Addiction and co-occurring disorders are less understood many people may think. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. This doesn’t mean that one caused the other and it can be difficult to determine which came first. Of the 20.3 million adults with substance use disorders, 37.9% also had mental illnesses. Among the 42.1 million adults with mental illness, 18.2% also had substance use disorders.” This includes trouble understanding addiction and anxiety.
The Prevalence of Addiction in the U.S.
Addiction remains highly prevalent in the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA),” “In 2022, 48.7 million people aged 12 or older (or 17.3%) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including 29.5 million who had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), 27.2 million who had a drug use disorder (DUD), and 8.0 million people who had both an AUD and a DUD.”
Addiction also has many signs and symptoms. They can help better determine if you or a loved one may be struggling. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Not being able to stop drinking or using substances after starting
- Drinking and/or using substances regardless of consequences
- Having repeated and sometimes “extreme” hangovers
- Regularly feeling depressed, sad, and/or lonely
- Having feelings of uselessness, hopelessness, and unredeemable
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Feelings of self-harm
- Experiencing regular, often intense, bouts of anxiety
This last symptom of anxiety is more common than many people think. It can also be very damaging physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The Prevalence of Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders in the U.S.
According to the peer-reviewed journal, Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, “Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and separation anxiety disorder, are the most prevalent mental disorders and are associated with immense health care costs and a high burden of disease.” Also, “According to large population-based surveys, up to 33.7% of the population are affected by an anxiety disorder during their lifetime.”
There are also many universal signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Feeling excessively uncomfortable in social settings
- Being unable to calm down or relax
- Panicking and having feelings of impending danger
- Having trouble sleeping, including sleeping too much, and/or insomnia
- Feeling overly lethargic
- Having suicidal ideations
- Using alcohol and/or substances as a way of self-medicating
This last sign of anxiety is much more common than people think. It is also why many people find themselves dual-diagnosed with anxiety and depression.
Understanding Addiction and Anxiety: The Correlation
Now, understanding addiction and anxiety is all about understanding that alcohol and substances can lead to feelings of physical stress as well as anxiety related to external consequences. This is because alcohol and many substances are also depressants and with depression can come intense feelings of anxiety.
According to the “Psychiatric Times,” “Anxiety and substance use disorders are among the most frequent psychiatric problems in the United States, with lifetime rates of 28.8% and 14.6%, respectively. The presence of an anxiety or substance use disorder is also a risk factor for the presence of the other disorder, as shown in both epidemiological and clinical samples.” The good news is that there are many effective evidence-based treatments for both addiction and anxiety.
Understanding Addiction and Anxiety: Getting Help
When it comes to understanding addiction and anxiety it is important to know that they should be treated at the same time. Many treatments do just this. One of the most common is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
CBT is highly effective and its effectiveness is also well documented as it has been in use for quite some time relative to other treatments. According to the academic journal, Cognitive Therapy and Research, “Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) refers to a class of interventions that share the basic premise that mental disorders and psychological distress are maintained by cognitive factors. The core premise of this treatment approach, as pioneered by Beck (1970) and Ellis (1962), holds that maladaptive cognitions contribute to the maintenance of emotional distress and behavioral problems… [T]hese maladaptive cognitions include general beliefs, or schemas, about the world, the self, and the future, giving rise to specific and automatic thoughts in particular situations.”
There are also many other types of treatments for addiction and anxiety. These treatments include experiential therapies like nature-immersion therapy and art therapy and holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and meditation.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at Lantana Recovery
The key to healing from anxiety and addiction is to focus on recovery in the long term. This is what we do here at Lantana Recovery.
Our primary purpose is to help you or your loved one recover. The only thing you have to do is reach out. We’ll do the rest.
Anxiety and addiction often go hand in hand. This includes the anxiety one feels when one can’t stop drinking or using, the anxiety attached to asking for help, and the potential for comorbidities of anxiety disorders. It is important not to ignore the signs of anxiety and addiction and to seek help as soon as possible. If you feel like you or a loved one may be struggling with issues of addiction, anxiety, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. For more information about effective means, methods, and modalities for treating anxiety and addiction, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
