An astounding tens of millions of people in the United States experience anxiety disorders each year, making them one of the most common mental health conditions. Even more concerning is that a considerable portion of those with anxiety disorders also have challenges with substance use disorders (SUD). Co-occurring disorders like these can be more difficult to overcome, but with the help of dual diagnosis treatment, a calmer, healthier, sober future can be yours.
Seek treatment from a reputable dual diagnosis treatment center like Promises My 5 Palms. Our whole-person approach to co-occurring disorders provides clients with an effective, personalized combination of therapies and medications.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders refer to situations where a person experiences a mental health condition in combination with a substance use disorder. This is also known as dual diagnosis since a person is diagnosed with two or dual conditions. In some cases, a person may be dealing with more than two simultaneous mental health or SUD challenges, but it is still referred to as dual diagnosis.
Co-occurring disorders present a unique challenge in that they exacerbate the symptoms of each condition and can make treatment more complex. Both conditions must be addressed together through dual diagnosis treatment for the best outcome since SUD treatment without attention to mental health issues can leave a person vulnerable to returning to drugs or alcohol to mitigate their symptoms. And treating mental health symptoms without handling SUD does nothing to alleviate cravings from physical or psychological dependence.
The Dysfunctional Relationship Between Addiction and Anxiety
One of the most common types of co-occurring disorders is addiction and anxiety since both conditions feed one another. In some cases, a substance use disorder can instigate anxiety:
- SUD disrupts the healthy function of brain chemicals that control things like mood and anxiety. Your brain normally releases the neurotransmitter dopamine in response to pleasurable experiences like spending time with your loved ones or eating your favorite meal. Once you are dependent on a substance, these no longer produce pleasure and you require the more intense dopamine hit of drugs or alcohol.
- Dealing with cravings for drugs or alcohol can make you feel anxious.
- Trying to hide substance misuse or worrying about getting caught can induce anxiety.
This relationship can also begin as anxiety that eventually leads to a substance use disorder. A person living with either temporary anxiety or an anxiety disorder may turn to substances for several reasons:
- People with social anxiety might use substances like alcohol or marijuana to calm down before attending social events. This can eventually result in a vicious cycle in which the person can no longer feel comfortable in any social setting without using substances.
- Anxiety can make it difficult to sleep, so a person may use depressant drugs or alcohol to help them wind down in the evening. Over time, they can become dependent on the substances to sleep.
- Those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an anxiety disorder triggered by a traumatic event, may encounter extremely distressing memories and flashbacks about the event. They may try to escape intrusive thoughts and memories by numbing themselves with benzodiazepines or alcohol.
Whether it begins with addiction or anxiety, the cycle can take a tremendous toll on your life. You might have a difficult time keeping up with work or personal responsibilities and start to isolate yourself from others. Without proper treatment, these issues will often get worse, so it is crucial to seek dual diagnosis treatment to bring symptoms under control.
Enroll in Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Promises My 5 Palms Today
The relief you need from anxiety and co-occurring SUD can be found at 5 Palms. Call us today at 1.844.675.1022 or complete the online form to learn more and enroll in a dual diagnosis program at our sunny Florida treatment center.