The Need for Alcohol Rehab: Anxiety Disorder and Alcoholism

Roughly 15 percent of adults suffer from some form of anxiety or panic disorder. That number jumps to nearly 50 percent among those who are dependent or addicted to alcohol.

Anxiety is more than just feeling worried or nervous. It is an excessive, dominating sensation of fear, uncertainty, and foreboding. Whether triggered by real or imagined events, anxiety can be so intense that an individual becomes incapable of making decisions or taking action, eventually driving them into seclusion.

The two most common anxiety disorders seen in alcoholics are panic disorder and social phobia. Other disorders associated with anxiety include:

• Acute stress disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Phobias (including agoraphobia)
• Posttraumatic stress disorder

Staff members at The Canyon are diligently trained to recognize and uncover mental and emotional disturbances masked by drugs or alcohol. We recognize that no two individuals are alike in their diagnosis or response to addiction treatment, which is why personalized options are chosen and controlled by the client in conjunction with a primary therapist.

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The Need for Alcohol Rehab: Causes of Anxiety Disorders Associated With Alcoholism

There are a number of factors that contribute to anxiety disorders, especially when alcoholism is present. Some of these include:

• Conflicts in relationships (especially primary relationships, such as marriage)
• Drug-induced side effects (either illicit or prescribed)
• Emotional distress (such as grief)
• Financial burdens
• Major life changes
• Pressure at school or work
• Reduced oxygen uptake (from emphysema, altitude sickness, or blood clots in the lungs)
• Stress brought on by serious illness

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The Need for Alcohol Rehab: Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders and Alcoholism

Panic disorder is an ongoing anxiety related to short-lived, intense feelings of terrifying panic. Signs you may be having a panic attack include:

• Detached/ surreal sensations
• Difficult and/or rapid breathing
• Discomfort or pain in the chest or throat
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling like you're going to black out
• Excessive worries (of losing control, going crazy, death or suffering)
• Nausea, cramps, disturbed bowels
• Numb or tingling feelings in the hands, feet, or face
• Pounding heart/ skipped beats/ heart flutters
• Shakes, trembles, jitters
• Sweating/ chills/ hot flushes

Social anxiety disorder, commonly known as social phobia, is an intense fear of humiliation or disapproval in public settings. Self-confidence is scarce, small mistakes are viewed as a sign of impending doom, and you may feel as though everyone is laughing or secretly judging you. Relentless worrying about upcoming social interactions either leads to panic attacks or avoidance of the situation entirely.

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The Need for Alcohol Rehab: High Risk of Relapse with Anxiety Disorder and Alcoholism

Unfortunately, panic disorder and social phobia are the two anxiety disorders associated with the highest risk of continued drinking, even after completion of a residential drug rehab program. If you're drinking to manage the symptoms of anxiety in an effort to gain some control over your life, then it follows that treating the anxiety is paramount to successful, long-term rehabilitation.

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Alcohol Rehab at The Canyon: Treatment for Anxiety Disorder and Alcoholism

The serene, relaxing atmosphere at The Canyon is the ideal place to begin your journey. If you've tried other treatment programs or therapy sessions before without much luck, it's time to try a place that understands the importance of whole-life treatment plans. When your problems are more than just drinking, The Canyon's specialized approach can help you discover answers and alternative methods for managing your anxiety.

Call now to talk to one of The Canyon's certified admissions representatives and discover how good you can feel with the right help.

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