Understanding Addiction and Anxiety

The ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius famously said, “The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential… these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.” This is the ultimate goal in life – to succeed in whatever one most desires. Yet for individuals struggling with addiction and anxiety, that success often seems impossible. The good news is that one does not have to be resigned to that fate. There are many means, methods, and modalities that can help one to overcome addiction and anxiety and find the success that they both desire and deserve.

Better Understanding Addiction

Millions of people struggle with addiction every day. This is true both in the United States and around the world. Yet, many of these people will never get the help that they need. Often, this comes down to the simple fact that they are unaware of what exactly addiction is, or how prevalent it is.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “Alcohol and drug misuse and related disorders are major public health challenges that are taking an enormous toll on our society. Recently, more than 27 million people in the United States reported that they are using illicit drugs or misusing prescription drugs, and nearly a quarter of adults and adolescents reported binge drinking in the past month.  The annual economic impact of substance misuse is estimated to be $249 billion for alcohol misuse and $193 billion for illicit drug use.”

It is also important to understand that addiction is a disease. It is not some type of intentional “choice.” When people put this idea of “choice” out in the world, it creates even more stigma that one has to overcome to get well. It may also create needed anxiety, which is also a mental health issue that many people with addiction also struggle with.

Better Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues that people face around the globe. Now, it is important to clarify that the type of anxiety we are talking about here is not simply the “nerves” that one feels occasionally due to reasonable circumstances (such as having to give a speech, for example). No, this anxiety is a mental health issue that is more severe and can be categorized as a mental illness (like addiction, also a disease). So, what exactly is the anxiety that we are talking about here?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “Feeling anxious is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, school, work, or family. But anxiety disorders involve more than occasional worry or fear,” and “for people with these disorders, anxiety does not go away, is felt in many situations, and can get worse over time.” Anxiety is also something that comes in many forms.

According to the peer-reviewed journal The Lancet (London, England), “Anxiety disorders form the most common type of mental illness. Anxiety disorders comprise separation anxiety and selective mutism (occurring primarily in childhood; between the ages of 4 years and 18 years), specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, and generalised anxiety disorder (occurring in childhood as well as in adulthood), as well as panic disorder and agoraphobia (occurring primarily in adulthood; from the age of 18 years and older).” It is also important to understand that all of these types of anxiety disorders can also be found co-occurring with addiction.

Addiction and Anxiety: Better Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders

Addiction and anxiety are more common than many people may think. According to The Psychiatric Times, “Anxiety and substance use disorders are among the most frequent psychiatric problems in the United States, with lifetime rates of 28.8% and 14.6%, respectively. The presence of an anxiety or substance use disorder is also a risk factor for the presence of the other disorder, as shown in both epidemiological and clinical samples. Recent analyses from an epidemiological survey focused on comorbidity, the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC; N=43,093), offered a compelling demonstration of this shared risk, revealing striking rates of co-occurring anxiety and substance use disorders.”

It is also true that many people are not properly “dual-diagnosed” when they seek treatment. This may be because the symptoms often overlap. According to the peer-reviewed journal Social Work in Public Health, “Because of symptom overlap and diagnostic difficulties, estimates of co-occurring SUDs and anxiety disorders in treatment settings are variable and depend upon the diagnostic techniques used and the specific disorder being assessed. Specific prevalence estimates are addressed in sections focused on individual anxiety disorders. In one large sample of SUD treatment clinics, 80% of individuals in treatment had at least one co-occurring anxiety disorder, and there was a significant relationship between comorbidity and mental distress at initial interview and 6 years later.”

One of the keys to being properly diagnosed with addiction and anxiety is to see a reputable medical professional who is able to determine both issues. However, it can also be invaluable to know the signs and symptoms of addiction and anxiety that one can look out for themselves.

The Signs and Symptoms of Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Addiction

Now, of course, the signs and symptoms of addiction and anxiety are always going to vary based on the individual. However, one can look out for many universal signs and symptoms. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms of addiction and anxiety:

• Experiencing trouble at work or school
• Issues with relationships at home
• Feeling nervous, or overly “stressed out”
• Not being able to stop once starting to drink or use
• Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (hypersomnia and insomnia)
• Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
• Isolating away from family and close friends
• Feeling overwhelming dread
• Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and well-being
• Exhibiting excessive mood swings
• Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems
• Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
• Causing harm to oneself or others
• Having suicidal ideations

Yes, people often minimize addiction and/or an anxiety disorder, or even falsely categorize it as that previously mentioned “choice.” However, as one can see, these signs and symptoms are significant and can even be deadly. This is why reaching out for professional help as soon as possible is vital. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term side effects and long-term consequences. It is also important to understand how addiction and anxiety may affect the family (and close friends).

The Effects of Co-Occurring Disorders on the Family

It is important to remember that addiction and anxiety are not just diseases, but they are also “family diseases.” This is because they affect far more people than just the individual who is struggling. This is often why these diseases are referred to as “tornadoes that aim to destroy everyone and everything in their path.”

It is also important to understand that there are many family dynamics that may lead to these issues of addiction and/or anxiety (or at least exacerbate them). According to the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, “Disruption in family structure can lead to several adverse events impacting both the mental health of children and their parents. Not all disruptions have equal effects. More emotional and behavioral problems occur in families disrupted by divorce than compared to other types of disruptions, for example, the death of a parent.” It is also true that these negative family dynamics can lead to a relapse.

