Many people struggle with anxiety and substance use disorder (SUD) separately. Then, there are those who struggle with anxiety and substance use in tandem. These individuals often end up in a vicious cycle of using to “self-medicate” for their anxiety and becoming anxious about their substance use. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one recover from co-occurring anxiety and substance use.
Better Understanding Substance Use
Millions of people use illicit substances every day. The reality is that many of these people will never feel any significant consequences from their “casual use.” However, it is never a good idea or safe to use illicit substances.
Then there are those who use substances more frequently but do not end up at the level of addiction that would categorize them as having substance use disorder (SUD). These “heavy users” still feel negative physical, mental, and emotional consequences, but can ultimately quit using if they wish. Then, there are those individuals with SUD.
Better Understanding Substance Use Disorder
So, what exactly classifies someone as having SUD? According to the peer-reviewed journal, World Psychiatry, “Substance use disorders (SUDs) are highly prevalent and exact a large toll on individuals’ health, well‐being, and social functioning. Long‐lasting changes in brain networks involved in reward, executive function, stress reactivity, mood, and self‐awareness underlie the intense drive to consume substances and the inability to control this urge in a person who suffers from addiction (moderate or severe SUD). Biological (including genetics and developmental life stages) and social (including adverse childhood experiences) determinants of health are recognized factors that contribute to vulnerability for or resilience against developing an SUD.”
It is also important to understand that SUD is a disease. It is not some type of moral failing or “choice.” Referring to it as such is a stigma. In fact, most medical and addiction recovery professionals agree that SUD has more in common with other chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes than it does with a choice. This is also true with anxiety and substance use.
Better Understanding Substance Use Disorder and Anxiety
It is important to understand that having some anxiety is normal. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “Feeling anxious is a normal part of life,” and “Many people worry about things such as health, money, school, work, or family. However, anxiety disorders involve more than occasional worry or fear. For people with these disorders, anxiety does not go away, is felt in many situations, and can get worse over time.”
However, anxiety increases significantly when it exists in tandem with substance use. According to The Psychiatric Times, “Decades of research in psychiatry have shown that anxiety disorders and substance use disorders co-occur at greater rates than would be expected by chance alone… 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.”
It is also important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of co-occurring anxiety and substance use. Often, one of these disorders overshadows the other, and an individual is underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
The Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder and Anxiety
Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of anxiety and substance use are always going to vary based on the individual. However, one can look out for many universal signs and symptoms. The following are just a few:
- Not being able to stop once starting the use of substances
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and well-being
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or overly “stressed out”
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can even be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as possible is critical.
How to Best Treat Substance Use Disorder and Anxiety
There are many effective modalities that can help treat anxiety and substance use. The most common are evidence-based treatments like psychotherapy.
There are also other modalities that can be helpful. These modalities include experiential therapies like nature and art therapy and holistic healing methods like yoga and meditation. The key is to find what works and stick with it.
Long-Term Success With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term fixes. That is why all of our treatment plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
Anxiety and substance use do not have to win. There is a solution. We can help.
Millions of people struggle with anxiety. Many of these people attempt to cope with their anxiety with substances. This is dangerous and can lead to addiction. The good news is that there are many effective means, methods, and modalities for long-term recovery from anxiety and substance use disorder (SUD). If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about recovering from anxiety and SUD, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
