Treating Dual Diagnoses in Rehab

Treating co-occurring disorders like trauma (PTSD) and anxiety disorders is somewhat common in the course of treatment at our facility.   We have to continually assess the woman’s treatment progress to identify if these mental health issues are present, if they require medication, and if they (hopefully) present themselves less during the course of treatment.

Anxiety May Lead to Prescription Drug Abuse

Anxiety is one of the most widespread psychological disorders.  It can take many forms, including a generalized state of worry, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive behavior, phobias and intense fear of social situations.  People who are affected with these anxiety disorders often try to deal with their symptoms by self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.  Although this practice may appear to alleviate symptoms, it often has the opposite effect and worsens the effects of anxiety.  Self-medication also increases the risk of developing a serious substance abuse problem in the future.

Research conducted at the University of Manitoba in Canada over a three year period found that patients with anxiety disorders who relied on drugs or alcohol for temporary relief were actually increasing the severity of their symptoms.    The Canadian researchers used long-term data gathered from more than 34,000 American patients with anxiety disorders.  For all patients in the study, self-medication led to higher levels of substance abuse disorders.  Patients who experienced panic attacks were especially impacted by self-medication.

Anxiety Requires Counseling and/or Medication

The Link between Anxiety and Substance Abuse

Psychiatrists and psychologists have long suspected that there is a link between anxiety disorders and substance abuse.  The Canadian study provides clinical evidence that self-medication for anxiety is often the underlying cause of substance abuse problems.  The study also indicates that therapists should look for an underlying anxiety disorder when treating patients for substance abuse.

Many types of medication may be prescribed for relief from the symptoms of anxiety, including antidepressants, benzodiazepines and beta-blockers.  These drugs are potentially dangerous and should only be taken while under the care of a medical professional.  Even the prescription medication used to treat anxiety can have negative side effects and has the potential for addiction.  This is why the most effective long-term treatment for anxiety disorder is counseling and therapy.  Some of the techniques that are effective in the treatment of anxiety include cognitive behavior therapy, hypnosis, meditation and biofeedback.  Lifestyle changes in diet, exercise and sleep patterns are often required to help keep anxiety levels under control.

Co-Occurring Disorders

People who develop a substance abuse problem in addition to an anxiety disorder are said to have a co-occurring disorder, or a dual diagnosis.  The anxiety disorder and the substance abuse problem interact, with each disorder increasing the symptoms of the other.  Recovery will depend on the treatment of both problems.  An integrated from of treatment that addresses both issues will provide the best chances for a complete recovery.