Addiction can be a crippling situation and can cause a number of problems in a person’s life. Addiction continues to plague millions of people every year. In some cases, a person may be struggling with another condition along with addiction. Anxiety and addiction commonly co-occur, leading to the undeniable need for treatment. 

When it comes to detox, some mental disorders can have some effects on the overall process. Detox is an important step for addiction recovery. At Coastal Detox we specialize in dual diagnosis cases and safe, effective detox. Anxiety shouldn’t hold you back from getting the help you need. 

It can be stressful and sometimes scary to go into detox while struggling with other conditions. Anxiety is a common occurrence with many addicts. Fortunately, our team at Coastal Detox will be by your side to make sure your detox treatment is safe and comfortable even if you have anxiety. 

What is Dual Diagnosis? 

Dual diagnosis (also called “co-occurring conditions”) is a common occurrence among those struggling with addiction. Dual diagnosis is when someone is dealing with addiction along with other mental disorders. These can include:

  • Bipolar disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Personality disorder
  • Generalized anxiety
  • Major depressive disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 

In many cases of co-occurring disorders, they can both begin to intensify each other. This can make it hard to spot certain symptoms from a specific disorder. In this case, anxiety and addiction can feed off each other during and after recovery if ignored. 

In dual diagnosis cases, we try to use a number of trusted therapy programs to treat all aspects of the disorders at once. We understand how hard it can be to combat two different situations at the same time. Our passionate staff will be by your side every step of the way to ensure safe and careful recovery. 

Common Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety can come in the form of many different disorders. Many of these can have effects on addiction and can sometimes worsen the situation. Anxiety typically requires multiple levels of treatment and the help of professionals. 

Some of the most common anxiety disorders include:

  • Social anxiety disorder – Unreasonable fear of interacting with others (scared of social events and activities, crowded places, and public speaking) 
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms after experiencing a traumatic event (life-threatening, war, accidents, sexual assault, etc.)
  • Panic disorder – Uncontrollable episodes of panic and terror (sense of doom or impending death)
  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) – Powerful sense of dread without a particular focus (overly worried and fixations on fear)

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

There are a variety of different symptoms a person may feel depending on the anxiety disorder. In many cases, a person may feel fearful about certain events or situations in their daily life. These can be seen through physical effects including:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Chest pains
  • Choking sensations
  • Shortness of breath
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Accelerated heart rate
  • Stomach aches or pains
  • Sweating or clammy skin
  • Insomnia or trouble sleeping

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms or are being affected by anxiety, you may need to speak to a professional. There are a number of treatment options for anxiety. During dual diagnosis, anxiety treatment becomes a part of the journey to recovery. 

Medical Detox for Addiction 

Before addiction treatment can truly begin, the body must be rid of all substances and alcohol. This process is called detoxification. Detox is an essential step to recovery and staying clean for the future. Even with co-occurring disorders like anxiety and addiction, detox is still necessary and important. 

Medical detox involves the help of trained and qualified professionals during the process. We make sure you are comfortable and safe during the entire process. Medical detox is highly recommended when it comes to addiction treatment – mainly to ensure safety and have a qualified entity  near to help at all times. 

Detox not only helps with some of the intense withdrawal symptoms but also opens the door for other treatment options. At Coastal Detox we try to make this vital step as safe and comfortable as possible. We also focus on dual diagnosis to make sure recovery goes smoothly and effectively.  

Coastal Detox offers detox for the following substances (among others):

Anxiety Disorders and Detox 

Detox on its own can be a stressful and sometimes, challenging process. During a detox, it is not uncommon for some symptoms of preexisting anxiety disorders to show up during the process. Drug and alcohol withdrawals can trigger certain episodes of anxiety and panic. 

As with many co-occurring disorders, anxiety and addiction can feed off each other, even during the detox phase. This is why it’s extra important to have a trained staff by your side so you are on the same page with your disorders. Detox is essential in any case of addiction and can unlock the door for a happier and healthier future down the line.

There are a few factors to consider before going into detox with anxiety. As a co-occurring disorder, anxiety can bring out certain symptoms during detox. Some common side effects during detox can include:

  • Nausea
  • Jitteriness
  • Mood swings
  • Depressive states
  • Clammy hands 

Fortunately, there are a number of therapy and treatment options to help with anxiety disorders. By getting the proper treatment before and during detox, a person can get the quality treatment that deals with both anxiety and addiction.  

While detox helps to deal with the physical withdrawal symptoms of addiction, it doesn’t do anything for the mind. To truly get the most out of your treatment it is important to focus on your mind and learn to deal with addiction. 

Dealing with Anxiety During and After Drug Detox

There are many different options that can be used to alleviate anxiety disorders during and after detox. Depending on the individual, some options may work better than others. Coastal Detox offers a wide variety of different treatment options to help. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways of dealing with anxiety and addiction during detox. 

Holistic Approach to Anxiety

One of the more interesting, yet effective types of anxiety treatment is holistic methods. Holistic treatment typically involves a therapeutic and mind-body-spirit recovery style. We offer these to help relax the mind and spirit during and after detox. 

Holistic methods like yoga, meditation, massage therapy, and art therapy can help combat anxiety disorders during and after detox. Relaxing the mind in a spiritual sense can help alleviate anxiety and help with the symptoms that come with it. Being relaxed and in a healthy mindstate can make all the difference when it comes to addiction and the detox process. 

Therapy Options for Anxiety

Therapy is one of the most common and effective ways to treat anxiety. There many different options depending on the case and the specific anxiety disorder. At Coastal Detox, we provide a number of great therapy options to help combat anxiety and addiction as co-occurring disorders.

Common therapy options include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – helps to change a person’s thinking and behaving patterns. An effective way to combat both anxiety disorders and addiction. 
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) –  focuses on acceptance and overall change
  • Group therapy – allows you to open up to others on the same boat while sharing your own thoughts and views in an open environment
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT) – a short-term psychotherapy technique that focuses on interpersonal issues (also used for depression) 
  • Individualized therapy – One on one sessions with therapists and professionals so you get the best experience possible

Medication for Anxiety 

Along with medication and other therapy options, medication can help aid some of the symptoms of anxiety. During detox, a person can take specific medication to treat anxiety and addiction. Anxiety disorder medications typically fall in one of four major classes of medication:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
  • Tricyclic antidepressant
  • Benzodiazepine

These can have different effects and can help with many of the effects of anxiety symptoms during detox. Before detox starts, a person will consult with one of our qualified medical professionals to see if medication is the right option for you. Medication can be an effective and safe way to help with anxiety while you focus on treating your addiction in the process. 

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment (or inpatient treatment) can provide the most effective and whole treatment. Residing in a safe and professional facility like Coastal detox can be extremely helpful in treating both anxiety and addiction. Our trusted detox program and therapy options are the best way to deal with dual diagnosis like anxiety and addiction. 

Getting Help for A Brighter Future

If left untreated, cases of dual diagnosis can become problematic. Anxiety and addiction can begin to feed off each other. At Coastal Detox, we’ll be by your side to help treat both anxiety and drug addiction so you can start living a healthier and happier life. Contact us today for more information on detox and anxiety rehab.