By: Lakeview Health
For those living with co-occurring disorders such as social anxiety and addiction, getting the right help for both disorders can mean the difference between recovery and continuing to suffer. At Lakeview Health in Jacksonville, FL, we offer dual diagnosis treatment programs tailored to each client’s needs. Find out more about our unique addiction treatment center.
What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder affects more Americans than other common types of anxiety disorders.
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) affects 7 million adults in the United States. It is twice as likely to impact women as men and often co-occurs with depression.
- Panic disorder (PD) impacts 6 million adults in the United States. More women have panic disorders than men by a factor of two.
- Social anxiety disorder affects nearly 7% of the U.S. population or 15 million adults.
Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder
These symptoms occur in most anxiety disorders, including social anxiety:
- Dizziness
- Loss of focus
- Inability to sit still
- Fear of crowds
- Excessive sweating
- Poor sleep patterns
- Hyperventilation
- Shortness of breath
- Accelerated heartbeat
- Choking sensation
- Nausea/vomiting
- Muscle soreness
Many people mistake the symptoms of anxiety with other health issues, especially when experiencing them for the first time. Debilitating anxiety rises as feelings of panic and fear overwhelm you. Often, the reaction is not proportional to the cause. You suddenly feel as if you are in great danger, even in a normal situation.
Social Anxiety and Addiction as Co-Occurring Disorders
Everyone has a point at which outside stimuli become more than they can bear. For those with social anxiety disorders, alcohol and drugs can become a coping mechanism to raise their tolerance and numb fear and anxiety. To counter dysfunctional behaviors, you can learn better coping mechanisms that let you deal with stress and anxiety in healthier ways.
At Lakeview Health, your journey starts with detoxifying your body of alcohol and drugs. Our women’s and men’s detox centers include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and the continual supervision of medical and clinical staff members, who ensure your safety during recovery.
After you finish detox, you can begin treatment at a recovery program that stresses both mental and physical well-being. Many people come to our residential rehab program in Jacksonville, FL, to receive addiction and social anxiety treatment. These disorders are interwoven and require a holistic approach to give you the best opportunity for long-lasting sobriety.
Stop the Downward Spiral of Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety causes immense discomfort around other people or in unfamiliar situations. To deal with this discomfort healthily, come to Lakeview Health. We can help you quiet your fears and begin to take back your life from addiction.
Self-medication leads to dependency and addiction without addressing your underlying anxiety. Addictive behavior often leads to troubles at work and at home. You eventually end up with legal problems that can cost you your freedom. To stop the cycle, address the underlying causes with the help of our caring counselors and therapists.
You can stop spiraling downward with the help of our innovative therapy programs that include both holistic and traditional treatment. If you have work or family obligations, our intensive outpatient program allows you to pursue recovery without disrupting your life. Additionally, our residential and outpatient programs all provide an opportunity to participate in group and individual therapy sessions.
Alcohol and Depressants Make Social Anxiety Worse
Alcohol and other depressants, including benzodiazepines, ease anxiety when you first take them. However, addiction to medications such as Xanax or Ativan can lead to physical and mental instability that can become a greater source of stress.
During withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and depressants, your anxiety may deepen. Many people experience panic attacks during detox and recovery. That’s why it’s so important to go through detox under the care of medical professionals like the ones at Lakeview Health.
Learn More About Social Anxiety and Addiction Treatment at Lakeview Health
Come to Lakeview Health for detox and recovery services in Jacksonville, FL. It’s time to leave anxiety in the past and find better ways to overcome uncomfortable symptoms associated with social anxiety. Our addiction treatment programs address both conditions to avoid triggering your addiction. Contact us at [Direct] to find out how to sign up for treatment today.
