Decades of research have shown that substance use disorders (SUDs) and anxiety disorders co-occur at higher rates than would be seen by chance alone. This co-occurrence, called a dual diagnosis, creates a complex and difficult situation for people affected. This document will explore the complicated relationship between addiction and anxiety, the reasons they co-occur, common symptoms, and treatment approaches available at Harmony Hills Treatment Center in Florida.
The relationship between addiction and anxiety is frequently described as a vicious cycle. A person experiencing anxiety often turns to substances as a coping mechanism to relieve their distress. And, although substances offer temporary relief, they actually make anxiety worse in the long run. Studies have shown that anxiety disorders are connected to an increased severity of lifetime alcohol use disorders (alcoholism), alcohol withdrawal, and higher relapse rates after treatment for SUD.
In the alternative, the presence of a SUD can induce or worsen anxiety disorders, even in people who didn’t previously have an anxiety disorder. A 12-year study showed that the presence of a SUD reduced the recovery rate and increased the probability of recurring general anxiety disorder.
Several factors contribute to the common co-occurrence of addiction and anxiety:
Recognizing the signs of both anxiety and addiction is essential for seeking appropriate help.
When an individual has a mental health disorder, such as anxiety, and a substance use disorder, it is considered a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis treatment for anxiety and addiction disorders requires integrated treatment that addresses both conditions simultaneously, preferably by the same treatment team. The co-occurrence of addiction and anxiety complicates treatment significantly and increases the risk of relapse. Treating only one condition without treating the other is usually ineffective because the untreated condition can easily trigger the other. Comprehensive treatment of both disorders is key to breaking the cycle and promoting long-term recovery.
Effective treatment for co-occurring anxiety and addiction usually involves an integrated approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously.
The relationship between anxiety and addiction is complicated and often intertwined. Understanding this connection is critical for effective treatment and recovery. Some approaches used at Harmony Hills include:
Psychotherapy is the foundation of most treatment plans for co-occurring disorders. It provides a space where people can explore the root causes of both anxiety and substance use, such as unresolved trauma, chronic stress, or negative self-beliefs. Through open conversation with a trained therapist, clients learn to identify how their emotions and behaviors interact, uncover triggers that fuel both conditions, and develop strategies to manage them.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps clients recognize the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. For those with anxiety and addiction, it’s common to fall into cycles of avoidance or self-medication. CBT teaches practical skills to challenge irrational fears and reframe negative thinking patterns that lead to substance use. By practicing healthier coping responses, clients gradually reduce anxiety symptoms while weakening the hold that addictive behaviors have on them. Over time, this structured approach empowers people to make more intentional choices rather than reacting to stress or fear.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is particularly helpful for individuals whose anxiety comes with intense emotional swings or impulsivity that drives substance use. This therapy emphasizes mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Clients learn to stay grounded during high-stress situations instead of turning to drugs or alcohol for relief. By improving emotion management and teaching skills for healthy communication, DBT reduces conflict, strengthens relationships, and supports long-term stability in recovery.
Group therapy offers a sense of community and shared understanding that’s especially valuable for people coping with both anxiety and addiction. Hearing others talk openly about similar struggles reduces feelings of isolation and shame, while also providing fresh perspectives on recovery. In a structured group setting, participants can practice social skills, learn strategies to manage anxiety without substances, and receive encouragement from peers who understand their journey. These connections often become a source of strength long after formal treatment ends.
Individual therapy provides a confidential space to dive deeper into personal challenges that may not be addressed in group settings. A licensed counselor works one-on-one with clients to explore the roots of anxiety and substance use, tailor coping strategies, and monitor progress closely. This personalized attention is critical for people whose co-occurring disorders involve complex or sensitive issues, such as trauma or severe anxiety symptoms, ensuring that treatment aligns with their unique needs and pace.
Anxiety and addiction affect not just the individual, but also those closest to them. Family therapy brings loved ones into the healing process, helping them understand how these conditions interact and how best to offer support. It improves communication, reduces conflict, and educates family members on setting healthy boundaries. When the family learns to work together rather than in opposition, the person in recovery benefits from a stronger support system and a more stable home environment.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Many people with co-occurring anxiety and addiction have a history of trauma. EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories that fuel fear, panic, or substance use as a way to cope. Through bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, EMDR reduces the emotional distress tied to these memories, making them less triggering over time. As the brain integrates these experiences in a healthier way, clients often notice a reduction in both anxiety symptoms and cravings, supporting deeper and more lasting recovery.
The best medication for substance use and anxiety disorders will depend on the individual’s specific needs and circumstances. It’s vital to work with a medical professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Medication management includes the use of medications, combined with counseling and behavioral therapies, to treat SUDs and underlying anxiety. The goal is to save lives and help people with recovery, and give them the ability to live a self-directed life.
Medications commonly employed to treat both SUDs and anxiety include:
Harmony Hills Treatment Center is able to provide a comprehensive residential treatment program at our facility in Altoona, FL, just north of Orlando. Typically, residential treatment is considered more effective than outpatient treatment for dual diagnosis.
You can go on to live a fulfilling life after rehab, but aftercare is an important part of recovery. Harmony Hills’ aftercare program is crucial to help maintain sobriety and manage your mental health. It can provide continuing support and strategies to prevent relapse that address the complexities of substance abuse and anxiety. Without aftercare support, individuals are more susceptible to relapse because of unaddressed emotional issues and triggers.
Individuals with a dual diagnosis often need ongoing medication management, therapy, and crisis management planning to address their mental health condition, essential for maintaining long-term recovery. Additionally, aftercare programs help people merge the skills and strategies learned in treatment into their everyday lives and contribute to long-term stability and an improved quality of life.
Are you struggling with anxiety? Have you tried to ease your distress by using alcohol or drugs? If you said “yes,” you aren’t alone, even though you may feel that way. We can help you at Harmony Hills in our residential program for dual diagnosis. We have an experienced, professionally licensed staff whose only job is to help you, or someone you care about, recover.
Our dual diagnosis program can be individually tailored for your needs from our many treatment options. By providing choices, we can help you design a treatment plan specifically for you. Harmony Hills is proud to offer a specialized Veterans Program to address the needs of veterans, who often suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and SUDs.
Don’t let stigma or fear keep you from getting on with life. Join us in our peaceful, rural environment at Harmony Hills, where you can focus on yourself and your goals. Contact us today to get started.