Drug Induced Anxiety Disorder Caused by Substance Abuse

Learn About Healing Drug Induced Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety is a normal part of life. Everyone experiences anxiety, which reflects a person’s response to stressors, such as work, school, or family. However, anxiety can grow and and lead to addiction which can dramatically interfere with a person’s responsibilities and life. Addiction worsen anxiety, reports the National Institute on Mental Health {NIMH), and those with anxiety disorders need to understand why this happens.

Prevalence of Anxiety Disorders and Addiction

Anxiety disorders affect 18.1 percent of all adults, and up to 22.8 percent of those with an anxiety disorder suffer from a severe anxiety disorder, asserts the NIMH. Yet, those with anxiety disorders, which include mild to severe cases, are up to twice as likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, reports the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, up to 20 percent of US adults with anxiety also suffer from alcohol abuse or substance abuse disorder.

Someone who abuse drugs or alcohol is twice as likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder. When someone abuses drugs or alcohol and suffers from a co-occurring condition, the resulting diagnosis is referred to as a dual diagnosis or comorbidity. Since substance or alcohol abuse increases the likelihood of suffering from an anxiety disorder, someone with an addiction may need to receive treatment in a specialized center for dual diagnoses, such as non 12 step rehabs.

Coping With Anxiety Caused by Substance Abuse and Illegal Drugs

The signs and symptoms of anxiety can be life-altering and result in a withdrawal from routine activities. Although many different types of anxiety disorders exist, similar symptoms may include the following:

• Restlessness.
• Sleep problems (Guide to Managing Anxiety and Sleep)
• Irritability.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Intense worry or fear.

As a result of these common symptoms, some may turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to gain control of their feelings and thoughts. Unfortunately, today’s culture of overstressing and instant gratification has further contributed to a false belief in the ability of illicit drugs and alcohol to correct anxiety.

Alcohol Induced Anxiety

Occasionally, society forgets alcohol abuse is actually a type of substance abuse. The legality of alcohol is not a pass to assume alcohol is a safer alternative. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), heavy alcohol abuse or substance abuse impacts brain function by changing how neurotransmitters (chemicals of the brain) move between neurons. As a result, substance abuse or alcoholism can actually manifest with a “broad range of psychiatric symptoms and signs.” Essentially, alcohol abuse or substance abuse may directly lead to anxiety and mood disorders.

Researchers have further linked alcohol to unusual, antisocial, and aggressive behaviors, which may mirror the signs of anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, this makes receiving an accurate diagnosis more difficult. Therefore, many of those with anxiety disorders who report the use of drugs or alcohol, regardless of how much of a substance was abused or how often, must receive a comprehensive evaluation at the time of treatment. For example, the professionals of non 12 step rehab programs will review if a person has engaged in any form of substance abuse, which includes the abuse of drugs, alcohol, or synthetic substances. Staff then evaluates a person’s mental state and determines the best course of treatment, which may include medication treatment for addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders, psychotherapy, and continued outpatient treatment.

Receiving Help and Treatment for Anxiety Caused by Substances

Alcohol or drug abuse can cause anxiety directly by changes to the brain or indirectly through problems that arise from the influence of drugs or alcohol, such as drinking and driving. By understanding how anxiety worsens alcoholism and substance abuse and vice versa, those with addiction or mental health disorders can learn to recognize their symptoms and get help before reaching a point of crisis.

The Treatment Specialist will connect you with a treatment center for addiction and dual diagnosis conditions. The treatment center team will provide a free confidential assessment and insurance verification. For more information on treatment programs for yourself or a loved one, contact the helpline at (866) 644-7911.