Anxiety and Addiction | Links, Symptoms and Treatment

Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterised by excessive, persistent worry and fear about everyday situations, which can manifest as physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating and fatigue. It comes in various forms and can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. This condition can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being, making it imperative to reach out for help if you’re experiencing anxiety in any way.

Are there different types of anxiety?

Many people associate anxiety solely with worry or stress, but it goes much deeper. Anxiety encompasses various types, each with unique characteristics. Understanding these differences can help in seeking appropriate support and treatment. Below, we take a look at some of the most common forms of anxiety.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD involves excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday things. People with GAD often anticipate disaster and may be overly concerned about health, money, family, work or other issues, leading to persistent anxiety and physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue and muscle tension.

Panic disorder

Panic Disorder is characterised by sudden, recurrent panic attacks—intense episodes of fear and discomfort. Symptoms include heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath and feelings of impending doom. These attacks can occur unexpectedly and lead to constant worry about future episodes.

Specific phobias

Specific phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations, like heights, animals or flying. Exposure to the feared object or situation provokes immediate anxiety and avoidance behaviours. This fear is disproportionate to the actual danger posed, significantly impacting the person’s life.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

Social Anxiety Disorder, or social phobia, involves intense fear of social or performance situations. Individuals fear being scrutinised or judged negatively by others, leading to avoidance of social interactions.

What causes anxiety?

Trying to pinpoint one specific cause of all the different types of anxiety a person can experience is extremely difficult. Many variables can go into the formation of anxiety, and below, we look at some of the most common causes of anxiety:

Childhood trauma

Childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, can leave lasting scars that manifest as anxiety in adulthood. These early experiences disrupt the development of healthy coping mechanisms, making it challenging for individuals to feel safe and secure, leading to heightened sensitivity to stress and fear.

Social isolation

Research shows that those who are socially isolated are more likely to develop anxiety as it deprives individuals of essential social support, making them more vulnerable. Lack of interaction and connection can lead to feelings of loneliness and exclusion, exacerbating worries and fears.

Stress relating to work or education

Stress from work or education can be a major source of anxiety. High expectations, deadlines and the pressure to perform can create a constant state of tension. This stress can spill over into other areas of life, making it difficult to relax and leading to chronic anxiety.

Gender differences

Gender can play a significant role in anxiety, with women almost twice as likely to experience it as men. Biological, social and cultural factors contribute to this disparity. Hormonal differences, societal expectations and the higher prevalence of certain stressors in women can all lead to increased anxiety levels.

Is there a link between anxiety and addiction?

Studies of adults have found that anxiety disorders, in general, tend to be positively related to abuse of and dependence on both alcohol and/or illicit drugs. When this phenomenon occurs, it’s known as a dual diagnosis, which means a person has both an anxiety disorder and an addiction.

This leads to the question, what comes first, the anxiety or the addiction?

Pre-existing anxiety causing addiction

One explanation for this comorbidity is the self-medication hypothesis. It suggests that individuals with mood or anxiety disorders often turn to substances to cope with their difficult symptoms. For example, someone with social anxiety might use alcohol to feel more comfortable in social situations. Over time, this self-medication can lead to an independent substance use disorder, creating a cycle where they rely on the substance to function, worsening their overall mental health.

Pre-existing addiction causing anxiety

Pre-existing addiction can lead to anxiety in several ways, creating a challenging and stressful experience. Addiction changes the brain, especially the extended amygdala. This part of the brain is responsible for feelings of anxiety, irritability and unease during withdrawal, which often drives a person to seek the drug again. As drug use increases, this brain circuit becomes more sensitive. Over time, individuals with substance use disorder use drugs not to get high but to find temporary relief from these uncomfortable feelings.

Additionally, the psychological stress of living with an addiction, including the constant need to obtain and use the substance and the potential legal, financial and relationship problems, creates a high-stress environment that contributes significantly to anxiety.

How is co-occurring anxiety and addiction treated?

Dealing with co-occurring anxiety and addiction can be a challenging process. At Linwood House, we understand that treating either issue alone can be tough, and when they occur together, it can feel overwhelming. However, with the right help and setting, it’s manageable.

When someone struggles with anxiety alone, they might often find success in outpatient treatment. However, when addiction is also a factor, addressing both issues in an inpatient setting becomes almost essential. Here, we’ll outline how co-occurring anxiety and addiction are treated:

Initial assessment

The first step is a thorough assessment to understand the extent of both anxiety and addiction. This helps in crafting a personalised treatment plan that addresses both conditions effectively.

Detox

For those with substance dependence, a medically monitored detox is often necessary. This ensures that the withdrawal process is as safe and comfortable as possible. At Linwood House, our medical staff are available 24/7 to offer medications to ease withdrawal as well as therapies to help make your withdrawal as comfortable as possible.

Therapies

Linwood House primarily focuses on addiction rehab treatment, so while we don’t specifically cater to anxiety disorders, we understand that many people face both challenges. If you’re dealing with both anxiety and addiction, our treatment programme can be incredibly supportive and beneficial.

Here are some of the therapies we offer:

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): This therapy blends elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques. It helps you manage your emotions, improve your relationships, handle anxiety, manage cravings and reduce impulsive behaviours linked to addiction.
Group therapy: With the combination of professional guidance and peer support, group therapy provides a powerful healing environment. It’s a nurturing space that helps reduce the isolation often felt with anxiety and addiction.
Yoga: This holistic therapy promotes physical and mental well-being through exercises, breathing techniques and meditation. It’s a wonderful way to reduce stress and improve overall health.
Art therapy: Engaging in creative activities can be very therapeutic, allowing you to express your emotions, reduce anxiety and enhance self-awareness and self-esteem.

The next steps

If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety and addiction, know that Linwood House offers a comprehensive treatment programme designed to address both issues simultaneously. Our expert team provides personalised care, evidence-based therapies and a supportive community to help you regain control of your life. Don’t let dual diagnosis hold you back any longer. Reach out to Linwood House today and start your journey towards recovery and a healthier, happier future.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common forms of anxiety?

The most common forms of anxiety include Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Panic Disorder, Specific Phobias, and Separation Anxiety Disorder. Each type has distinct features, but they all involve excessive fear or worry.

How can I tell if my shortness of breath is due to anxiety?

Shortness of breath due to anxiety is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as a racing heart, dizziness, sweating, or feelings of panic. If the shortness of breath occurs in stressful situations and improves with relaxation techniques, it may be anxiety-related. However, if you have persistent or severe shortness of breath, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to rule out other medical conditions.

Are an anxiety attack and a panic attack the same thing?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different experiences. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort, reaching a peak within minutes, and can involve physical symptoms like heart palpitations and sweating. An anxiety attack is typically more gradual, related to stress or worry, and may not reach the same intensity as a panic attack.

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