Anxiety Disorder

Learn More About the Most Common Co-Occurring Condition of Those Suffering from Addiction

Anxiety and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand. Individuals may come in for substance abuse, but not realize they are also dealing with an anxiety disorder. It is estimated that 3.8 million adults are experiencing an anxiety disorder in the United States. Those with anxiety disorders tend to self-medicate or use drugs and alcohol to minimize their symptoms. On the path to recovery, it is essential to learn more about these conditions.

Main Types of Anxiety Disorders

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Phobias

The most common form of anxiety disorder is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). With GAD, individuals experience long-term, ongoing anxiety. While feelings of anxiousness and stress are common and natural, those with GAD experience these feelings for months, if not years at a time.

Many environmental factors can trigger GAD – from work-related issues to trauma. In some cases, individuals can be genetically predisposed to chemical imbalances in the brain that lead to GAD. Though they can differ, some common symptoms include:

• Feeling a constant sense of dread
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Scaring easily
• Constant, uncontrollable worry
• Lack of concentration
• Increased heart rate
• Constant fatigue, even with adequate sleep
• Digestive issues

The good news is that anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Medication, therapy, or a combination of the two can be utilized to regulate the body and provide healthy responses to anxiety triggers. South Coast Counseling is inspired by a personal belief, understanding, and passion that whole life health can be fully achieved by treating the person, and not just their symptoms. Our addiction treatment programs include therapy, education, and wellness initiatives in order to set you up for long-term success.