It is never easy watching a loved one fight substance use disorder. It damages their well-being and destroys their lives. Not only does it harm their physical health, but it also causes their mental health to deteriorate. It is common for addicts to suffer from anxiety. This indicates that there is a relationship between anxiety and addiction.
In this guide, we will help you understand how the two are connected. We will discuss the risk factors, common symptoms, and practical strategies to prevent relapse. We have also included tips on how you can support someone in fighting this disorder. We hope learning about the relationship between anxiety and addiction will allow you to help your loved one overcome their ordeal.
Let's get started.
Anxiety disorder is a medical condition that is connected to substance use. Addicts experience feelings of fear, dread, and uneasiness due to anxiety. It creates a state of inner turmoil in people suffering from drug addiction.
Substance abuse can cause different types of anxiety. These include:
Addiction is a form of chronic disorder. It takes hold of a person's brain and behavior and influences the way they think and feel. For example, it intensifies their cravings for harmful substances and makes it extremely difficult to quit drug and alcohol use. This makes addiction a serious medical condition.
In addition to psychological effects, drug and alcohol addiction issues extend to physical dependence. It can lead to severe health problems such as brain damage, liver failure, lung disease, strokes, and seizures.
Addiction and anxiety are closely related to each other. It is scientifically proven that the presence of one is a risk factor for the presence of the other. This means both disorders can occur simultaneously. This dual diagnosis is a very complex cycle in which anxiety can influence addiction and vice versa. For example, an affected individual might turn to alcohol or drug use to cope with anxiety. This practice can very quickly turn into an addiction to substance use. Similarly, an addicted person can experience intense cravings and fear of withdrawal. This can lead to an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety can lead to addiction in a number of ways. The most common pathway is self-medication. When an individual suffers from anxiety, they tend to isolate themselves from social situations. They show signs of withdrawal and become detached from friends and family. This can cause them to turn to drugs or alcohol. These harmful substances induce euphoric and powerful feelings, which quickly turn into cravings. Before they know it, they get addicted to substance abuse.
Anxiety can also lead to addiction by accident. This happens when an individual is taking addictive medication to help with particular mental or physical symptoms and conditions.
It is also possible for an addicted person to experience anxiety. It develops as they get increasingly dependent on substance misuse. The more they use alcohol and drugs, the harder withdrawal gets. As a result, they are unable to go for extended periods without having these substances in their system. If they go for a long time without using drugs or alcohol, they are likely to develop anxiety.
By now, we know there is a connection between anxiety and substance use disorders. Learning about the risk factors and causes can help a loved one's addiction recovery. There are three base causes of anxiety disorder and substance use disorder:
A person can develop co-occurring disorders due to biological and genetic factors. For example, the human brain undergoes a developmental stage during adolescence. The frontal regions, which help with impulse control, are yet to be fully developed at this stage. This makes it vulnerable to addiction.
Genetics also plays a part in causing addiction and anxiety. According to scientists, genes can account for between 40 and 60 percent of a person's risk of addiction.
These triggers can arise from family, school, and social settings. For example, if parents or other close relatives display anxiety and drug abuse, it risks children's involvement in similar problems. Friends and other peers can also influence co-occurring substance use.
A person can move towards alcohol or drug abuse due to behavioral and psychological reasons. The behavioral side can stem from childhood trauma, family history, or life stressors.
On the other hand, psychological factors can include post-traumatic stress disorder and other forms of trauma. These negative emotions can trigger cravings and compel a struggling person to use drugs and alcohol to cope. As a result, it causes anxiety and addiction.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of addiction and anxiety. Awareness about these signs can help support someone who is struggling with substance use disorder.
Someone suffering from anxiety disorder can show physical, emotional, and behavioral signs. These include:
Addiction symptoms can be noticed in physical changes, behavioral patterns, and social withdrawal. The signs also include:
There are several strategies that can help manage anxiety disorder. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), coping strategies such as well-balanced meals and getting enough sleep help deal with anxiety. Fitness tips such as daily exercise can also help fight co-occurring disorders.
Other good practices include:
Positive changes such as regular exercise, sleep cycles, and nutrition plans can aid addiction recovery and anxiety management. These habits also reduce exposure to triggers.
Family, friends, and even support groups can help ease mental health disorders. Having their support can encourage struggling individuals to stay clean and continue on the path to recovery.
Techniques such as mindfulness exercises and meditation can help manage mental health and anxiety disorders. Journaling and taking time to self-reflect are all proven techniques that can positively impact addicts.
As a concerned relative and friend, you have a role to play in helping a loved one fight addiction and anxiety. Your support can make a difference in their recovery journey. This is because having you by their side can show a loved one that they are not alone, and there are well-wishers who want them to get better. This can give them the strength needed to stay focused on quitting their bad habits.
Here are some ways you can support a relative or friend in overcoming anxiety and addiction:
Show them empathy and listen to them. Avoid judging them, and lend them your ear with an open mind. Actively listening to them can help you understand their struggle. As a result, you can support them better in their recovery.
Try to help them realize there is nothing wrong with seeking help from professionals. Someone with anxiety and addiction may feel guilty or ashamed about their disorder. As a result, they may have reservations about seeking professional help. You can help them overcome these feelings. Have an open and honest conversation with them. Be compassionate and explain to them that professional guidance can help them recover.
You can find helpful resources by attending support groups. These groups hold meetings and discussions that can shed light on the best ways to help someone fight anxiety disorder and addiction.
Anxiety and addiction are very closely related, to the point where anxiety can lead to addiction. When someone suffers from this condition, they may isolate themselves and shy away from social settings. People may use drugs and alcohol to cope with anxiety, which can quickly turn to addiction.
This is a bit of a chicken-or-egg dilemma. If a person suffers from drug and alcohol addiction, they can develop feelings of anxiety. The reverse can also happen, and anxiety can lead people to use addictive substances.
Hopefully, this guide was helpful in explaining the relationship between addiction and anxiety disorders. These co-occurring disorders are mental health conditions that have negative effects on suffering individuals. The two issues are intertwined, meaning anxiety can lead to addiction and vice versa.
However, if a loved one is suffering from these conditions, you can help them along their path to recovery. Try to identify their symptoms and suggest practical strategies to manage their habits. Support them in their recovery efforts, and you just might help your addicted loved one turn their life around.
If you need professional help with helping loved ones fight addiction, contact us at The Retreat. We are committed to assisting individuals and communities that have been affected by substance abuse. We will help your loved one let go of harmful habits so that they can live a healthier life.
You can visit our website for more information or call us today to get in touch.