Anxiety is one of the most frequent conditions in terms of mental health issues which affects a great number of people. Experiencing anxiety from time to time is normal, however, constant anxiety and repeated panic attacks can create many difficulties regarding everyday activities. Many people find it difficult to be able to manage those overwhelming feelings and they look for instant solutions to the problem. Unfortunately, some people turn to alcohol or drugs instead for the instant relief which gives rise to serious problems over time.
The relationship between panic attacks and addiction is already quite well known in the realm of mental health treatment. Even though drugs may seem to help fight anxiety, they still increase the severity of the symptoms from a long-term perspective.
In this blog, we will talk about How Anxiety and Panic Attacks Can Increase the Risk of Substance Abuse.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is the body’s normal response to threat or danger. Anxiety makes us ready to take action towards some sort of issue. Having regular anxiety can cause major issues and become difficult for the person to manage themselves and their emotions. People can develop chronic anxiety that can degrade the quality of their life.
Signs of anxiety typically include the following:
- Constant worrying
- Feeling restless
- Being unable to focus
- Having sleeping problems
- Experiencing rapid heartbeat
- Feeling tension in the muscles
- Feeling anxious or afraid
Symptoms such as these can have negative consequences for work, interpersonal relationships, and quality of life in general.
Understanding of the Panic Attack?
A panic attack is a frequent and all of sudden issue that may arise due to high levels of anxiety in a person. It becomes hard for them to manage their emotions, leading to a degraded quality of life. Panic attacks may occur spontaneously, causing people to think they are having a heart attack or some sort of emergency.
Some of the common symptoms are:
- A fast heart rate
- Chest pain
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Tremors
- Feeling detached from reality
- Fear of losing control or dying
Once a person goes through a panic attack, it is common for that individual to fear a repeat episode and avoid places and situations where they have felt anxious before.
Understanding the reason behind people using drugs and alcohol
People who are dealing with emotional or mental issues and with wrong company can be led to use alcohol and drugs. People become addicted, which can lead to many consequences.
People may think that the substances can help them:
- Stay calm
- Sleep well
- Calm their minds
- Overcome social anxiety
- Forget unpleasant experience
While these effects may seem useful at first, they usually are only short-lived. After the effects of substances wear off, the anxiety returns stronger than before.
The Anxiety and Drug Use Cycle
Drug use in combination with anxiety may create a vicious circle.
Reduction of Symptoms
Drugs or alcohol may provide temporary relief from anxiety by interfering with the brain chemicals that affect a person’s mood.
Craving for higher doses
People taking drugs for a regular time period become habitual. They need higher doses to get stimulated and feel comfortable. This is the extreme level of addiction. This addiction leads them to take high doses of drugs that have a very negative impact on the mood and on the body.
Withdrawal symptoms
People with high addiction can often face withdrawal symptoms. It is often seen in cases of rehabilitation and drug abuse that people face higher withdrawal symptoms.
- Withdrawal symptoms include increased anxiety among addicts
- Irritation becomes regular due to the unavailability of the drugs
- Uneasy feelings all day that cause discomfort
- People also face sleeping troubles throughout the day
- Panic attacks become common due to the absence of drugs that calm the mind for a small time.
Use and Addiction of drugs
People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol cannot handle anxiety or stressful situations without getting intoxicated. This is the worst-case scenario to go through.
How do drugs or other substances have their effects on anxiety?
People have misunderstood alcohol and drugs as the saviour for their anxiety. People are not able to function properly about there anxiety. Drugs and other substances can hamper the chemical and hormonal balance of the brain learning to more episodes of anxiety and panic attacks.
Being engaged in substance abuse over a long period of time may lead to:
- An increase in the number of panic attacks
- Breaking of the normal sleep cycle
- Changes in brain chemistry
- Lack of emotional stability
- Increase in the levels of stress
- Problems with memory and attention span
Some types of drugs (for example, cocaine or meth) may lead to panic attacks and high levels of anxiety.
Alcohol and drugs trick your brain into relaxation state. It is a temporary effect on the chemistry of the brain that makes you calm, just like food does. People get addicted to these things and feel pleased. These things worsen anxiety and panic attacks in the long term.
What are the Common Risk Factors for people to suffer anxiety and panic attacks?
Certain situations or circumstances can lead to anxiety and panic attacks. People can suffer from the following reasons in their lives.
