Alcohol and Anxiety Don’t Mix Well

Life presents many anxious situations and circumstances. How we deal with them varies considerably. Sometimes, we seek to avoid dealing with the difficulties we face in our lives. As a result, anxiety and alcohol use (and abuse) often go hand in hand.

People may self-medicate by drinking to calm anxious feelings (or shut them out entirely). The situation, however, can also operate in reverse. Alcohol abuse and addiction can lead to anxiety over time, even if the person did not previously have it. Understanding which of these situations applies to you is an important aspect to know when you seek alcohol addiction treatment.

Anxiety and Alcohol Abuse

As one of the most commonly used drugs in the country, alcohol has a unique position of widespread acceptance in social situations. It’s a standard part of social gatherings, both formal and informal. For example, what’s a wedding without the wedding toast? It is this widespread and socially approved availability that causes alcohol to be more easily abused in many cases.

An alcoholic beverage helps people relax, and its effects come quickly, around 10 minutes after consumption. An impaired state occurs when blood-alcohol levels rise. This can happen relatively quickly if a lot of alcohol is consumed in a short time frame.

Everyone feels anxious from time to time, however, some people experience either prolonged states or short, intense bursts of anxiety that can actually interfere with their everyday life. Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, is probably the most common form. This type of anxiety disorder can sabotage a person’s life and relationships.

The Connection Between Anxiety and Alcohol Addiction

Anxiety and alcohol use become connected when those with an undiagnosed and untreated anxiety disorder begin self-medicating with alcohol. Since alcohol functions as a depressant, it has a sedative and relaxing effect on those who struggle with anxiety. Unfortunately, this strategy only appears to work in the short-term.

Anxiety can be caused by prolonged drinking, and an anxiety disorder can actually be exacerbated by an alcohol abuse disorder. About 20 percent of those who struggle with an anxiety disorder also have some level of alcohol dependence or addiction. Alcohol can temporarily decrease anxiety, but within only a few hours, it can cause anxiety to intensify and these effects can last into the next day.

At this point, a problem becomes identified: either anxiety or alcoholism. However, when someone is suffering from two problems at the same time, identifying one isn’t enough. That’s why addiction specialists need to come into the picture and assess the situation.

Treatment For Anxiety and Alcohol Abuse

Even though people use alcohol to deal with anxiety, the long-term negative effects quickly outweigh short-term positives. However, treating only the substance abuse disorder does not address any pre-existing anxiety disorder. That’s why it’s important to find a rehab center that offers dual diagnosis treatment like Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida.

Beaches offers a number of proven treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and medication to stop drinking. As anxiety often functions as a trigger for alcohol use, treating the anxiety disorder along with the substance abuse disorder is imperative.

Estimates put accredited rehab facilities at just over half of all that are available. Finding an accredited rehab facility is important as such facilities go through a rigorous review process to meet higher standards than the state requires.

Beaches Recovery provides the following:

• Full range of inpatient and outpatient programs
• Top insurance partners
• Alcohol detox
• Men’s drug addiction rehab program
• Women’s drug addiction rehab program

If you or a loved one is dealing with the effects of alcohol addiction and anxiety, give Beaches Recovery a call at 866.605.0532 today. We can help you stop addiction from controlling your life and set you on the path to recovery.