When Stress Doesn’t End—Anxiety Disorders and Substance Use
When Stress Doesn’t End—Anxiety Disorders and Substance Use
We all feel stressed out from time to time. Whether you are cramming for an exam or you have a big pitch at work, it can cause anxiety. There is a big difference between the occasional stress brought on by day-to-day life and having an anxiety disorder, though.
Below is more information about anxiety disorders, the difference between being stressed out and an anxiety disorder, and the connection between anxiety and substance use.
What Are Anxiety Disorders? What’s the Difference Between a Disorder and Stress?
There is a major difference between normal stress and an anxiety disorder. As outlined by the National Institute of Mental Health:
“Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For people with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships.”
Anxiety isn’t just one thing. There are a variety of different disorders that fall under the umbrella of “anxiety disorders.” These include:
· Generalized Anxiety Disorder
· PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
· Panic Disorder
· Social Anxiety Disorder
· Phobia-related Disorders
The treatment for these disorders will vary. It’s very important that you seek professional help if you are suffering from an anxiety disorder. Unlike normal stress, it doesn’t go away on its own.
It’s important to note that anxiety doesn’t always come with a “cause.” Like depression, those that suffer from an anxiety disorder may feel anxious for seemingly no reason at all. This is a result of the disorder and is normal for those suffering from an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders also aren’t the fault of the sufferer. They are medical conditions and should be treated as such.
Anxiety and Substance Use
Those that suffer from anxiety often look for a way to numb the feeling. This may be done with the use of alcohol or other substances. This can lead to a reliance on the substance—especially for those prone to addiction.
For those with dual-diagnosis (both addiction and anxiety disorder), it’s very important to seek a treatment provider that specializes in dual diagnosis treatment. Some treatment centers focus on one or the other without addressing both co-existing disorders. This method of treatment isn’t as effective and can lead to relapse.
We’re Here to Help!
If you are seeking support for your anxiety and substance use disorders, reach out to Front Door Health. Our team of addiction and mental health specialists is trained to address patients with dual diagnosis. We offer in-home treatment, and we will send a treatment expert to your home to speak with you and provide a professional diagnosis. If it is found that you are suffering from an anxiety disorder and/or addiction, we’ll put a plan of action together for your treatment.
We look forward to speaking with you and providing you with the help you need.
info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com
