Obsessions, Compulsions & Disorders

A person with an anxiety disorder and alcoholism dual diagnosis has mental health issues as well as a substance abuse problem. The two conditions are often linked in a vicious cycle. Many people with anxiety disorders turn to alcohol for relief of unpleasant symptoms. However, excessive use of alcohol can worsen the anxiety experienced during sober periods. Simultaneous treatment of both conditions is necessary for full recovery.

Social Phobia

Social anxiety disorder is a condition frequently diagnosed in alcoholics. Also known as social phobia, it is an overwhelming fear of being negatively judged, humiliated or embarrassed in a social situation. Individuals with social phobia tend to go out of their way to avoid public activities or groups of strangers. Social anxiety produces unpleasant symptoms such as sweating, blushing, stammering, trembling, nausea and a racing heart.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is another condition associated with problem drinking. Sufferers repeatedly undergo sudden episodes of intense anxiety. These panic attacks are so severe that they can be mistaken for a heart attack or nervous breakdown. Symptoms include a rapid heartbeat, chest pains, shallow breathing, shaking and dizziness. During an attack, people may fear that they about to lose consciousness or even die.

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is also commonly connected with alcohol abuse. PTSD can occur as the result of horrific events such as those experienced by soldiers in combat zones or by the victims of child abuse. Symptoms include constant agitation, flashbacks, sleeping difficulties and nightmares. Sufferers are extremely vigilant and may see threats where none exist. They have difficulties functioning in public and workplace environments.

Reasons For Abuse

Individuals suffering from anxiety disorders often turn to alcohol to lower their stress levels, calm their fears, relax their social inhibitions or numb their emotional pain. Because they use alcohol as a way of coping with anxiety, treatments focused exclusively on their alcohol addictions often fail. In a study of patients in alcohol dependence programs, those with anxiety disorders were found to be at the greatest risk of relapsing within four months.

Therapy

Many alcohol rehab facilities now offer therapies specifically aimed at anxiety disorder and alcoholism dual diagnosis patients. Inpatient programs typically begin with detoxification. Once this has been completed, specialists can more easily distinguish the symptoms of alcohol abuse from those caused by the anxiety disorder. They can then use a range of treatment options to address both of the patient’s issues.

12-Step Program

Methods based on a twelve-step program including peer support are often used to help patients overcome their addiction to alcohol. In addition, appropriate medication may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety so patients no longer feel the need to self-medicate with alcohol. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients practical techniques for reducing social anxiety and panic attacks. Psychotherapy can help patients explore and overcome emotional conflicts.

Patients who successfully progress through an alcohol inpatient treatment can access continued support through out-patient programs. Intensive case management helps to ensure that they are able to cope at work and in social environments. Specialized therapies allow anxiety disorder and alcohol addiction dual diagnosis patients to escape the vicious cycle by minimizing their anxiety symptoms without the need for alcohol.