Understanding the Prevalence of Relapse With Addiction and Anxiety

When it comes to addiction and anxiety, it is important to understand that these are chronically relapsing diseases (also often referred to as disorders). Relapses are also much more common than many people may realize.

According to the peer-reviewed thesis Addiction Relapse Prevention, by Doctors Guenzel and McChargue, “One primary concern in addiction treatment is the high rate of relapses within a short period after even the most intensive treatment. Many studies have shown relapse rates of approximately 50% within the first 12 weeks after completion of intensive inpatient programs that often last 4 to 12 weeks or more and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.” The good news is that there is a solution. This is even true for those who experience chronic relapses. The key is to find the right treatments.

How to Best Treat Addiction and Anxiety

The best way to treat addiction and anxiety is via a multi-angled approach. This simply means using as many effective means, methods, and modalities as possible for recovery.

These modalities should be pulled from all areas of recovery. For example, one may utilize “traditional” psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. One may also engage with experiential therapies like surf therapy or other nature-based therapies. Lastly, it is often a good idea to utilize holistic healing methods like yoga therapy and mindfulness meditation.

It is also important that all recovery plans be individualized. After all, no person’s active addiction and anxiety journey was the same; why should their recovery be?

Treating Addiction and Anxiety With Psychotherapies

The benefits of psychotherapies for addiction and anxiety are relatively well-known. This is because they are “evidence-based,” which simply means they have had enough trials and testing to show their efficacy.

These therapies work particularly well because they get to the root/core causes of one’s addiction and/or anxiety. It is critical to know why one acts or feels the way that they do, rather than just treating the results. One highly effective form of psychotherapy is EMDR.

EMDR can treat a wide array of issues, including addiction and anxiety. According to The Permanente Journal, “Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an empirically validated psychotherapy approach that medical personnel can employ to treat the sequelae of psychological trauma and other negative life experiences. Its ability to rapidly treat unprocessed memories of these adverse experiences has important implications for the medical community, as they appear to be the foundation for an array of clinical symptoms. Clinical applications of EMDR include a wide variety of psychological problems affecting patients and family members, as well as stress-induced physical disorders and medically unexplained symptoms.”

Treating Addiction and Anxiety With Experiential Therapies

Experiential therapies can also be highly effective at treating people with addiction and anxiety. This is because many people with addiction and anxiety isolate themselves from the world around them. Experiential therapies help them reconnect to that world. This is especially true with nature immersion therapy.

Nature-based therapies offer a myriad of positive benefits. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “Being outdoors in nature can be, in general, health-promoting. Furthermore, being outdoors can stimulate all the senses, increase the feeling of freedom, and have a positive effect on the immune system. Moreover, light and air can increase reflection and self-regulation for patients with depression. A close connection with the seasons and their change might serve as a mirror to oneself, and it is suggested to promote self-acceptance and self-love.” 

There are also many other types of experiential therapies that can be highly beneficial. This includes other nature-based therapies like surf therapy and horticulture therapy. There is also animal-assisted therapy, like equine therapy, and creative experiential therapies, like art therapy. These therapies also pair well with many holistic healing methods.

Treating Addiction and Anxiety With Holistic Healing Methods

There are many effective holistic healing methods that can help one recover from addiction and anxiety at the cellular level. This includes holistic healing methods like acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga therapy, and mindfulness meditation. These holistic modalities can also be highly effective when used together.

Methods like these have been practiced for thousands of years, but have only recently started being utilized for recovery. Holistic modalities can offer a myriad of benefits. These benefits can be physical, emotional, mental, and even spiritual. The following are just a few of those benefits:

• Increased positivity and wellness
• Improved breathing
• Better strength and posture
• A greater focus on mindfulness
• Acquiring a better sense of self
• Finding a better sense of mental balance and clarity
• Helping one connect with others and heal relationships
• Creates empathy
• Connects individuals with new, relatable people
• Encourages spirituality
• Reduces anxiety and depression
• Can help individuals who struggle with suicidal ideations

As one can see, these benefits are vast and varied. These modalities also work very well with other types of recovery modalities, making them even more valuable to individuals who are seeking a more comprehensive plan of action. The key is finding the right types of treatments that work together and sticking to them. It is also important to know which treatments aren’t working so they can be eliminated from a recovery plan.

What Does It Mean to Heal at the Cellular Level?

Healing at the cellular level is all about healing every aspect of the capital “S” Self. That is what all of the previously mentioned modalities can do.

The key is to embrace recovery fully and be open to new experiences. When this happens, one can truly begin to heal at the cellular level. They can begin to experience a life beyond their wildest dreams.

Healing at the Cellular Level With Exclusive Hawaii Rehab

Here at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” That is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future. This includes our recovery plans that address addiction and anxiety.

Confucius also famously said, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” This is symbolic of the recovery that happens here at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab. It is time to lead with your heart. It is time to recover. You can do this! We can help.

Many people who struggle with addiction also struggle with anxiety. These two co-occurring disorders can create a vicious cycle of mental illness and addiction that can be difficult to escape. However, there are many effective modalities that can help with dual recovery. The key is to find the right treatment that works for you. If you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, anxiety, or both, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about healing from addiction and anxiety at the cellular level, please reach out to Exclusive Hawaii Rehab today at (808) 775-0200.