Millions of Americans suffer from social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Both of these disorders make it much more likely for people to struggle with alcohol addiction. Anxiety and addiction are both serious mental health disorders that can have a profound impact on a person’s life. The relationship between anxiety disorders and alcohol is a complicated one. People with anxiety disorders often self-medicate, which in turn exacerbates the problem. It can be easy to get lost in the vicious cycle of anxiety and addiction.
Engaging in a dual diagnosis treatment program at Promises Recovery Ranch TN can help you work on these problems individually and learn how they reinforce each other. If you or a loved one is suffering from both an anxiety disorder and addiction, contact us today at 1.844.876.7680. We can help you get the treatment you need to start on the path to recovery.
Anxiety and Addiction
Anxiety disorders are conditions that are characterized by fear, worry, and unease. These disorders can make it difficult to function in daily life and interfere with work, school, and personal relationships. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Anxiety is a normal feeling, but for some, it becomes extreme and even debilitating.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, but the two most relevant that contribute to alcohol consumption are generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. The most common ways that anxiety contributes to are as follows:
- Anxiety can create addictive tendencies by making a person rely on alcohol to self-medicate or to relieve negative emotions.
- People who have an anxiety disorder may drink more heavily or quickly than they intended and may find it difficult to stop drinking once they start.
- Alcohol can also worsen anxiety symptoms, leading to a vicious cycle of alcohol abuse and worsening anxiety.
Signs of Alcoholism
There has been much research indicating that people with one of the two conditions are more likely to have the other. There are also significant relationships between drinking and other anxiety-related issues, including panic disorder, specific phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In short, there is a strong suggestion that alcohol and anxiety are inexorably linked.
If you suffer from anxiety, some of the main signs of alcoholism to look out for include:
- Drinking in secret
- Feeling guilty about drinking
- Hiding alcohol in unusual places
- Having blackouts or memory lapses as a result of drinking
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (sweating, shaking, nausea) when you stop drinking
- Needing to drink more and more alcohol to feel the same effects
Facing financial, legal, or relationship problems as a result of drinking
Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Promises Recovery Ranch TN
The best strategy for treatment is to identify the underlying issue of alcohol abuse. For many, that underlying issue is anxiety. Teaching someone to deal more effectively with their anxiety can help ease their alcohol addiction. That is the mindset at the heart of The Ranch TN’s dual diagnosis treatment program. Dual diagnosis treatment is a powerful method for individuals who struggle with both anxiety and addiction. This form of treatment focuses on each condition individually while also considering the feedback mechanism that may be at work.
If you’re struggling with alcohol and anxiety, understanding the link between the two may help you see when anxiety is causing you to drink. Promises Recovery Ranch TN can help you to identify and cope with the root cause of your issues and maximize your chances of success. Reach out to our team today at 1.844.876.7680 to learn more about how we can help you with both your alcohol addiction and anxiety.
