10 Warning Signs That Anxiety Could Be Driving Substance Abuse

Stress or fear is a normal human experience, but for many individuals, it progresses to an uncontrollable state that affects normal functioning. People who suffer from anxiety may use substances such as alcohol or drugs to help them cope with their feelings. This is known as self-medication and may culminate in substance use disorder. It is therefore important for people to be able to recognize some of the symptoms that indicate that anxiety is causing substance use. In this blog, we will look at ten main indicators that may suggest that a person’s substance use is due to anxiety.

1. Substances in Managing Anxiety

Another great indicator of this is if the person is using substances to numb or calm them down when they feel anxious. Anxiety is a state in which a person becomes anxious in some specific conditions and may try to fix it by taking substances that help to blur feelings. This behavior of self-medication can lead to the development of dependence whereby the use of substances becomes necessary to help manage anxiety.

For instance, a person who has severe anxiety before social events would use alcohol to help him or her get over the anxiety. This might seem like a temporary solution, and it underscores the need for substances in the same situation in the future.

2. Substance Use has been Rising with Time

In the course of anxiety, people may discover that the quantity of substances they take to help them cope is inadequate. This results in taking more over time, which can become a very dangerous cycle of addiction very fast.

This pattern is especially hazardous because it not only increases anxiety but also brings other health risks associated with substance use. If you or someone you know is taking more and more substance to feel better, then it may be time to look deeper into the issue

3. Self-isolation Without the use of Substances

It is a known fact that anxiety usually results in social withdrawal. For those people who have relied on substances to help them cope with the anxiety, they may start to avoid other situations where they cannot take alcohol or drugs. It may lead to isolation and an exacerbation of both anxiety and substance use disorders.

In the process of using substances to be able to be social, people end up losing confidence in themselves and social anxiety worsens as time passes.

4. Symptoms of Increased Anxiety When Not Using Substances

One of the obvious indicators of anxiety being the cause of substance abuse is if the person experiences increased anxiety when they are off the substance. The substance may seem to help in decreasing anxiety but in the long run, it exacerbates the condition by changing the brain chemistry.

After leaving the substance, the patient may experience a severe anxiety attack and be forced to use the substance again. This cycle can become addictive and the person cannot quit without the help of a professional.

5. Failing to Meet Responsibility due to Anxiety and Substance Abuse

Everyone gets anxious at one point in their lives, and when this is coupled with substance abuse, basic duties become daunting, and many responsibilities are neglected. One may lose time and skip work, ignore responsibilities at home, or even ignore friends and family.

Some of the effects of negligence include loss of employment, financial problems, and problems in relationships, which could worsen anxiety and substance abuse.

6. Mood Swings and Irritability

Both anxiety and substance abuse can cause mood swings and easily get angered. Some people may get the “high” and feel happy when using substances and when the effect is over they may feel annoyed, angry, or even depressed.

These mood swings also make it hard for people to know what the person is going through and this causes problems in the person’s personal and working life.

7. Problems with Substance Control

Another sign is the inability to regulate or even cease substance use even in the awareness of the negative effects it has. A person with anxiety may wish to discontinue use but cannot as substances help to reduce anxiety symptoms for some time.

It results in the person feeling helpless and may even exacerbate the person’s psychological condition. This is a good sign that it is time for professional help to be called in.

8. Friendship and Family Relationships

Anxiety and substance abuse can cause a person to start avoiding friends and family members as their conditions worsen. This isolation is usually due to shame, guilt, or the need to keep substance use problems a secret.

Regrettably, isolation only enhances the severity of anxiety and addiction as it eliminates the primary support that is needed to overcome addiction. If someone you know is pulling away from family and friends, it is time to talk to this person about getting professional help.

9. Physical Health Issues

This, coupled with substance abuse can cause a lot of damage to one’s physical health, and when anxiety is added to the mix, one is likely to develop some chronic health problems. The side effects include insomnia, weight gain/loss, and immune suppression.

Some symptoms of anxiety such as headache, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal problems may even be compounded by substance use. Both anxiety and substance use need to be treated to improve the patient’s health outcome.

10. Substance use and Poor Mental Health Outcomes

It might seem that substances help with anxiety at first, but they cause further deterioration of mental health in the process. This is because the more an individual uses substances to help them cope with their anxiety, the more the symptoms worsen and are less easy to control.

This deterioration in the health of the mind can also result in some other complications such as depression irritability and feelings of hopelessness. Realizing that substances are making mental health worse is an important first step toward getting the necessary treatment.

The Importance of Seeking Help

Anxiety is a root cause of substance abuse and this herein presents a cycle that can only be unclogged with the assistance of a professional. Both conditions, if not attended to, can aggravate and cause other severe health problems and affect the person’s life. The good news is that there is evidence-supported treatment for both anxiety and substance use disorders, and these can be combined.

Getting professional help when one is experiencing anxiety symptoms will help the person prevent long-term harm and be provided with healthy ways of coping with anxiety. Counseling from therapists, encouragement from families, and friendship are helpful in the process of healing.

Treatment Options for Co-Occurring Anxiety and Substance Use

Several treatment approaches can help individuals struggling with both anxiety and substance abuse:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Assists persons in recognizing and modifying the irrational beliefs that lead to anxiety and substance use.
• Holistic Therapies: Approximately strategies like mindfulness meditation and yoga help decrease anxiety and increase well-being.
• Group and Family Therapy: Promotes the sharing of information and offers a form of help during the process of healing.
• Stress Management Techniques: Helping clients to learn how to overcome anxiety without having to turn to substance use.

If both of these approaches are used together, the patient can gain sustainable recovery and better mental health.

If you notice any of these warning signs in yourself or your family member, you should seek help. Both anxiety and substance abuse are illnesses that can be cured but the best time to seek help is when the problem is still young. It is better not to wait for things to get worse and get the help needed today.

Orlando Treatment Solutions aims to provide individualized plans for treating anxiety and substance use disorders. We are here for you with our caring staff to help you through the entire process. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to get the ball rolling on your journey towards a drug-free and healthy lifestyle.