The intrusive thoughts. Second-guessing your every move. A heart racing out of your chest. Nights filled with tossing and turning. No matter how much you want it all to stop, it just won’t.
Anxiety can be highly disruptive to your life if not managed. For those who seek healthy treatment, certain medications can be beneficial for managing symptoms. But if abused, not only may anxiety persist, but it may be accompanied by a world of trouble.
In this article, we will dive into how anxiety and drug use may be related, what popular substances are abused for anxiety, and the risks of untreated anxiety and substance abuse. By having a better understanding of the connection between anxiety and addiction, you can take positive steps forward without all the weight anxiety brings.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Connection Between Anxiety and Drug Use?
- What Drugs Do People With Anxiety Abuse?
- The Risks of an Untreated Dual Diagnosis
- Anxiety and Addiction: Two Challenges, One Recovery Journey at New Growth Recovery
Anxiety and drug use are often complex and involve many factors. Oftentimes, when someone is suffering from anxiety, they turn to drugs to self-medicate and find relief. Additionally, people can abuse drugs that are prescribed to them by doctors, which often leads to addiction.
Without proper regulation and guidance, many people’s relief can become hard to manage. Contact New Growth Recovery today for help in finding safe and sustainable relief.
How Anxiety May Lead to Substance Use
Those with anxiety are often searching for relief in any form. Going to a doctor might be time-consuming or expensive, and using drugs provides some relief that they are looking for.
This theory, called the self-medication theory, is when someone uses drugs intended for anxiety and depression for immediate relief, a dopamine boost, or an escape. This can mask symptoms of anxiety temporarily, but it does not solve the problem.
At New Growth Recovery, our team of professionals is here to support anxiety and substance use with patient-centered care that meets your specific needs. Contact our office today to see how we can help you through your recovery.
The Science Behind Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders (or dual diagnosis) show the connection between mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders. Their connection is complex and deep, rooted in biological, psychological, and social factors.
Anxiety and addiction are both connected to the brain’s reward system and involve disruptions in neurotransmitters. It is essential to address this connection when treating both conditions.
At New Growth Recovery, we understand the science behind anxiety and substance addiction. We provide solutions that can ease both and support recovery long into the future.
There is no norm when it comes to substance abuse for those with anxiety — it can depend on accessibility, preference, and relief. Here are some common substances that people use to cope with their anxiety symptoms.
Prescription Medications
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are psychoactive drugs that are used to relax the central nervous system. Some common benzodiazepines are:
- Xanax
- Valium
- Ativan
- Klonopin
Benzodiazepines are highly addictive drugs used for anxiety and panic attacks. It can also be prescribed to aid with insomnia, which can be a side effect of anxiety. Some common side effects are drowsiness, memory issues, and increased anxiety if not properly managed.
Benzodiazepines are recommended to be a part of a treatment plan and to be used for a short period to reduce the chance of addiction or dependence.
Sleep Medications
For those suffering anxiety, insomnia is a common side effect. To combat it and get rest, many turn to sleep medications. Benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and Z-Drugs are common prescriptions for sleeping. The most common sleep medications for anxiety are Ambien and Lunesta. These can also be misused for their calming effects and can lead to dependence.
Opioids
Opioids are synthetic, semi-synthetic, or synthetic drugs. Common prescriptions include OxyContin and Percocet. Although they have a calming and sedative effect, they are often misused to treat anxiety symptoms. Opioids are usually prescribed for pain management and are addictive as well.
Illicit Drugs
Cannabis
Cannabis is a psychoactive drug made from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. There are many ways to consume cannabis, including smoking, consuming in food, or using oils.
Some strains are used to reduce anxiety, but are often found to cause paranoia, which may make anxiety worse. Additionally, a review of studies published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment revealed that those who use cannabis for stress-related relief may be at greater risk for addiction.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a potent stimulant drug made from the coca plant. It can release a large amount of dopamine, which provides a rush of energy, euphoria, and alertness. It is highly addictive and can also increase paranoia and anxiety, which can be counterproductive to treatment.
Heroin
Heroin is an illegal opioid that produces a sedative effect. It carries a high risk of addiction and has many medical and social consequences, such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, crime, violence, and more.
Legal Substances
Alcohol
Those with anxiety might use alcohol to cope with their symptoms due to its accessibility, cost, and side effects. Those with anxiety can lean on alcohol to make them feel calm and confident without needing a prescription or taking illegal drugs.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of alcohol, anxiety can worsen after consumption. Alcohol increases the action of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors in our brain to calm you while inhibiting the action of glutamate receptors, which makes you anxious. After the alcohol wears off, your body attempts to reverse this temporary GABA spike. Often, this can lead to increased or sudden returns of anxiety.
Nicotine
Nicotine is commonly used through tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco). Nicotine can be used to cope with stress, but it can heighten anxiety and become addictive. Additionally, users find they need to increase their usage to maintain the same calming effects, which can lead to greater dependence and usage.
When someone has an untreated dual diagnosis, there is usually a destructive and unproductive cycle of anxiety and drug use. Many people who have anxiety turn to drugs, become addicted, have more anxiety, and the cycle continues. Without getting proper help for either issue, the cycle can have devastating outcomes such as:
- Worsening mental health symptoms
- Increased risk of suicide
- Cognitive and physical decline
- Legal consequences
- And more
The good news is that there is help for dual-diagnosis patients. Finding a treatment center that can address the physical and emotional aspects of addiction can increase the chances of a successful long-term recovery.
At New Growth Recovery, we understand how hard anxiety and substance abuse can be, especially when they are conflicting with each other. Our team of compassionate and expertly trained team members are available to meet you where you are. We prioritize high-quality care in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you or your loved one through anxiety and addiction.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
