Anxiety and Substance Use: What’s the Connection?
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States—and it often overlaps with substance use. Many people who struggle with anxiety may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope, but over time, this can lead to a cycle that’s difficult to break.
Understanding the relationship between anxiety and substance use is key to finding lasting, effective treatment.
Anxiety Disorders: More Than Just Worry
Everyone experiences occasional worry or stress. But anxiety disorders are persistent and can significantly interfere with daily life. Common forms include:
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
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Social Anxiety Disorder
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Panic Disorder
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)*
People living with these conditions may experience constant nervousness, racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, or physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.
*PTSD is now categorized as a trauma- and stressor-related disorder, but it often overlaps with anxiety symptoms.
Why Anxiety and Substance Use Are Connected
Many people with anxiety use substances to try to manage their symptoms—a pattern often referred to as self-medication. While substances may provide temporary relief, they can ultimately:
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Disrupt natural brain chemistry
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Increase anxiety when the effects wear off
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Lead to dependence or addiction
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Create new health and emotional challenges
Over time, this can lead to a co-occurring disorder—when someone is living with both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health condition like anxiety.
Treating Both Conditions—Together
Co-occurring disorders require integrated treatment, meaning both conditions are treated at the same time by the same care team. Treating one while ignoring the other can increase the risk of relapse or prevent full recovery.
At our treatment center, we offer personalized care plans that may include:
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Medical evaluation and support
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Evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Medication management when appropriate
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Trauma-informed care
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Relapse prevention and coping skills development
Our goal is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.
You’re Not Alone—and Recovery Is Possible
If you or someone you love is living with both anxiety and substance use, know this: you are not alone, and treatment can help. Seeking support is a sign of strength—not weakness.
With the right combination of medical care, mental health support, and compassionate guidance, recovery is not only possible—it’s sustainable.
Contact Us Today
Our admissions team is here to answer your questions and help you take the next step toward healing.
