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Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural human response to stress or perceived threats. It’s that feeling of nervousness or worry we all experience at times, like when we’re about to face something challenging, such as a big test or a job interview. However, anxiety goes beyond just feeling stressed—it’s a sense of fear or apprehension that can sometimes seem overwhelming, even when the situation doesn’t warrant it. When anxiety becomes chronic, it can interfere with daily life. People may experience physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, shaking, or trouble concentrating. Anxiety disorders are different from typical worry, as they involve persistent and often irrational fears. They can manifest in various forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or panic attacks.

Anxiety is a common condition experienced by individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). According to Psychiatric Times, “Anxiety and substance use disorders are among the most frequent psychiatric problems in the United States, with lifetime rates of 28.8% and 14.6%, respectively.” In addition, “The presence of an anxiety or substance use disorder is also a risk factor for the presence of the other disorder.” pH Wellness treats anxiety symptoms related to SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders.

What Is Clinical Anxiety?

Clinical anxiety is different from situational anxiety. Everyone experiences anxiety in certain situations, such as when meeting new people or during stressful days at work. However, if anxiety begins to interfere with your ability to function or causes chronic emotional distress, you may benefit from participating in professional mental health treatment. A clinician must diagnose clinical anxiety. The care team at pH Wellness uses comprehensive screening tools to diagnose and treat clients with SUD and anxiety.

Some of the most common symptoms and side effects of clinical anxiety include:

  • Sleep disturbances
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feelings of dread or helplessness
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Nausea
  • Muscle tension and body aches
  • Heart palpitations
  • Excessive sweating
  • Tightness in the chest or shortness of breath
  • Feeling panicked or on edge

Anxiety can have a profound effect on your daily life and make it more difficult for you to manage work or personal responsibilities. Recovering from substance abuse also has the potential to increase your anxiety unless you address it in treatment. pH Wellness understands the importance of managing anxiety and other symptoms during treatment. The care team provides clients with the skills and tools to reduce the symptoms and side effects of clinical anxiety.

How Does pH Wellness Treat Anxiety?

Anxiety can affect anyone at any time. Often, clients experience anxiety during detox and the early stages of recovery as they undergo treatment. The symptoms and side effects of anxiety are highly manageable with the right tools and resources. Everyone has different needs, and the care team provides support services to ensure clients feel safe and comfortable during treatment.

Some of the therapeutic techniques used to treat anxiety at pH Wellness include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy
  • Relaxation and mindfulness-based techniques
  • Exposure therapy

Anxiety symptoms exist along a spectrum, making a personalized and integrative approach to treatment the best way to manage them for many people. The experts at pH Wellness collaborate with clients to help them create healthy routines and lifestyle changes to support positive mental health. You can rely on the care team to work with you and address underlying issues causing the anxiety.

The Connections Between Anxiety Disorders and Substance Abuse

Some people with undiagnosed or untreated anxiety disorders use substances to cope with their symptoms and function day-to-day. Unfortunately, substance abuse worsens the symptoms of anxiety and, over time, may cause people to develop mental health disorders. Early intervention and treatment are essential to help people manage anxiety and avoid SUD.

Anxiety and substance abuse may have multiple connections, including:

  • Hormonal changes from substance abuse may cause anxiety
  • Anxiety is a common symptom of withdrawal
  • Individuals may abuse substances to manage severe anxiety
  • Substance abuse and anxiety can develop independently

Anxiety and substance abuse feed off one another, and the side effects are cumulative. The longer a person abuses substances while their anxiety remains untreated, the worse their condition becomes. Rehabilitation programs provide people with the skill development, motivation, and support to identify and process issues contributing to anxiety. All of the programs at pH Wellness have the resources to help clients manage anxiety-related mental health issues.

Physical Exercise Reduces Stress

Your physical health has a profound impact on moods and behaviors. Physical exercise is a natural stress reducer and can help people better manage the symptoms of anxiety. pH Wellness has a state-of-the-art gym and recreational spaces for clients to use during treatment. The care team can help you develop a tailored exercise routine to help you manage anxiety and other symptoms or side effects of SUD.

People with chronic anxiety benefit from regular exercise. According to Frontiers in Psychiatry, “Exposing someone with high anxiety sensitivity to the physiological symptoms they fear, such as rapid heartbeat, in the context of physical exercise increases their tolerance for such symptoms.” Clients are encouraged to take advantage of the exercise coaching and facility amenities to reduce stress and improve emotional stability.

The Benefits of Participating in Treatment

Participating in professional treatment programs provides people with a solid foundation for personal growth. pH Wellness uses an integrative approach to care to assist clients in managing SUD and anxiety. The care team emphasizes the importance of personalized care and evidence-based interventions while helping clients develop essential coping skills.

Some of the benefits of participating in treatment for SUD and co-occurring anxiety include:

  • Fewer or less severe symptoms
  • Healthier social relationships
  • Improved self-confidence and self-efficacy
  • Better overall health
  • Lower stress levels

Stress is a leading cause of relapse, and individuals with anxiety often feel more sensitive to everyday stressors. Treatment programs provide people with the support and tools they need to lower their stress and manage their condition. Clients learn to identify and manage triggers of anxiety, reducing their risk of relapse during long-term recovery.

Anxiety is a common symptom of substance use disorder (SUD), and many people with SUD have co-occurring anxiety-related mental health disorders. pH Wellness treats anxiety and dual diagnosis using evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies. To learn more about our programs and services, call our office today at (888) 707-3880.

Reach out for Quality Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Services

If you or a loved one is ready to take the first step toward recovery, call (888) 707-3880 or complete our confidential contact form. As a trusted and long-standing rehab, our recovery services are designed to address the needs of each person, ensuring a holistic and effective approach to overcoming alcohol and drug addiction. Our treatment approach is rooted in empathy, evidence-based practices, and patient-centered care, all aimed at helping you achieve lifelong recovery and well-being. Let us help you build a brighter future free from the grips of addiction today.

david-yoon

MEDICAL REVIEWER

DR. DAVID YOON, MD MPH

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