Anxiety disorders are either generalized or specific. In addiction, anxiety may be the cause or the result of the condition. As a dual diagnoses, they must be treated concurrently for successful recovery in sobriety.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder covers a wide range of symptoms and severity. Symptoms include:
Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder Panic attacks may start in the late teens or early adulthood. They may be caused by fear of losing control or fear of disaster. They may become repeated events that develop into a disorder but do not necessarily repeat. Medical attention is critical to make an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms include:
Social Anxiety Social anxiety may be isolating in its extreme. Symptoms can include:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) results from one or more traumatic life experience that become embedded in one’s mind and affects one’s life. Women who suffer from substance abuse have a 70 percent or higher incidence of experiencing PTSD in their lives.
War veterans also suffer from high rates of PTSD. They often turn to alcohol or drugs for relief. PTSD symptoms can include:
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) OCD ranges in severity and can cause social isolation, panic and rigidity of behaviors. Some symptoms can include:
Anxiety disorders can be successfully treated. Drinking alcohol, misusing drugs and mixing drugs is not the answer. In rehab, addiction and mental disorders are treated at the same time. Each patient will find healthy coping skills, practices and appropriate treatment for a balanced and sober life.
