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Anxiety Disorder Symptoms and Co-Occurring Disorders

Anxiety disorders affect around 19 million Americans. Many times, these disorders are co-occurring with drug addiction and abuse. Abuse of and addiction to drugs like marijuana, cocaine, crystal meth and others can precipitate the onset of anxiety disorder because of how the drugs affect your brain. Anxiety disorders usually occur more often in women than they do in men, but racial boundaries have no effect on when and where they can strike.

If you are suffering from drug addiction or an anxiety disorder, contact The Canyon. Our experts are trained in identifying the cause of anxiety disorders, and we can help you with both your anxiety and with your drug addictions.

Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder and the Need for Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Anxiety disorder symptoms vary depending on the severity and nature of the disorder and - if co-occurring with drug addiction - how long a person has been abusing drugs. Some of the common symptoms of an anxiety disorder include things like feelings of panic or paranoia, nightmares or troubled sleep, the inability to sit still, be calm or have rational thoughts and nausea or vomiting. Many of these symptoms overlap with the symptoms of drug addiction, which is why it's important to seek professional help if you suffer from any of them, as they can be a sign of a drug addiction, anxiety disorder or a co-occurring disorder.

Panic Attacks and Anxiety Disorder in Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Panic attacks, or feelings of intense terror that occur suddenly and without warning, are a classic sign of an anxiety disorder. Unfortunately, many drug addictions can produce similar effects in a person due to the way in which they affect and alter the chemistry of the brain, which is another reason why dual diagnosis treatment is so important. Panic attacks strike without warning, and many people who experience them may feel as though they are about to have a heart attack or that their death is imminent. The fear associated with panic attacks is not proportional to the situation, and is oftentimes unrelated to what is happening. If you suffer from panic attacks and are abusing drugs, then you may be suffering from a co-occurring disorder, and you should seek help from a qualified professional (like those at The Canyon) immediately.

Coping With Anxiety Disorders Until You Start Dual Diagnosis Treatment

If you are taking drugs and are suffering from anxiety disorders, you may not be able to prevent the symptoms of the disorder from affecting you. However, there are ways in which you can help lessen their impact on your life, such as:

• Reducing your intake of caffeine by cutting out products such as sodas, coffee, tea and chocolate
• Asking your doctor for OTC medications that have anti-anxiety chemicals in them
• Seeking counseling if you have had a particularly traumatic experience in your life

Anxiety Disorder Treatment and Dual Diagnosis at The Canyon

Although anxiety disorder affects both drug abusers and those who do not abuse drugs, there has been a great deal of progress in the last 20 years towards helping treat people who suffer from these types of disorders. If you are taking drugs and have experienced the symptoms of anxiety disorder, then you may be suffering from a co-occurring disorder, which requires specialized treatment. Fortunately, The Canyon is well-equipped to help, and we stand ready to help you through this difficult time in your life.