How Anxiety May Contribute to Addiction
Anxiety (noun): 1 a) painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill, 1b) fearful concern or interest, 1c) a cause of anxiety | 2) an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one's capacity to cope with it
From Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Ever feel concerned or anxious about an upcoming school exam, how one will do in a sporting event, someone you care for who is in the hospital, or waiting for the results of your medical tests? Those anxious feelings are quite normal and expected and not something to worry about.
Anxiety becomes a problem when:
- you constantly worry about anything and everything
- the constant worrying feeds on itself and produces feelings and irrational thoughts of “gloom and doom”
- you stop doing things that may cause anxiety like going out with friends to a restaurant
- you turn to drugs and alcohol to “turn off” or numb the anxiety
When Anxiety is Normal and Healthy
Those uncomfortable “butterflies” in your stomach can actually help you:
- perform better such as in a job interview or athletic contest
- quickly find a solution to a difficult problem to avoid unpleasant consequences
- spur you to take positive action like asking for a raise or speaking up for yourself
- fully experience the thrills and joys of life like getting married or waiting for your child to be born
Is Your Anxiety Actually an Anxiety Disorder?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Are you always worried, edgy or up tight?
- Does your anxiousness get in the way of your daily life and responsibilities?
- Are you filled with fears that you know aren’t rational but simply can’t get rid of?
- If things aren’t done in a particular way, do you believe that something bad will happen?
- What do you avoid doing because it makes you feel anxious?
- Do you often feel panicked for no apparent reason?
- Do you have unexpected moments of rapid heartbeats, difficult breathing and immense dread?
- Do you fear that something terrible will happen at any moment?
- Do you use alcohol or drugs to stop feeling anxious or fearful?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions you may have an anxiety disorder.
Let Solutions Recovery, Inc. Help You Quell the Anxiety
Our trained and caring counselors and therapists have a variety of treatment modalities available to help you. Individual, family, and group therapy may be helpful in conjunction with medications, coping and management techniques, and other methods. Treatment is tailored for your unique personality and needs.
Get Help with Your Anxiety Now
Begin your journey to recovery by calling us right now – toll free 1-800-774-8599 or in the greater Las Vegas area (702) 228-8520 – anytime of the day or night, every day of the year!
In addition to anxiety, our experienced and licensed clinicians help people understand what is contributing to their addiction such as anger, anxiety, depression, gambling, post-traumatic stress disorder, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
We want you to address your alcohol or drug addiction and begin living a happy, healthy life!
Get on the road to recovery RIGHT NOW by call us toll free 1-800-774-8599 or in the greater Las Vegas area (702) 228-8520. We’re open 24 hours, 7 days a week, all year long – we’re here for you!
About Solutions Recovery, Inc. in Las Vegas, Nevada
Our Las Vegas alcohol and drug treatment programs will help you in your recovery from chemical dependency including alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, opiates, or other addictive substances.
Solutions Recovery, Inc.'s doctors, therapists and clinicians are trained to address the whole spectrum of addiction and mental health disorders.
Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, Solutions Recovery, Inc. offers chronic pain, intensive outpatient and residential treatment programs.
