Anxiety & Substance Use Disorder: What You Need to Know

Mental health disorders co-occurring with substance use disorders are exceedingly common.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that one in four Americans living with a mental health disorder like anxiety is also dealing with a co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD).[1]

About 9.2% of the U.S. population meets criteria for an anxiety or mood disorder, and about 9.6% have substance use disorders.[2] Having one condition increases the likelihood of developing the other.[3] 

Hence, someone who deals with anxiety is more likely to turn to substances at some point to manage their stress. Similarly, a person with a substance use disorder may experience anxiety related to substance misuse.

The good news is that help is available to effectively manage both disorders.

Anxiety Disorder & Substance Abuse: How Are They Related?

Anxiety disorders can be overwhelming and make it difficult for the individual to function. As a result, many seek out drugs and alcohol to help them escape those feelings of discomfort or otherwise diminish the anxiety symptoms.[4]

When substance use becomes the preferred, or only, coping mechanism for dealing with anxiety, a substance use disorder can quickly develop. The person may eventually become physically and psychologically dependent on the substance.

Types of Anxiety That May Co-Occur With SUD 

Several different types of anxiety disorders may co-occur with SUD, including these:[5]

• Specific phobias
• Social phobias
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

OCD & SUD

People (especially men) with OCD are more likely to develop substance use disorders than people with any other type of anxiety disorder.[6] 

At its core, substance use is characterized by the inability to manage the compulsive use of substances. People with OCD use compulsive behaviors to manage feelings of anxiety. When combined, it’s difficult to recover from either disorder. One feeds the other. 

Continued substance use can increase feelings of anxiety. That, in turn, increases rates of compulsive behaviors seen in patients with OCD. 

Social Anxiety & Substance Abuse 

People with social anxiety disorder struggle to interact with others, especially strangers. They may use substances to ease their anxiety in social situations.

Researchers say social anxiety disorder is a potential trigger for substance use.[7] 

Risk Factors for Anxiety & SUD 

Several factors can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder with a substance use disorder, including:

• Genetics: When someone has one or more close family members (like a parent or sibling) with an anxiety disorder or a substance use disorder, they are at a higher risk of developing co-occurring anxiety and SUD. 
• Unsuccessful treatment for anxiety: Many people do not get adequate behavioral or pharmacological treatment for anxiety, and they they may be more likely to turn to substances to relieve their symptoms and ultimately develop a SUD. 
• Suicidal thoughts: Suicidal ideation is linked to anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder.[8]

Symptoms of Anxiety & SUD 

Signs of addiction/ SUD can include the following:[9]

• Changes in social groups or social behaviors 
• Inability to stop using a substance
• Secretive behavior
• Odd excuses for changes in behavior
• Stealing, unpaid bills, and other signs of financial instability
• Withdrawal symptoms when not able to use a substance

Signs of an anxiety disorder can include the following:

• Extreme fear response to objectively small stimuli, such as social interactions
• Physical symptoms of panic, such as shaking, sweating, or hyperventilating
• Intense aversion to certain situations 
• A sense of impending doom or danger
• Rapid breathing or heart rate
• Making choices based on fears and anxiety that may interfere with functionality at work or home
• Circular thinking patterns

Challenges of Anxiety & SUD 

When someone struggling with anxiety uses drugs or alcohol to cope, it’s hard for them to quit. Many people who use substances to manage anxiety may not feel that they require treatment of any kind, making it more difficult to commit to recovery.[10] 

Treatment of SUD without adequate treatment of the underlying anxiety disorder – or vice versa – can make it hard to heal from either condition. The best success is achieved when both conditions are recognized and addressed simultaneously. 

Treatment for Co-Occurring Anxiety & SUD 

The good news is that several treatments can help people manage anxiety disorders without using drugs and alcohol. 

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are recommended for both substance use disorder and anxiety. 

CBT can teach patients coping mechanisms to manage anxiety and substance cravings. Therapists work with patients to identify triggers that worsen anxiety and substance use, helping them to change direction and engage in healthier behavioral patterns. 

Medication

If the substance of choice is an opioid, Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) may help. While taking a prescription medication like Suboxone, the patient can focus on recovery without dealing with opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Some people with anxiety benefit from antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications. 

Lifestyle Changes

A comprehensive treatment program that addresses anxiety and substance use disorder will incorporate various lifestyle changes.[3] Possibilities include meditation, regular exercise, journaling, balanced nutrition, and creative expression.[11]

Making changes that promote an overall healthy lifestyle can help to manage stress and other issues that can trigger anxiety and the use of substances.

A Holistic Approach to Care 

Making changes that promote an overall healthy lifestyle can help to manage stress and other issues that can trigger anxiety and the use of substances. From medication and group therapies to personalized therapies and beyond, each person’s ideal treatment experience will vary. 

As with all co-occurring conditions, it’s important to address anxiety and substance misuse together. Only treating one disorder will usually impede recovery on both fronts.

Continued dedication to the treatment process can help those who struggle with comorbid substance use disorder and anxiety to build a new life in recovery.