.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT blends mindfulness with acceptance, guiding you through emotional storms. It’s your anchor for managing impulsive reactions and gaining control when stress hits.
Relaxation Techniques
Methods like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation reduce stress, anxiety, and cravings in individuals with addiction.
Contingency Management (CM)
CM is your cheerleader, using rewards to spark positive actions, like staying clean. It’s motivation in action, pushing you to stay on the path of recovery.
Each of these therapies provides a special way to help with anxiety and addiction. When combined with other addiction treatments, they can create lasting change.
When someone you care about is dealing with both anxiety and substance use issues, your support can make a huge difference. It’s important to handle the situation with patience and understanding. Recovery takes time, so keep a realistic view.
You won’t sound convincing if you don’t know what you’re talking about. Understanding anxiety and substance use disorders will make it easier for you to offer adequate support.
Do your research so you can take charge. Be ready to answer tough questions.
Clarify any misunderstandings. Be a kind and informed helper. Also, taking time to learn about what your loved one is going through will help you support them. This will build empathy and understanding.
Nudge your loved one towards professional help. Chronic intoxication and mental health issues like anxiety may need specialized care. Your encouragement could be the spark that ignites their recovery journey.
Recovery is not easy. People with mental health challenges and substance abuse need a safe and caring environment. This helps them get better without too many obstacles.
Show patience, avoid judgment, and offer empathy for their struggles. Let them know you are there for them.
Be ready to listen and offer support. However, be careful not to encourage any harmful behaviors. Just being a consistent, non-judgmental presence can mean more than you realize.
Dealing with substance use problems and anxiety at the same time can be hard. However, it is possible to get better. With the right help, treatment programs, and plans, people can regain control of their lives and manage both issues well. Family, friends, and mental health experts all play an essential role in this journey.
Do you or someone you know struggle with both anxiety and alcohol or substance use disorder? At Novara Recovery, we believe in taking a well-rounded approach to your recovery. We know that facing challenges like these can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help you work through them, one step at a time.
Our team makes a personal plan that focuses on your well-being. We provide the support you need on your journey. We’re here for you every step of the way. Reach out today at (703) 705-7870 and talk to one of our compassionate professionals to learn how we can help guide you toward healing.
Polysubstance Use Facts: https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/polysubstance-use.html
Substance Abuse and Panic-Related Anxiety: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2256896/
Dual Diagnosis: https://medlineplus.gov/dualdiagnosis.html#:~:text=What%20is%20dual%20diagnosis
Buspirone Treatment of Anxious Alcoholics: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8080349/
Written By:
Mental Health Writer
Geoffrey Andaria is a seasoned writer and editor specializing in mental health content. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, he possesses a solid foundation in crafting freelance articles and conducting research. Geoffrey has also completed courses in social work. He dedicates himself to providing valuable and informative content for individuals impacted by mental health challenges and addiction.
Medically Reviewed By:
Expert Contributor
Dr. Williams is currently a board member for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He possesses a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. He holds a license to offer addiction counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut. Additionally, he has submitted an application to become a licensed psychologist in New Jersey.
