The Link Between Alcohol Abuse and Anxiety

Understanding the Link Between Alcohol Abuse and Anxiety

The relationship between alcohol abuse and anxiety is deeply intertwined and often becomes a destructive cycle. For many, anxiety serves as a driving force behind alcohol use, with individuals turning to alcohol to manage their discomfort. However, this temporary relief often comes at a significant cost, as the misuse of alcohol can exacerbate anxiety symptoms and lead to serious issues such as addiction. Left untreated, this cycle can be particularly harmful, highlighting the need for effective dual-diagnosis treatment that addresses both anxiety and alcoholism. At Harmony Place, we offer tailored programs that help clients break free from the damaging effects of alcohol abuse and anxiety while building healthier coping mechanisms for long-term recovery.

For those struggling with co-occurring anxiety and alcohol abuse, the connection may manifest in various ways. Social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or other forms of anxiety can lead individuals to self-medicate with alcohol, only to find that their dependency deepens over time. Meanwhile, excessive alcohol consumption disrupts brain chemistry, often triggering heightened anxiety or even panic following a night of drinking or during withdrawal. The resulting anxiety-alcoholism cycle is overwhelming, but recovery is possible. By focusing on the root causes of addiction and anxiety, our programs empower individuals to break free from this cycle and reclaim control of their lives. If you or a loved one is caught between anxiety and the challenges of alcohol misuse, Harmony Place offers compassionate care to help you achieve lasting healing.

Anxiety is among the most common mental health disorders in the United States. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), “[anxiety disorders] affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives.” Many people rely on self-medicating with drugs and alcohol to cope. Thus, there is a connection between substance abuse and anxiety.

At Harmony Place, we understand that addiction to alcohol often occurs as a result of underlying mental health symptoms. Due to the high prevalence of anxiety in the US, our treatment center in Los Angeles, California, provides dual-diagnosis treatment for those with co-occurring addiction and anxiety.

Self-Medicating Anxiety with Alcohol

Self-medicating symptoms of anxiety with alcohol can lead to several negative outcomes. For one thing, a person can develop a substance use disorder (SUD) following excessive and chronic use. At the same time, their anxiety symptoms never get better as they are masking these issues with alcohol.

Engaging in drinking for anxiety is a maladaptive coping mechanism for many people. Often, people with anxiety start with a drink or two just to “take the edge off.” And, as the alcohol lowers their inhibitions, doubts, and worries, they continue drinking as a way of managing anxiety triggers.

Thus, the cycle of addiction begins. The person finds a quick solution to managing uncomfortable feelings. Unfortunately, their tolerance for alcohol will increase. So, they begin consuming more for the same effects. There are various types of anxiety disorders, like generalized, panic attacks, or specific phobias. However, social anxiety is the type that often leads to people drinking alcohol to cope.

Social Anxiety and Alcoholism

Social anxiety is a specific type of anxiety disorder. A person with social anxiety disorder feels triggered by everyday social situations. These can include varying degrees of discomfort in different situations. For instance, a person could feel more symptoms while in unfamiliar and loud environments than they would at school or work. However, the person generally feels some level of discomfort in most social interactions.

Symptoms of social anxiety can include the following:

Feeling excessively self-conscious
Worried about being embarrassed
Fear of being judged harshly by others
Overly critical of self after social interactions
Avoiding any social situations that trigger anxiety
Physical symptoms, like profuse sweating, trouble breathing, or difficulty speaking

Since many social activities, like holiday parties, dates, concerts, or sporting events, include alcohol, some people with social anxiety disorder drink to feel normal or at ease. Thus, there is a connection between social anxiety and alcohol abuse as an unhealthy coping strategy.

Anxiety as a Result of Alcoholism

On the other hand, some people feel anxiety from alcohol abuse. For example, drinking can cause a person to act in ways they normally wouldn’t. They might do or say something while intoxicated that would otherwise embarrass them. As a result, they feel anxiety as they might need to explain themselves to those affected by their behavior while drinking.

In addition, after a night of drinking, a person is likely to feel physical symptoms, like a headache or fatigue, known as a hangover. To add, as a depressant, alcohol disrupts the balance of the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. These physical and mental symptoms could cause a feeling of dread and discomfort that leads to anxiety. People with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) often begin drinking again to numb themselves to this discomfort.

Anxiety During Alcohol Withdrawal

The first step of alcohol addiction treatment is known as detox. During detox, clients stop taking substances entirely. When a person is dependent on substances, they will go through withdrawal during detox.

Withdrawal is the period where a client’s body and mind readjust to no longer having alcohol. However, since they are dependent on alcohol to feel “normal,” they will have withdrawal symptoms throughout detox. These symptoms can range in severity from mild discomfort to dangerous or even deadly.

Alcohol withdrawal is among the most dangerous, especially for those who have been addicted long-term. Anxiety can result in excessive worry about the process of withdrawal itself. As a result, many people avoid treatment altogether.

On the other hand, anxiety could surface when a client has used drinking to cope with symptoms. Without alcohol masking their anxiety symptoms, they could feel a resurgence of their anxiety during withdrawal. Thus, dual-diagnosis treatment centers can help clients heal from co-occurring alcohol abuse and anxiety. That way, they learn healthy ways to cope without resorting to alcohol.

Find Treatment for Alcoholism and Anxiety Today

Anxiety often brings about intense worry and discomfort, leading some individuals to seek solace in alcohol or other substances. While these may offer temporary relief, they can quickly lead to addiction, adding even more challenges to those already faced by the individual. For those struggling with such dual issues, alcohol addiction treatment in Los Angeles, CA, offered by Harmony Place, provides a comprehensive approach to recovery. Our programs are designed to address the root causes of addiction and anxiety, offering a supportive environment to foster healing and growth.

At Harmony Place, we understand the temptation of quick fixes for untreated mental health disorders, but we advocate for confronting these issues directly. Our experienced team is committed to guiding clients through a rewarding journey of recovery, tailored to their unique needs. Our integrated treatment plans include a focus on mental health and substance use disorders, ensuring that those addicted to alcohol receive the necessary care to rebuild their lives. With Cigna alcohol addiction treatment available, we provide a holistic approach that empowers individuals to overcome their challenges.

To make our services as accessible as possible, Harmony Place accepts health insurance from a wide range of providers, including Anthem insurance cover, BCBS insurance, Aetna plans, and Optum. By accepting these and other insurance options, we aim to reduce the financial burden often associated with treatment, allowing clients to focus on their recovery journey. We strive to offer clarity around the average cost of alcohol addiction treatment and assist with paying for alcohol recovery treatment, ensuring that financial concerns do not stand in the way of achieving a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Contact us today to begin our dual-diagnosis treatment program for anxiety and addiction.