Treating Addiction Alongside Anxiety Disorders

What Are Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive and persistent worry, fear, and anxiety, which can interfere with a person’s day-to-day life, relationships, work, and responsibilities.¹ These feelings can persist beyond a trigger event and are generally more severe than the anxiety people experience as part of everyday life.¹

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are several types of anxiety disorders, and they typically vary in the severity and presentation of symptoms.¹ A few common anxiety disorders include:¹

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This is often diagnosed when a person’s anxiety persists and interferes with daily life for months or even years. It may include feelings of dread, physical symptoms, and difficulty sleeping even when there are no apparent triggers or concerns.
• Panic disorder. This disorder causes unexpected and recurring panic attacks that can be difficult to stop. These attacks bring intense fear, a sense of losing control, and physical manifestations of stress. Anxiety increases as the person worries about when the next panic attack will come and may attempt to avoid situations associated with previous attacks.
• Social anxiety disorder. A social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense and persistent fear of situations where one might be scrutinized or judged by other people. This fear can be so overwhelming that it interferes with daily life, work, school, and relationships.
• Phobia-related disorders cause intense fear or aversion to specific situations or objects out of proportion to the actual danger present. Examples of phobias can include a fear of heights, open spaces, separation, or even non-threatening objects like soap.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

Though the typical hallmark of all anxiety disorders is excessive worrying or fear, symptoms can manifest differently for each disorder.¹

Signs and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder may include:¹

• Restlessness or feeling on edge.
• Difficulty controlling worry.
• Feeling tired and worn out, even after adequate sleep
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Feeling easily frustrated or annoyed.
• Sleep problems, including falling or staying asleep.

Additionally, people with generalized anxiety disorder may experience physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, stomachaches, nausea, and increased heart rate.

Panic disorder is characterized by unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort. These attacks can be accompanied by a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, which can include:¹

• Pounding or racing heart.
• Sweating.
• Trembling or shaking.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Numbness or tingling sensation.
• Feelings of impending doom.
• Feeling out of control.

Signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder include:¹

• Intense fear or anxiety in social situations that can range from mild discomfort to paralyzing fear.
• Fear of negative evaluation.
• Avoidance of social situations.
• Difficulty making eye contact.

Additionally, people with social anxiety disorder may experience physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, trembling or shaking, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and stomaches.

Causes of Anxiety Disorders

As with many mental health conditions, there is no known direct cause of anxiety disorders, but some people may be at greater risk of developing one.² Risk factors for and conditions that can exacerbate anxiety disorders include:¹

• Childhood history of distress or shyness in new situations.
• Exposure to stressful or adverse events.
• Family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders.
• Physical conditions such as thyroid or heart arrhythmia problems.
• Consumption of caffeine or other substances or medications.

Whether you are at risk or have developed an anxiety disorder, treatment is available to help you overcome your anxiety and manage your symptoms.

Risk Factors for Co-Occurring Anxiety Disorders and Addiction

The relationship between anxiety and addiction is complex and multi-faceted. Several risk factors may contribute to this, some of which include:³

• Genetics. A family history of either anxiety disorders or addiction can increase the likelihood of developing one or the other or both.
• Environmental factors. Exposure to trauma, chronic stress, or adverse childhood experiences can increase the risk for both disorders.
• Social and cultural influences. Specific social or cultural environments may promote drug or alcohol use as a coping mechanism.
• Substance-induced anxiety. The use of certain substances can trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms.

The Connection Between Anxiety and Substance Misuse

Mental health conditions like anxiety frequently co-occur with substance use disorders (SUDs).⁴ People may use drugs or alcohol to cope with the symptoms of anxiety disorders, a form of self-medication, which can progress to dependence or addiction.⁴ In fact, about 90% of people with generalized anxiety disorder struggle with comorbid disorders. SUDs are the most common, and approximately 20% of people with social anxiety disorder develop a substance use disorder.⁴

Panic disorder and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are often interconnected.⁴  Alcohol withdrawal can trigger panic attacks, while individuals with panic disorder may use alcohol to self-medicate, potentially leading to AUD.⁴

Helping a Loved One with Anxiety and Substance Misuse

It can be challenging to watch someone you care about struggling with addiction and anxiety. Supporting your loved one requires patience and understanding. While you can’t force someone to get help, some things you can include:⁵

• Educate yourself about both anxiety disorders and addiction. Understanding the symptoms, triggers, and treatment options will equip you to offer informed support.
• Be compassionate. Let your loved one know you care and are there for them. Listen without judgment and offer support.
• Set boundaries. While being supportive, it’s important to set healthy boundaries to protect yourself and avoid enabling substance misuse. This may involve saying no to requests for money or refusing to participate in activities that involve substance use.
• Encourage treatment. Gently encourage your loved one to seek professional help. Offer to help them find resources or accompany them to appointments.
• Be patient. Recovery is a journey, not a destination. There may be setbacks and challenges along the way. Be patient, understanding, and as supportive as you can be.
• Take care of yourself. Supporting someone with mental health and addiction issues can be emotionally draining. Make sure to prioritize your well-being by practicing self-care, seeking support from others, or joining support groups.

Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorders and Addiction

If you or a loved one is battling anxiety and addiction, there is effective help available. Because it can be challenging to resolve mental health conditions without addressing addiction (and vice versa), it’s generally recommended that people struggling with co-occurring disorders receive treatment for both simultaneously.⁶ Treating co-occurring disorders involves a comprehensive approach that focuses on the underlying causes of both conditions.⁶

Treatment often involves group and individual therapy, community support, detox and withdrawal support, and personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.^1,6

American Addiction Centers’ nationwide network of addiction treatment centers can help you with co-occurring disorders, including PTSD and addiction, to get you on the road to recovery and back to living the life you deserve. Contact us today at to learn more about your treatment options and start your journey toward a healthier, happier you.

Frequently Asked Questions