Dual Diagnosis Symptoms For Anxiety And Addiction

In the recovery community, symptoms of anxiety and addiction are prevalent. A complex relationship exists between anxiety disorders and drug addiction according to the US National Library Of Medicine. In the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, both are classified under the umbrella of imbalanced brain chemistry. Anxiety disorders usually require some sort of benzodiazepine medication to help regulate these levels of adrenaline and dopamine in the brain to bring it back into balance.

These benzodiazepines are narcotics that interfere with someone who is also trying to recover from drug addiction. This is the reason that Xanax addiction and anxiety disorders often become entangled in each other and lead to a dual diagnosis that must be treated by a professional treatment center.

Anxiety Treatment May Lead To Substance Abuse

Oftentimes in treatment centers, benzodiazepines such as Librium, Xanax, and Valium are also prescribed in small doses to people who are going through acute alcohol withdrawal. The idea behind this form of treatment is to prescribe only small doses of benzos, such as Xanax, in a controlled medical setting and for a very short time to ensure the patient’s safety. 

The problem arises when the addict becomes physically and emotionally dependent on the benzos and needs more just to function at a normal level. The symptoms of anxiety and addiction can influence cravings.

In many 12 step programs, this type of detox is highly discouraged unless the addict’s health is highly at risk. In the case of seizures or severe delirium tremens, benzos may be administered to help save a person’s life. 

However, many treatment centers and psychiatric facilities are too quick to use these benzos as band-aids for a person’s recovery. It is important to know when it is necessary to take Xanax or other benzos to help with detox before allowing it to lead to a dual diagnosis of both anxiety and substance abuse disorder.

Xanax Addiction Treatment

It is important to find out the best treatment plan for you that will address all of the issues associated with your dual diagnosis. This is vital if you suffer from symptoms of anxiety and addiction. Make sure you ask as many questions as possible to help ease any doubt that you may have about Pennsylvania’s rehab’s ability to help you break free from your addiction.

Dual Diagnosis Symptoms For Anxiety And Addiction

Every person is different when it comes to specific dual diagnosis symptoms, especially those with anxiety and addiction. Many people report undergoing some form of self-medication to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is, in part, the reason why the two disorders often go hand in hand. Someone with alcohol use disorder is twice as likely to be co-diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

Some common symptoms that are widespread of dual diagnosis are:

• Isolation from friends
• Erratic mood swings
• Risky behavior
• Abusing substances under life-threatening conditions Complete lack of control around drinking and using drugs Having a higher tolerance for substances
• Needing or craving the drug or alcohol to get by in life

Contact Little Creek Recovery Today! 

If you or someone you love is suffering from these symptoms of a dual diagnosis, contact us immediately and receive the help you need today. The symptoms of anxiety and addiction can be devastating to witness. Dual diagnosis is a serious and life-threatening condition affecting many in Pennsylvania.

Be sure to get the help you need and talk to someone who has experience today. Our compassionate team of counselors is available 24/7 to help you overcome your dual diagnosis today. Do not hesitate to contact us today.