Today anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and other mental illnesses are not treated as evil. The openness has paved the way for billions of brains to exist on this planet. Do you remember the feeling just before stepping on stage or that feeling just before the exam results or exam itself? Feeling occasional bouts of anxiety is okay! It is legitimate to feel anxious before certain events of life.
Reasons for the co-occurrence of GAD and SUDs
Anxiety is the brain’s reaction to the signs of potential danger. The problem arises when you start noticing occasional bouts of anxiety are now frequent, and the intensity has been increased. Anxiety disorders are clusters of mental illnesses that cause constant feelings of fear and anxiety.
Causes of Anxiety Disorders
– Studies have shown that substance abuse disorder and anxiety disorders can co-occur. These illnesses might go hand-in-hand. When highly intoxicated or addicted to the substance, symptoms of anxiety disorders often intermingle with the side effects and symptoms of SUDs. Both disorders somehow serve as responsible factors creating risks for either development or worsening the scenario.
– Substance abuse directly affects neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are involved in the path physiology of anxiety disorders. Thus a person diagnosed with SUD or addicted to drugs may manifest anxiety disorders. Extreme usage of drugs may lead to extreme vulnerabilities.
– Anxiety disorders and SUDs have comorbidity. When a person tries to self-medicate the anxiety, it might give temporary relief, but in the long run, it induces anxiety and withdrawal from a drug, or overconsumption of the drug may lead to the development of anxiety disorders and SUDs together.
The Bottom Line
The comorbidity of anxiety disorders (GAD) and SUDs is very common among individuals trying to self-medicate or under the influence of alcohol addiction. Anxiety disorder & addiction go hand-in-hand. It is in the best interest to get medical assistance and avoid the practice of self-medication with over-the-counter drugs or introducing your body to any illegal drug. It might lead to temporary relief, but it is extremely harmful.