You may have heard friends or family members talk about a dual diagnosis disorder. Generally, a dual diagnosis disorder occurs when someone suffering from substance use disorder is also diagnosed with a separate medical condition. Often, this is an anxiety disorder. Common anxiety disorders affect millions of adults in the United States every year. They’re some of the most prevalent mental illness in the nation, and it’s not unusual for someone who suffers anxiety to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Accordingly, this may be how a substance use disorder begins.
If you’re struggling with anxiety and addiction, Atlantic Recovery Center in South Florida can help. Our treatment center addresses the challenges that a person battling both addiction and anxiety will face. With the help of our dual diagnosis treatment program, you’ll get the tools that you need to manage both aspects of your health. Don’t let your mental health condition hold you back anymore. Contact Atlantic Recovery Center today at 1-866-824-5193 to learn more about your treatment options.
Most Common Anxiety Disorders in America
Surprisingly, common anxiety disorders come in all shapes and sizes. Each has different symptoms, and each requires an individualized approach to treatment. However, when substance abuse disorder is involved, treatment becomes even more necessary. As examples, the most common anxiety disorders in America include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder describes someone who continuously worries about everything. Most of us know someone who struggles with GAD, or possibly we struggle ourselves. If you dedicate sizeable amounts of time every day worrying about life in general, you may have a generalized anxiety disorder. GAD can cause tension, headaches, fatigue, mental exhaustion, and even nausea.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Social anxiety is a fear of social interaction. Those who suffer from SAD will avoid social gatherings and parties. They may have an intense fear of joining in conversations because they worry they’ll say the wrong thing. They may fear taking public transportation, being in large crowds of people, or living in densely populated areas. As a result, someone who struggles with SAD may experience isolation, depression disorder, and even agoraphobia — a condition that prohibits someone from leaving their home for lengthy periods of time.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder can make you feel as though you’re about to die. During a panic attack, it may become hard to breathe. You may feel lightheaded and dizzy like you’re about to pass out. Extreme fear may accompany a panic attack, as though something terrible is about to happen, and you’re helpless to prevent it. Panic can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, terror, and exhaustion. Though a panic disorder is a mental condition, the symptoms feel physical. You may truly believe you’re about to die when in the throes of a panic attack.
Phobia
Left unchecked, anxiety can turn into a phobia. A phobia is an irrational fear of people, places, things, or circumstances. People who suffer from phobias are helpless to control them, even though the object of their terror may sound innocuous. Common phobias include fear of high places, fear of spiders, or fear of leaving the house. Phobias may prevent you from taking elevators, looking into mirrors, or getting on a boat or a plane. They can derail your life and make every day an endurance challenge.
Treatment for the Common Anxiety Disorders That Accompany Addiction
If you need help to manage an anxiety disorder that’s complicated by addiction, Atlantic Recovery Center can help. Our drug and alcohol addiction treatment center in Florida will have the answers you need. Contact us today at 1-866-824-5193 for more information about our dual diagnosis treatment programs.