Anxiety and addiction are a common pair. In fact, almost half the individuals who get help for addiction also need help for a co-occurring disorder. And often, the co-occurring disorder paired with addiction is an anxiety disorder. Since concurring disorders can play a part in the development of addiction itself, it’s important to get help that addresses both addiction and anxiety. Furthermore, it’s important to address anxiety in treatment because it can make recovery even more challenging if it’s not.

The Tie Between Anxiety and Addiction

Anxiety is one of the most commonly paired mental health conditions with addiction. This may be due to the high rate of anxiety disorders in our country, which affect about 40 million people (and 18% of the population). While everyone deals with anxiety at some level, those who live with anxiety disorders experience extreme anxiety that debilitates their ability to live a normal life.

Unfortunately, many people don’t get the anxiety help they need because they either aren’t aware they live with a condition, deny they have anxiety issues, or are fearful of getting. Often, in these cases, individuals attempt to self-medicate symptoms of their anxiety with drugs and/or alcohol. But, while addictive substances may numb symptoms of anxiety disorders for a short time, they can actually make symptoms of anxiety even worse. Furthermore, when a person continues to attempt to treat anxiety symptoms with addictive substances, addiction inevitably develops.

On the other hand, anxiety disorders can also develop as a result of addiction. Using substances in an abusive manor can lead to a number of upsetting consequences. Some of these consequences may include losing a job, depleting relationships, and drained bank accounts. Obviously, any of these consequences can bring about high levels of stress and anxiety. And can even lead to the development of long term anxiety disorders.

Dealing with Anxiety During Treatment for Addiction

Unfortunately, those who deal with co-occurring disorders may have a more challenging time in both treatment and recovery for addiction. Those diagnosed with anxiety disorders may feel more anxious without the crutch of drugs and alcohol during detox and treatment. Even if these indivdiuals have the best intentions when it comes to getting sober and establishing a life of health, their anxiety can get in the way of these intentions. This is why it’s so important to choose a facility that treats individuals with a dual diagnosis program. A dual diagnosis program is specifically designed to help individuals living with addiction and co-occurring disorders get the comprehensive treatment they need.

Choosing Treatment that Addresses both Anxiety and Addiction

A dual diagnosis program that helps individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders and substance abuse disorder is one which includes various aspects. Firstly, it involves psychotherapeutic approaches to identify underlying causes of both anxiety and addiction. This will help individuals to better understand why they have developed these issues so they can better identify their own unique relapse triggers. Secondly, a dual diagnosis program may include alternative treatments for anxiety, as drugs and alcohol no longer suffice for treating the symptoms of anxiety. Finally, a good dual diagnosis program will incorporate holistic approaches. This way, individuals can learn to develop methods of dealing with anxiety and addiction relapse triggers once they’re done with treatment and assimilate back into society.

Dual Diagnosis for Anxiety and Addiction in San Jose, California

If you’re looking for an addiction treatment facility that includes a dual diagnosis program to help you with any mental health issues you may be battling, consider Wellness Retreat Recovery Center.

Here, we provide individuals with the skills and tools they’ll need to overcome the symptoms of their mental health conditions and addiction so they may develop lives of well-being and happiness. Contact us today to talk to us about getting started on your journey to a life free from addiction and debilitating symptoms of mental health conditions!