Patients given an anxiety disorder and alcoholism dual diagnosis have a substance abuse problem linked to underlying mental health issues. People suffering from anxiety often use alcohol as a coping mechanism. However, excessive drinking can heighten their symptoms during sober periods. This creates a vicious cycle in which alcohol is both the problem and the perceived solution. Effective therapies must simultaneously address both the anxiety disorder and the addiction.

Social Phobia

Social phobia is one of the anxiety-related conditions most frequently linked to alcohol abuse. Also known as social anxiety disorder, it is an extreme fear of being embarrassed, negatively judged or humiliated in social situations. Sufferers may go out of their way to avoid contact with the general public. Social anxiety manifests in physical symptoms such as nausea, blushing, stammering, shaking, sweating and a rapid heartbeat.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is another condition associated with problem drinking. Sufferers repeatedly undergo sudden episodes of intense anxiety. These panic attacks are so severe that they can be mistaken for a heart attack or nervous breakdown. Symptoms include a rapid heartbeat, chest pains, shallow breathing, shaking and dizziness. During an attack, people may fear that they about to lose consciousness or even die.

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is also frequently seen in conjunction with alcohol problems. PTSD is caused by traumatic experiences such as child abuse, rape or armed combat. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, agitation and sleeping difficulties. Sufferers avoid stressful situations and tend to be over-sensitive to possible treats. This can lead to difficulties functioning in social and work environments.

Reasons For Abuse

People with anxiety disorders may use alcohol to lower social inhibitions, relieve stress, calm fears and numb emotional pain. Treatments that focus on alcohol problems often fail when patients return to their former coping strategies to deal with anxiety. A study that followed individuals in alcohol dependence programs found that those with anxiety disorders had a significantly greater risk of relapse within four months.

Therapy

Many alcohol rehab facilities now offer therapies specifically aimed at anxiety disorder and alcoholism dual diagnosis patients. Inpatient programs typically begin with detoxification. Once this has been completed, specialists can more easily distinguish the symptoms of alcohol abuse from those caused by the anxiety disorder. They can then use a range of treatment options to address both of the patient’s issues.

12-Step Program

Methods based on a twelve-step program including peer support are often used to help patients overcome their addiction to alcohol. In addition, appropriate medication may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety so patients no longer feel the need to self-medicate with alcohol. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can teach patients practical techniques for reducing social anxiety and panic attacks. Psychotherapy can help patients explore and overcome emotional conflicts.

Patients who successfully progress through an alcohol inpatient program can access continued support through out-patient programs. Intensive case management helps to ensure that they are able to cope at work and in social environments. Specialized therapies allow anxiety disorder and alcohol addiction dual diagnosis patients to escape the vicious cycle by minimizing their anxiety symptoms without the need for alcohol.

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