The Relationship Between Anxiety Disorders and Alcoholism
Anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are common co-occurring conditions that can wreak havoc on mental health. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the prevalence of co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders in the United States is 18.5%, which is higher than the average prevalence in other developed countries.
To understand this complex public health issue better, it is important to dive deeper into the connection between anxiety and alcoholism locally. This article will explore the types of anxiety disorders, the effects of alcoholism, reasons for their frequent co-occurrence, integrated treatment approaches such as those offered at pH Wellness detox center, and stories of recovery from those working to overcome dual diagnosis in Rancho Cucamonga.
Understanding the Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders encompass a range of conditions characterized by excessive fear, worry or anxiety that are disproportionate to the situation and interfere with daily activities. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), there are several major types of anxiety disorders:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
People with GAD experience frequent, exaggerated, and uncontrollable worry about everyday issues such as health, work, relationships or finances. Physical symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension and sleep disturbances.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Also known as social phobia, SAD involves intense fear and avoidance of social situations due to feelings of embarrassment, humiliation, or judgment. Blushing, sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty talking can occur when in social settings.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder consists of recurring, unexpected panic attacks featuring sudden surges of terror along with physical symptoms like chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath. People with panic disorder worry about future attacks and may avoid places where attacks have occurred.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can arise after exposure to a traumatic event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violation. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, anger issues, depression, anxiety, guilt, shame, and sleep disturbances.
To get started, contact pH Wellness now at (844) 549-2488.
The Physical, Mental, and Social Impact of Alcohol Use Disorder
Also known as alcoholism or alcohol dependence, AUD is defined as the inability to control or stop drinking despite negative social, occupational, psychological, and physical consequences. As the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports, around 14 million Americans have AUD.
AUD can severely damage physical health, resulting in liver disease, pancreatitis, heart problems, stroke, cancer, brain damage, sexually transmitted infections, and fetal abnormalities. At pH Wellness, we offer Alcohol and Drug Detox to safely manage withdrawal.
Mentally, AUD is linked to an increased risk for mood disorders like depression and anxiety as well as suicidal behavior, personality changes, and dementia. Socially, it can lead to strained relationships, marital conflict, legal troubles, lost productivity, and unemployment. pH Wellness provides Residential Drug and Addiction Rehab to address underlying causes.
The Complex Relationship Between Anxiety and Alcoholism
The association between anxiety disorders and AUDs is bidirectional. Anxiety is a risk factor for developing problematic drinking patterns, while alcohol abuse can also trigger the onset of anxiety.
According to the self-medication hypothesis, those with anxiety disorders may use alcohol to find temporary relief from their symptoms. While alcohol may reduce anxiety at first, it ultimately exacerbates underlying mental health issues. That's why pH Wellness recommends Dual Diagnosis and Addiction Treatment to care for co-occurring conditions.
Alcohol also has well-documented anxiogenic effects. It can induce panic attacks, heighten social anxiety and fears, and worsen PTSD symptoms like flashbacks. Intoxication reduces inhibitions while withdrawal leads to anxiety and agitation. Over time, this perpetuates a destructive cycle.
As soon as the alcohol wears off, anxiety spikes and drives people back to drinking excessively to quell their unease once again. For dual-diagnosis patients, anxiety disorders represent dangerous relapse triggers. At pH Wellness, we use integrated treatment modalities shown to improve long-term recovery outcomes.
The healing process takes immense courage and perseverance. However, if more residents can access evidence-based integrated care, recovery is achievable one day at a time. With compassion and commitment on an individual and collective level, the future looks brighter for all those aiming to triumph over their anxiety disorders and alcoholism.
Call now for a free and confidential consultation at (844) 549-2488.
Local Statistics - More Research Needed on Prevalence
While national surveys provide a snapshot, data specifically on Rancho Cucamonga residents battling co-occurring anxiety and alcohol use disorders is lacking.
A 2019 study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that 18.1% of adults in the United States have an anxiety disorder and 8.5% have an alcohol use disorder. The study also found that 3.8% of adults in the United States have a co-occurring anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder.
However, there are no precise estimates on the prevalence of anxiety disorders or anxiety with co-occurring alcoholism in the city.
Local healthcare providers report a high need for integrated treatment. pH Wellness offers such programs through our clinical services.
Integrated Treatment - A Must for Dual Diagnosis
Treating anxiety disorders and AUDs concurrently is critical. Focusing solely on alcoholism while ignoring underlying anxiety often leads to relapse.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients modify dysfunctional thought patterns, behaviors, and reactions. Developing healthy coping strategies lessens reliance on substances for managing anxiety. Support groups provide connection, while mindfulness techniques build distress tolerance. pH Wellness uses these evidence-based therapies.
Certain medications may also be beneficial. SSRIs like Zoloft can relieve anxiety and reduce drinking. Naltrexone decreases alcohol cravings and benzodiazepines alleviate severe symptoms. With integrated treatment, the likelihood of sustained recovery improves significantly.
There are excellent dual diagnosis programs in Rancho Cucamonga. One highly regarded option is pH Wellness, which offers comprehensive clinical services including counseling, group therapy, and medication management tailored to each client’s needs. Their rehab facility also has an onsite gym and community support.
To get started, contact pH Wellness now at (844) 549-2488.
In Conclusion
Anxiety and alcoholism have a strong, interrelated presence in Rancho Cucamonga, with a higher local prevalence than national averages according to federal data. However, gaps remain in our understanding, signaling an urgent need for further research and resources to address this issue.
Implementing integrated treatment methodologies is critical, as concurrent therapies increase the likelihood of long-term remission.
Expanding access to programs blending counseling, group support and medication management tailored to each client's needs will be key. At pH Wellness, we provide such evidence-based care.
Call now for a free and confidential consultation at (844) 549-2488.