Make no mistake, anxiety is very common. Around 20% of Americans currently have anxiety. That number does not include children and teenagers. Learning more about anxiety is necessary to prevent or manage it better.
Struggling with anxiety and addiction can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Golden Gate Recovery, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, providing compassionate care for those battling both anxiety and substance use disorders.
Our Novato, CA-based program combines evidence-based therapy, holistic healing, and a supportive community to help you regain control of your life. If anxiety is keeping you trapped in a cycle of addiction, we’re here to help you break free and build a healthier, more balanced future. Take the first step—reach out to Golden Gate Recovery today.
Anxiety is increased feelings of worry, tension, and stress because of a perceived distressing situation.
Anxiety is a normal reaction to external pressure. It is the body’s defense against problems and a way of ensuring survival. When a person faces danger, the body releases a hormone and a rush of adrenaline.
This hormone causes a chain reaction that leads to a fight or flight response from the person.
Anxiety usually subsides when the danger subsides. However, if anxious and intrusive thoughts persist for prolonged periods, it becomes anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are more serious and can disrupt your daily activities.
A person who is anxious will feel tense, nervous, and on high alert. They are also prone to panic. A person who is suffering from anxiety disorder will feel the same way.
The only difference is that their anxious thoughts are prolonged and more severe.
What is the Difference Between Panic Attacks and Anxiety?h5
Anxiety is an increased level of worry or stress about a present or future event. Panic attacks are more sudden and surprising.
Someone suffering from panic attacks will experience dizziness, numbness, and breathlessness. However, panic attacks typically do not last as long as anxiety.
Several things can cause anxiety. They include
This type of anxiety affects children. It prevents them from expressing themselves in specific situations. This might be at school or at home.
Selective mutism can disrupt the child’s development.
This is a fear of visiting places that cause panic or anxiety. These places might also make the person feel embarrassed or trapped.
This anxiety disorder starts during childhood. It is a fear of separation caused by the abandonment of a parent or guardian.
People who suffer from this form of anxiety experience consistent worry and anxiety.
The level of anxiety and worry they express often does not match the gravity of the event. The event or situation might be a minor or important event.
Generalized anxiety disorder can affect a person physically. Having this form of anxiety does not stop you from having others.
People who suffer from social anxiety disorder often feel anxious or embarrassed in social settings.
Most of their anxiety comes from the fear of being embarrassed or judged by others.
As the name implies, this form of anxiety is a direct consequence of abusing illicit drugs and substances. It can also be a withdrawal symptom. It can also be caused by the side effects of some prescribed medications.
Panic disorder is a state of sudden intense terror. It is usually swift and heightened.
As earlier stated, people who suffer from panic attacks or disorders will experience symptoms such as dizziness and breathlessness.
Certain medical conditions can cause anxiety. Thyroid and lung disease are classic examples.
Anxiety can also be triggered by a particular object or event. In some situations, an object or event-induced anxiety can lead to a panic attack.
Diagnosing anxiety is done by a healthcare provider and mental health specialist. If you believe you have anxiety, see your doctor immediately.
They might conduct some physical evaluation to rule out any physical medical condition.
Seeing a mental health expert is necessary if you have an anxiety disorder. To present a diagnosis, they might ask for a psychological evaluation.
The mental health expert will also use the guidelines in DSM-5 to accurately diagnose your condition.
Psychotherapy aims at teaching people the effect their emotions have on their behavior. Throughout the therapy, the therapist will offer suggestions on how to manage your condition better.
A popular form of psychotherapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This therapy helps patients to transform negative thoughts into positive ones.
It also teaches ways to better handle anxiety and tough situations.
Golden Gate Recovery is your best bet if you are thinking of going for therapy. They have experienced mental health professionals and therapists that are ready to provide any assistance needed.
Several medications can be used to treat and manage anxiety disorder. They include
Some lifestyle changes and habits can also help if you have an anxiety disorder. They include
Anxiety disorders can be managed with effective treatment. Depending on its severity, symptoms might fade within months or years of treatment.
However, anxiety is part of who we are as humans. So, you will still get anxious. However, it will be normal anxiety that lasts for a short period.
If you have signs of anxiety disorder, seek help immediately. Rehab centers like Golden Gate Recovery are always ready to help.
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Dr. Small’s professional experience encompasses General Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry and Family Medicine. As the founder of Headlands Addiction Treatment Services, Dr. Small and his team have become leaders in the delivery of addiction medicine and psychiatry to treatment programs throughout California and beyond. These compassionate services are reliable, responsive, personable, and evidenced based. Most of the team providers carry multiple board certifications in psychiatry, addiction medicine and family medicine. They recruit the best and brightest addiction medicine professionals to deliver the highest level of treatment.
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