Recovery Ways recognizes that family members of addicts often don’t understand long-term anxiety disorder. The treatment program at Recovery Ways involves family members so that they learn how to support their loved ones and help them through anxiety as they continue their recovery. With the strong support of families and a good aftercare program, recovering addicts stand a good chance of long-term sobriety.
Anxiety is a normal response to stressful situations as part of the built-in survival instinct within man. Anxiety can manifest itself as fear, worry, nervousness, dread, and uneasiness. Under normal circumstances, anxiety is a healthy response to the extent that it forces a person to deal with his current circumstances – whether by fight or flight. When anxiety becomes chronic and/or excessive, it is generally classified by the medical community as anxiety disorder.
Anxiety and Addiction
While scientific studies estimate that nearly 20% of all Americans suffer with anxiety disorder to some degree, it is most prevalent among substance abusers and addicts. This is thought to be due mainly to the mind-altering properties that things like cocaine, crack, and ecstasy possess. Many illicit substances are known to cause hallucinations and feelings of paranoia, which only serve to further enhance anxiety. Addicts who already suffer a small degree of anxiety during the period of their drug use will usually notice a spike during their period of withdrawal. If the anxiety disorder is not dealt with as part of a substance abuse treatment program, it can be a contributing factor in a future relapse.
Treatment Options
Anxiety disorder is broken down into three general categories: anxiety, phobic, and panic. Each category has its own set of symptoms and combination of treatment methods. One of the most common treatments for anxiety disorder is known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); a process which forces the patient to rationally consider the validity of his or her feelings and then seeks to modify the reactions that patient has to his or her triggering conditions. Interpersonal therapy, which is often used to treat clinical depression, also shows signs of being effective in treating anxiety.
Sometimes medication is recommended as part of treatment plan for anxiety disorder. Medications must be used cautiously, especially in conjunction with chemical dependency issues, as their misuse could cause serious physical complications. Herbal remedies are sometimes substituted for medication, or used as a supplement, but their effectiveness in treating anxiety disorder has not yet been conclusively proven. Reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption can also greatly help those suffering from anxiety disorder
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Anxiety and Chemical Dependency Recovery
A good residential treatment program for chemical dependency will recognize the high likelihood that patients will suffer from anxiety disorder throughout various stages of recovery. Recovery Ways provides the therapy necessary to help patients adjust and cope with their feelings of anxiousness. Through one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring, and medical intervention when necessary, patients learn to break through the feelings of their anxiety disorder and see a new way of living more clearly.
Recovery Ways specializes in treating a wide variety of addictions and co-occurring disorders for more information on how to get you or your loved one help, call us toll- free: 888-986-7848.
