Today’s stressful work makes anxiety more and more common. For some, anxiety passes quickly. For others, an anxiety episode may signify an anxiety disorder. Today, co-occurring disorders like anxiety are increasingly common in addiction recovery. Nearly half of people living with addiction have co-occurring disorders. Northpoint Nebraska’s evidence-based substance abuse treatment programs provide a dual diagnosis and mental health treatment for co-occurring disorders like anxiety and other mood disorders.
If you or someone you love needs support for anxiety, call Northpoint Nebraska. Our anxiety treatment center provides comprehensive, flexible treatment plans. Call 888.351.3834 or contact our team online today to learn more about the benefits of our anxiety treatment program in Nebraska.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a physical, emotional, and mental state. During an anxiety episode, the brain goes into fight, flight, or freeze mode. In this state, the body releases adrenaline. This normal reaction can help the body fight, fight, or flee a life-threatening situation.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Unfortunately, during anxiety, a person is not in physical danger. Instead, the brain tricks the body into releasing these chemicals. Also called dysregulation, fight, flight, or freeze causes a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- Intense worry
- Sense of impending doom
- Hyperventilation
- Increased heart rate
- Palpitations
- Chest tightness
- Fear
- Sweating
- Confusion
- Trouble focusing
- Trouble sitting still
- Intense fatigue
- Poor sleep
- Always on alert
Symptoms of anxiety depend on each person’s body and life experience. For many, anxiety can be a regular part of their lives. Some people can experience anxiety quickly. For others, small triggers can lead to an anxiety attack. During an attack, people may fear for their lives and have difficulty calming down.
It’s important to distinguish between an anxiety attack and an anxiety disorder. An anxiety attack, often referred to as a panic attack, is a sudden and intense episode of fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. These attacks can occur unexpectedly or are triggered by specific fears or phobias. They are intensely frightening but temporary and not harmful in themselves.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
An anxiety disorder is a more chronic condition. It’s not just a single event but a series of recurring episodes that can significantly impair a person’s quality of life. These disorders are characterized by persistent, excessive, and irrational fear or worry about everyday situations. Often, the feelings of anxiety interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger, and can last a long time. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) lists the following anxiety disorders:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
If left untreated, these disorders can lead to a cycle of increasing avoidance, reduced mobility, and escalating distress. At Northpoint Nebraska, our treatment team will develop a personalized anxiety treatment program to address and manage your specific symptoms and needs.
Understanding the Relationship Between Anxiety and Addiction
When the brain and body don’t return to a regulated state, it’s hard to focus, sleep, and live normally. This can lead to health problems, severe mood changes, and changes in behavior. Unfortunately, undiagnosed anxiety is common. Many people experience anxiety frequently or live with undiagnosed anxiety disorders. Without proper treatment, constant and prolonged anxiety often leads to self-medicating with drugs or alcohol. While this may temporarily relieve anxiety, it can worsen symptoms long-term and quickly lead to addiction.
Anxiety causes people to ruminate on the past or worry about the future. This means during an anxiety attack, it can be challenging to stay in the present moment. Anxiety treatment at Northpoint Nebraska can help clients develop mindful awareness. Over time, clients can reduce anxiety and daily stress while also treating addiction.
Get Started on Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment for Anxiety at Northpoint Nebraska
Northpoint Nebraska’s anxiety treatment center provides evidence-based treatment programs to help clients recover from anxiety and other mood disorders with comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment. Contact our team online or call 888.351.3834 today to learn how Northpoint Nebraska can help you with co-occurring disorder treatment.