Many people don’t often think of anxiety and addiction as overlapping conditions. However, it’s becoming increasingly common for these two problems to occur together. What is the link between anxiety and addiction? How does the existence of both issues affect the course of treatment?
Linking Anxiety and Addiction
Anxiety and addiction are often present in the same individual. For some people, the issue of anxiety occurs first. As a way of dealing with this problem, the person may rely on addictive substances. In other cases, the substance abuse is what leads to the development of an anxiety condition. When it comes time for treatment, both issues need to be treated thoroughly on their own.
Common Types of Anxiety Conditions
Anxiety is not a one-size-fits-all condition. There are many different types of anxiety conditions that can occur. Those also facing addiction issues commonly experience the following conditions:
Generalized Anxiety
Generalized anxiety describes an overall anxious feeling that affects most aspects of a person’s life. The anxiety felt is not limited to any one particular area or theme. Keep in mind that the level of anxiety present with these conditions is often extreme.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a condition that occurs following a type of trauma. Whatever trauma occurs, the person affected by PTSD will exhibit signs of extreme anxiety surrounding memories of the event.
Social Phobia
A social phobia is a form of anxiety that only occurs surrounding social interactions with others. During the rest of the time, the individual doesn’t experience abnormal amounts of fear or nervousness. This fear will erupt, however, if he attempts to engage with others socially. Social phobias can disrupt a person’s life, prevent meaningful relationships, or affect secular work.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, can manifest in many different ways. A person with OCD will use various rituals to attempt to control the extreme amount of anxiety they feel on a daily basis.
How Does a Dual-Diagnosis Affect Treatment?
When it comes to addiction and anxiety treatment, experiencing a dual diagnosis creates a unique situation. Just as would be right with any other types of health conditions, both addiction and anxiety must be separated. Even though they impact each other in significant ways, they both require individual treatment plans to ensure a successful recovery.
Locating the Best Treatment Center for You
Steps to Recovery is a rehab facility near the town of Levittown, PA. By providing a wide selection of addiction recovery services, Steps to Recovery can create a treatment plan dedicated to the individual needs of each person.
You don’t have to allow anxiety and addiction to prevent you from living the life of your dreams. Get the tools you need to overcome addiction by seeking help from a skilled rehab center. Call Steps to Recovery at 866-488-8684 to find out how we can help you begin to heal from addiction.
