Many people are experiencing an increase in anxiety due to a variety of personal and societal factors as we cope with an unpredictable and ever changing world.
When combined with substance abuse, anxiety can quickly become a trigger for additional use, causing a disastrous loop of drug abuse and withdrawal symptoms.
The Most Common Disorder
Americans suffer from anxiety related disorders more often than any other type of mental illness. According to the NIMH (National Institute on Mental Health), up to 20 percent of adults in the US are struggling with some form of anxiety.
Getting Help Equals Hope
If you are researching addiction and/or anxiety treatment for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to remember that you are not alone and there is help. Millions of people have gotten help at a facility like ours, and the path to recovery is well worn. Let our team of addiction and mental health counselors help you achieve a new sense of serenity and well-being, free from the symptoms of addiction and anxiety.
Symptoms of Anxiety in Substance Abusing Individuals
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), someone who experiences episodes of anxiety is twice as likely to abuse substances like drugs or alcohol.
The fact that alcohol or drug-abusing individuals are struggling with anxiety is often overlooked as the symptoms are considered part of the substance withdrawal. Indeed it can be hard to separate the anxiety from the addiction, but here are some typical symptoms that those struggling with anxiety present:
- avoiding friends and family
- fear and of social situations (where the anxiety is often triggered)
- loss of interest in pastimes that they used to enjoy,
- difficulty making decisions
- difficulty concentrating
- loss of job or failing out of school
- difficulty remembering things
- develop muscle pain and soreness due to tension
At our treatment center, we combine therapeutic processes that target anxiety with close supervision and occasionally integrate medication via our consulting psychiatrist to manage the symptoms of anxiety which can derail early recovery.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
While symptoms of anxiety are during early recovery are quite common, some individuals meet the criteria for the full Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) diagnosis.
Those with GAD will find it challenging to function in daily life as a result of the anxiety. Many people who have GAD also have one or more co-occurring disorder, a history of trauma (often occurring in early life), or other significant life stressors.
When someone experiences uncontrollable terror that include symptoms such as:
- Hyperventilation and/or Difficulty Breathing
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Chest Pain
…then they may be experiencing panic disorder. Typically episodes last 10 minutes and can be completely overwhelming.
Treatment for Anxiety at Balboa Horizons
We screen for anxiety upon intake to our facility (and frequently our clients come here have already been diagnosed with anxiety). Once we start the treatment regimen (which may include psychiatric medications), our compassionate, highly-skilled treatment team will constantly be evaluating your progress and working alongside you to ensure that all of your needs are met.
Treating Both Diagnoses Simultaneously
Medical evidence indicates that the best solution to anxiety and substance abuse lies in a comprehensive treatment protocol that combines mental health and addiction treatment. Addressing both disorders simultaneously allows for a much higher quality of recovery, which in turn gives the recovering individual the best possible chance at long term recovery.
Experiential and Traditional Treatment Processes
Every person who is in treatment for addiction at Balboa Horizons will participate in:
- Individual Counseling
- Group Therapy
- 12-Step Support Groups
- Frequent Drug Testing
- Experiential Process Groups (art therapy, outdoor activities)
- Family Systems Related Counseling
Therapeutic processes like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) have been shown to greatly help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. There will be a close analysis of the triggers and timing of the episodes of anxiety, and the client will be given many tools to use when these episodes present themselves.
Group therapy with others who experience episodes of anxiety is always highly recommended due to the uplifting nature of sharing one’s recovery with others who can relate to the experience. Indeed the recovery support system of peers can be invaluable to the person coping with anxiety during early sobriety.
Someone who is also exhibiting symptoms of anxiety may also receive:
- Additional therapy with off-site mental health specialist (ie therapist or psychiatrist)
Medication will be offered to those who are in early recovery and struggling with overwhelming symptoms of anxiety. It is not uncommon for a newly sober individual to benefit greatly from anti-anxiety medication. The goal is to keep the use of medications limited to the short term, but our ongoing monitoring will reveal if the individual needs a continued prescription past the first 30 or 60 days of treatment.
Starting the Path to Recovery
Getting help begins by taking the first step which is contacting our intake counselors. There’s no better feeling than knowing that instead of living in fear and confusion, you have taken a step down the path of recovery and will have our clinical professionals who can guide you through the process. Call us today.