5 Tips to Manage Anxiety Disorder and Substance Abuse Simultaneously

Whether you are already in addiction recovery or you are seeking ways to manage anxiety disorder/substance abuse simultaneously, the following tips are:

• Undergoing dual diagnosis treatment
• Seeking counseling
• Joining CBT group activities
• Bringing Lifestyle changes
• Meditating

It is estimated that 31% of people, at least once in their lifetime, struggle with anxiety disorders in the US. Anxiety itself is a battle, and dealing with substance use disorders (SUDs) at once is tiring and difficult. What’s worse is that substance abuse like binge alcohol use or prescription drug abuse like Adderall, Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin exacerbates anxiety symptoms and hence delays the recovery journey. 

Therefore, it is recommended to seek treatment for anxiety and substance abuse from rehab in New Jersey, offering a dual diagnosis program. Call ChoicePoint 844.445.2565 for a free consultation and integrated treatment.

CALL NOW FOR FREE SCREENING

Why Do Anxiety and Substance Abuse Co-Occur?

There is no way to tell whether anxiety occurs first or substance use disorder. But one thing is certain: anxiety can lead to substance abuse and vice versa. Some reasons include:

• Unhealthy coping mechanism
• Genetic disposition
• Prolonged substance abuse 
• Untreated anxiety

The first possibility seems to be the most probable case, meaning that people use substances as a way of self-medication for anxiety. 

5 Tips to Manage Anxiety Disorder and Substance Abuse

The internet is swamped with self-care tips for anxiety disorder and substance use disorders individually. But how can you take care of yourself if you struggle with a dual diagnosis? While the journey for recovery is highly personalized, we have narrowed it down to 5 major ways in which you can manage the conditions simultaneously. 

1. Seeking Integrated Treatment

More often than not, overcoming dual diagnoses on your own is not easy. This is not because of any weakness. It only accounts for the fact that appropriate diagnosis and treatment are possible by someone who is an expert on the subject. Benefits include:

• A psychiatrist may use multiple approaches to find out what works best for you
• Whichever sort of care you require can be dispensed urgently in a facility
• Integrated treatment also results in a reduction in medication interactions

Even if you already have a diagnosis, staying in touch with a professional is helpful because the journey of treatment is not always smooth. Having a doctor follow up on you can help:

• Prevent relapse
• Secure a long-term sobriety
• Have support in difficult times
• Have a professional that looks after you

There is no alternative to professional help when it comes to mental illnesses like anxiety and SUDs. 

If you resonate with this and are an NJ resident, call 844.445.2565 or fill out this form to get professional help. We also accept most insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid.

2. Counseling and Therapy

Medications are usually the first line of treatment for both anxiety disorders and SUDs. However, most people who are on meds feel somewhat dissatisfied. This is because the root cause of the problem needs to be addressed. Behavioral therapies are a great way to understand what is triggering your anxiety. Benefits of counseling include:

• Reaching the underlying issues
• Learning new ways to cope with triggers
• Tailored therapy for every person
• Consistent support for challenges
• Improved communication skills

Human nature is multifaceted and so are the issues. Therefore, an effective tip for dealing with anxiety disorders and substance abuse at once is undergoing some sort of talk therapy (counseling/CBT, etc) with the help of anxiety therapists near you in New Jersey.

3. Joining Group Therapy Sessions

You may feel like you are the only person struggling with a co-occurring disorder. However, did you know that every one person out of 3 is diagnosed with anxiety and substance use disorder? One of the ways to manage anxiety and substance abuse is by enrolling in group therapy sessions or finding support groups near you. The role of such interventions includes:

• Understand that it is a common occurrence
• Encouraging a sense of responsibility and accountability
• Increased sense of empathy for others and yourself

Recovering addicts often feel a sense of shame. In group settings, one learns that it is not entirely in their control. It is certainly possible to manage addiction with interventions and the right support.

4. Adopting Healthy Lifestyle

Most people move to addiction due to unhealthy mental and physical circumstances. One way to manage anxiety and addiction is by taking care of yourself. This may include:

• Working out
• Adopting stress management tips
• Engaging in hobbies you love
• Writing your feelings (journaling)
• Making a healthy social circle

Mostly, recovery mandates completely modifying your lifestyle. A healthy life can help you deal with stress effectively. 

5. Mindfulness and Meditation

Meditation and mindfulness can be a good addition to traditional interventions. 

Mindfulness and meditation can add to the healthy outcomes of professional treatments. If you want to manage stress arising from anxiety disorders or SUDs, meditation can be a great way. A few benefits include:

• Improves emotional regulation
• Calms one’s body and brain
• It helps one be aware of one’s feelings

Meditation is a great relaxation technique if you struggle with anxiety and substance use. It is not recommended to only rely on holistic treatments like meditation when you have a severe addiction. Coupling them with conventional treatments can give effective results as compared to taking meditation as monotherapy.

Untreated Anxiety Increase Your Risk of Addiction

Treating Substance Abuse and Anxiety in NJ

Untreated behavioral illnesses can lead to complications. Even when one is taking treatment, getting appropriate personalized treatment is essential. When it comes to dual diagnosis, integrated treatment is required. But what does it entail?

• Prescription of medications
• Ensuring that medications do not interact with one another
• Tailoring a plan
• Dispensing therapy and offering counseling

Our facility is located in Fairlawn, New Jersey. We offer a wide range of treatments, in various settings.

• Inpatient treatment
• Outpatient treatment
• Partial care
• Virtual treatment

Whether you need an online prescription refill or need intensive inpatient care, ChoicePoint has you covered. Book an appointment with us at 844.445.2565. 

Insurance Policy

Looking for a rehab that accepts Medicaid and Medicare in New Jersey? You have come to the right place. All you need to do is verify your insurance here. We have a very inclusive insurance policy, with acceptance of both private and public insurance. Check out who we are in-network with. 

Free Addiction Assessment

Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Even though anxiety and substance use are closely linked, most people still have questions about the issue. We have answered most of the commonly asked ones for you!

How Is an Addiction Formed From Anxiety?

Most people with anxiety disorders use substances to feel good. Individuals with anxiety disorders complain that without the substances, it feels almost impossible for them to function. The truth is, that substances alter one’s brain chemistry, moving them to depend on substances.  

Can Trauma Lead to Substance Abuse and Addiction?

Yes, anything traumatic may lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is one of the most common conditions co-occurring with substance use disorder.  Trauma causes stress and substances may seem like a coping mechanism. For instance, alcoholism is extremely common among war veterans. 

How Do You Treat Substance Abuse and Anxiety at the Same Time?

A comprehensive treatment addressing both substance use disorder and anxiety is the most effective way to treat this. An integrated treatment may include medications and talk therapy.

Can Drug-Induced Panic Attack Start Anxiety Disorder?

Yes, illicit substances may contribute to the development of panic and anxiety disorders. Yale Medicine classifies this phenomenon under anxiety disorders. If you feel like you did not have anxiety before abusing substances, the anxiety could be induced by the substances you are taking.

Sources

1. National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Any Anxiety Disorder. Www.nimh.nih.gov; National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder
2. Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder. (n.d.). Yale Medicine.
   https://www.yalemedicine.org/clinical-keywords/substancemedication-induced-anxiety disorder#:~:text=Substance%2Fmedication%2Dinduced%20anxiety%20disorder%20is%20a%20mental%20health%20condition