Anxiety has a profound effect on the mind and body. People who struggle with chronic anxiety often experience psychosomatic symptoms impacting their ability to function. Individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) have an increased risk of experiencing acute or chronic anxiety. According to Psychiatric Annals, “Anxiety disorders are a risk factor for the development of SUDs and may modify the presentation and course of illness for SUDs.” Substance abuse is also a risk factor for developing anxiety-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Painted Desert Recovery uses psychotherapy and other evidence-based treatments to help women manage anxiety and recover from SUD.

Risk Factors for Anxiety Disorders

The risk factors for anxiety are extensive. Most individuals experience at least one anxiety-related mental health issue at some point in their lives. However, women are more likely to experience severe or persistent anxiety. According to the Journal of Psychiatric Research, “[A]nxiety disorders were associated with a greater illness burden in women than in men, particularly among European American women and to some [extent] also among Hispanic women.” Research indicates that “anxiety disorders are not only more prevalent but also more disabling in women than in men.”

Risk factors for anxiety disorders include:

• Age
• Genetics
• Chronic or acute stress
• Environmental factors
• Family history of SUD or mental health disorders
• Trauma
• Abuse or neglect
• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• Stress caused by a severe or chronic illness or injury
• Co-occurring mental health disorders
• Substance abuse

The risk factors for anxiety overlap with SUD and many other mental health disorders, sometimes making it difficult to diagnose. Painted Desert Recovery uses comprehensive assessments during the initial intake interview. An accurate clinical diagnosis is essential to ensure clients receive the best care to meet their needs.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety affects people in many different ways. Some individuals have the necessary coping skills and support systems to manage the stressors causing anxiety. Other people may not be capable of managing stress, leading to severe dysfunction or decreased quality of life. Millions of people are diagnosed with anxiety-related mental health disorders every year.

Some of the most common anxiety-related mental health disorders include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Specific phobias, including agoraphobia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic disorder
• PTSD
• Social anxiety disorder

Each type of anxiety disorder has different symptoms and side effects. SUD often worsens symptoms of anxiety and other co-occurring mental health disorders, making them more challenging to treat. Painted Desert Recovery uses personalized care plans to ensure clients can access the services they need to heal and grow.

The Connections Between Anxiety and Substance Abuse

Anxiety and substance abuse share many complicated connections, including:

• People with SUD frequently report increased levels of anxiety
• Individuals with anxiety are more likely to use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate
• Anxiety and SUD may develop independently
• Individuals with a high risk of anxiety also have a higher risk of developing SUD

The clinical team at Painted Desert Recovery collaborates with clients to determine how to address anxiety disorders affecting their recovery from SUD.

Warning Signs of Anxiety

Some of the warning signs of clinical anxiety disorders include:

• Frequently feeling nervous or tense
• Muscle aches or pains and muscle tension
• Nausea, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal issues accompanied by feelings of dread, helplessness, or fear
• An impending sense of panic or doom
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances
• Increased heart rate
• Heart palpitations
• Panic attacks

Anxiety affects everyone in different ways. Clinicians often use a combination of treatment options to help clients effectively manage their anxiety.

Treatment Options at Painted Desert Recovery

Painted Desert Recovery uses evidence-based methods, including psychotherapy, peer support, and prescription medications, to help women manage anxiety symptoms. The clinical team also uses alternative holistic therapies, including nutritional therapy, art therapy, and eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), to reduce stress and address any underlying issues causing anxiety.

Women participating in intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) have the opportunity to practice establishing boundaries and using coping skills to reduce anxiety in their everyday lives. People in outpatient programs return home at night and on the weekends, allowing them to spend more time getting comfortable using the skills learned in therapy. Painted Desert Recovery encourages clients to challenge unhealthy thoughts or behaviors causing anxiety. By accepting and acknowledging these issues, women in recovery often feel better able to address them with healthy lifestyle changes and coping techniques.

How to Support a Loved One With Anxiety

People diagnosed with anxiety benefit from the support of loved ones during treatment for substance abuse. Often, unhealthy relationship dynamics increase anxiety and worsen symptoms. Family therapy and other family support services allow clients and their loved ones to strengthen relationships and overcome conflict.

Painted Desert Recovery encourages families to support their loved ones during treatment by doing the following:

• Being willing to attend individual and family therapy
• Self-educating and attending psychoeducation sessions to learn more about the realities of addiction recovery
• Actively listen to the needs of their loved ones
• Participating in self-help groups for the families and friends of people in recovery
• Acknowledging and addressing any mental health issues affecting the relationship

Treatment programs are more effective for people who rely on family members for support if their loved ones play an active role in their recovery.

Multiple underlying stressors often cause anxiety. Painted Desert Recovery uses trauma-informed therapy, personalized care plans, and evidence-based treatments to help women recovering from substance abuse manage symptoms of anxiety. To learn more about our programs and services, call our office today at (844) 540-0353.