Hereditary and genetics
People can be more prone to mental health issues if anyone in their family has gone through panic attacks or other issues.
Trauma
Those who faced trauma in their childhood such as physical violence, abuse, accidents, and emotional trauma can be more likely to develop anxiety and substance problems.
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress coming from work, financial problems, relationship issues, or chronic issues may result in increased anxiety as well as unhealthy coping strategies.
Mental health disorders
Having anxiety disorders is often associated with having other mental health problems, such as depression, PTSD, etc.
Do note that these red flags assist individuals in preventing addiction from getting worse.
Some of them are:
- Using drinks to relieve anxiety every day;
- Taking drugs without a prescription;
- Having to take large doses of drugs to achieve the same result;
- Neglecting duties due to alcohol/drug use;
- Feeling nervous without the substance;
- Hiding the fact of substance use from loved ones;
- Having problems with controlling moods;
- Losing interest in activities.
What are the healthiest ways to heal the anxiety?
Anxiety is just a disruption of thoughts. People dailyng wth anxiety can be treated without alcohol and drugs. They can also be treated without medication.
Providing Therapy from a professional
Cognitive behavioural therapy is one of the best ways to deal with anxiety and panic attacks. People who take CBT from a professional get highly relieved.
Medication for anxiety
Medication can also be a good way to treat anxiety. Always take these under the correct guidance of the doctor.
Physical workout
Many studies have proven that exercise has a very positive impact on anxiety and panic attacks. Physical activity releases chemicals in the body that have a positive effect on stress.
Getting relaxed
Relaxation is one of the most effective ways to deal with anxiety and stress. Make sure that you get the best relaxing music or a podcast full of wisdom that opens your mind and gives you a new perspective on life.
Sleep
Good quality sleep plays a role in stabilizing moods.
Group Therapy
Talking to people who have dealt with similar problems can give you support and help you learn to deal with your issues.
Treating Anxiety and Substance Abuse Together
When someone suffers from both anxiety and addiction, treating only one issue often leads to failure of treatment. Both problems need to be treated together.
An effective treatment program often consists of:
- Medical evaluation
- Safe detoxification, if appropriate
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Medication management
- Stress management training
- Relapse prevention planning
A combination treatment approach can lead to successful recovery and foster productive coping skills.
How can you help someone who is dealing with anxiety and panic attacks?
Family and friends can play a major role in helping people who are dealing with anxiety and panic attacks.
You can take the following steps:
- Make sure to listen properly to what the doctor has to say
- Make sure to get the best treatment from them
- Do not play the blame game.
- Make sure you get educated about your issue and start becoming more aware about it.
- Make sure you follow the right recovery steps properly
- Be patient and do not look for instant results
Final Thoughts
Dealing with anxiety and panic attacks can be challenging. You need to have the right mindset to deal with the psychological issues. The most important thing is to seek the help of a trusted healthcare professional. Alcohol and other substance abuse can cause your anxiety and panic attacks to become worse. Taking help from professionals can save you time and enhance the quality of your life.
Revolution Recovery Center is the best place for people dealing with anxiety and panic attacks. The recovery center helps individuals in a customized program as per their needs. Feel free to learn more about the programs provided by them.
Contact details
Company name – Revolution Recovery Center
Website: https://revolutionrecoverycenter.com/
Phone (24/7): (855) 599-2929
Email: info@revolutionrecovery.com
Address – Corporate Office 415 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, FL 33435, USA
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anxiety the reason for people to become addicted to alcohol or other substances?
Anxiety plays a huge role in people getting addicted to alcohol and drugs. These substances provide short-term relief and trick the brain into calmness.
Can alcohol make the panic attack worse for the patient?
Alcohol provides momentary relief. It does not solve the underlying problem. It will worsen the panic attack or anxiety after the effects are over.
Is there a safe and reliable way to treat panic attacks and anxiety?
The safest way to treat anxiety is to change your lifestyle and consult a healthcare professional.
Can I get treatment for anxiety and panic attack parallelly?
Anxiety and panic attacks are related to each other. These are not different. You can take treatment for them simultaneously.
When is the right time to seek help from professionals?
Alcohol and anxiety treatment must be taken professionally for various issues. If your panic attacks or anxiety are disrupting your daily routine and causing you health issues.