Substance use disorders and mental health are often two peas in a pod. At times it is difficult to separate one from another. More often than not, each condition gradually worsens the other. Over 50% of individuals suffering from a substance abuse disorder have what is considered a dual diagnosis. The term dual diagnosis is more commonly referred to as a co-occurring disorder .
Can Anxiety be a Trigger for Drug and Alcohol Use?
There isn’t a “one size fits all” type of dual diagnosis. A vast amount of different combinations of substance use disorder and mental health disorders are possible, each with its own set of side effects that can make a dual diagnosis difficult to understand; this can make it much harder to diagnose and treat. Anxiety is one of the top mental health disorders that can make drug or alcohol addiction harder to overcome, as well as interfere with recovery.
Anxiety refers to a normal stress reaction which is beneficial in some instances. Anxiety disorders on the other hand differ from normal feelings of nervousness or stress and involve excessive, sometimes inappropriate, fear or anxiety. This is not a temporary of fleeting feeling – with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can worsen over time.
If you suffer from anxiety and a substance use disorder, you might not understand how they interact, but you can definitely feel it. The tension, stress, worries and feeling of restlessness start to creep into your day; or maybe it hits you first thing when you wake. You try to go about your life, but all you can think of is your anxiety. It can consume you if you let it but don’t be tempted to self medicate with alcohol or drugs.
Co-occurring anxiety can derail the best intentions for a sober life in recovery. Don’t let an untreated medical condition be what stands in the way of your sobriety. Entering a recovery program that specifically treats co-occurring disorders can give you the support and motivation you need to turn your life around.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
