Anxiety goes beyond the daily worries of life. Anxiety disorders can make it difficult for some people to go to work, focus on tasks, and live productively. If the recent COVID-19 outbreak has you worried, you’re not alone. But, if you find that you cannot sleep, have changes in your diet, snap at friends and loved ones, or abuse substances, your anxiety has become severe. Anxiety treatment can help you overcome this hurdle, whether you have a severe acute case or a more chronic disorder. Unfortunately, for many people, anxiety means using drugs or drinking excessively. If you self-medicate with substances, you need to understand that these are not an effective option for anxiety treatment. Using drugs or alcohol can lead to dependence and more significant anxiety.
At Rockland Recovery, we proudly provide drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs, including our day intensive outpatient program, that equips people with the tools and support they may need to embrace long-lasting recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with an anxiety disorder, addiction issue, or both, our Rockland Recovery team is ready to help. We believe that people can learn healthy coping skills through our anxiety treatment program that can help battle addiction issues. Reach out to our Rockland Recovery team today by calling 855.732.4842 or completing our online form, and our team can get you started with mental health counseling.
Signs of an Anxiety Disorder
Although symptoms vary from person to person, common signs of an anxiety disorder include:
- Increased heart rate
- Trouble breathing
- Sweating
- Sense of impending doom
- Irritability
- Mood swings
If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one, an anxiety treatment program, including psychotherapy, can facilitate positive changes in a person’s life.
Psychotherapy as an Anxiety Treatment
Regardless of other options you use, psychotherapy remains a front-line treatment for anxiety therapy. There are various methods therapists use to help you how to learn to respond to stressful situations better. By changing how you think and react, you can reduce anxiety over time.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the name for this type of therapy that helps you to change your thoughts, which make you respond differently to triggering events or situations. Typically, this form of treatment requires twelve to sixteen weeks for you to get the greatest effects from it.
Not everyone responds to CBT. Your therapist can help you to find a method that works best for treating your anxiety. The type of treatment depends on whether you have chronic or acute anxiety and if you have any co-occurring problems. For instance, if you also have a substance use disorder, which frequently accompanies anxiety, you will need treatment to help you to stop using while you learn to reduce your anxiety.
Anti-Anxiety Medications and Other Prescriptions
Because anxious thoughts can make going through therapy difficult, some doctors prescribe medications to balance your brain chemistry. Medications for anxiety treatment may include:
- Beta-blockers
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Anti-depressants
- Benzodiazepines
Medications don’t work for everyone. You will need to work closely with your doctor to find the prescription that works best for you. Don’t worry if the first medication you try doesn’t help your anxiety. Some treatments will require weeks of taking them before you see benefits. Additionally, your brain chemistry may respond to medications differently than other people.
Lastly, always let your doctor know if you take any other medications or drugs. Some prescriptions for anxiety could interact negatively with illegal drugs or alcohol, so refraining from substance abuse is always the best approach.
Lifestyle Changes to Ease Anxiety
No matter which treatment options you receive, you can also help yourself by adopting healthier lifestyle changes to reduce your anxiety. Even in highly stressful times, such as these during the COVID-19 outbreak, you can still:
- Learn what you can control, such as self-quarantining
- Accept those things you cannot change, such as low supplies in stores and having to work from home
- Do not self-medicate with drugs or alcohol
- Learn to take care of yourself through a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise
- Create a support network of friends and family you can turn to for help
Explore Substance Use and Anxiety Treatment at Rockland Recovery Treatment Center
Substance use can worsen anxiety and take over your life. But there is good news. By choosing a quality recovery program, you can make changes to your life and learn healthier ways to treat your substance use and your anxiety. A better life with less anxiety that does not require you to use drugs or alcohol can become your reality.
Reach out to us at Rockland Recovery for mental health therapy today. Finding the right anxiety treatment center in Massachusetts that can offer you both treatment for substance use and anxiety is vital during times like these, so call 855.732.4842 or complete our online form.
