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Individuals given an anxiety disorder and alcohol dual diagnosis have a mental health problem at the root of their alcohol addiction. They drink to relieve their anxiety. Because overindulging makes their anxiety symptoms worse when they sober up, they repeatedly use alcohol in a vicious cycle. To be successful, treatment must address the anxiety disorder and the alcohol abuse simultaneously.

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 anxiety problem commonly diagnosed in alcoholics. People with this condition are subject to sudden episodes of intense anxiety that can mimic a nervous breakdown or cardiac arrest. During a panic attack, individuals may experience chest pains, heart palpitations, rapid breathing, trembling and dizziness. They often feel as though they are about to pass out and may fear they are going to die.

PTSD

Alcohol abuse is also frequently seen in association with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People may develop PTSD after experiencing a horrific event such as rape or series of traumatic episodes such as continuous combat in war. Symptoms of PTSD include agitation, sleeping problems, nightmares and flashbacks. Sufferers are constantly vigilant and over-sensitive to perceived threats. They find it difficult to handle the stress of the workplace or public situations.

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

Programs developed specifically for anxiety disorder and alcoholism dual diagnosis patients are now available at many alcohol inpatient program facilities. Most of these centers begin treatment with detoxification. This allows healthcare workers to distinguish between symptoms brought on by anxiety and those caused by alcohol abuse. A range of therapies can then be used to treat the patient’s anxiety problems along with their addiction.

12-Step Program

Alcohol misuse is typically addressed using twelve-step methods along with peer counseling and support. Symptoms of anxiety may be treated with prescription medications to eliminate the need for self-medication with alcohol. Psychotherapy may be used to help patients with underlying emotional conflicts. Patients are frequently offered cognitive-behavioral therapy to teach them practical ways to reduce their social anxiety and prevent panic attacks.