Alcohol Dual Diagnosis – Cure For Those Who Are Struggling

Individuals given an anxiety disorder and alcohol addiction 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

One of the most common anxiety problems associated with alcohol abuse is social phobia, also called social anxiety disorder. People with social phobia have an intense fear of being humiliated, embarrassed or negatively judged by others. The disorder causes such severe anxiety that people will go out of their way to avoid social activities and public situations. Physical symptoms include trembling, stammering, blushing, sweating, nausea and heart palpitations.

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

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

Individuals with anxiety disorders often use alcohol to calm fears, reduce stress levels, numb emotional pain or relax social inhibitions. Treatments for alcohol addiction often fail because alcoholics routinely drink in order to cope with their anxiety. One study following patients in alcohol dependence programs found that those diagnosed with anxiety disorders had the greatest risk of a relapse within four months.

Therapy

Many alcohol inpatient treatment centers now have programs specifically developed for anxiety disorder and alcoholism dual diagnosis patients. Treatment at inpatient facilities normally begins with detoxification. Once this process is completed, healthcare workers are better able to distinguish between the symptoms of an anxiety disorder and those brought on by alcohol abuse. A range of treatment options can then be used to reduce the patient’s anxiety and overcome their addiction.

12-Step Program

Alcohol issues are usually addressed using a twelve-step program in conjunction with group counseling and peer support. Anxiety symptoms are often treated with prescription medications, reducing the patient’s need to self-medicate with alcohol. Emotional conflicts may be addressed with psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy offers patients practical methods for controlling social anxiety and preventing panic attacks.

After rehab at an alcohol inpatient rehabilitation, out-patient programs can continue to provide support to ensure that people with anxiety disorders successfully cope with the stresses of work and social life. With proper therapy, anxiety disorder and alcohol addiction dual diagnosis patients can escape the vicious cycle they were trapped in.