The non-profit organization Mental Health America estimates that 15 million American adults suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder. Those who do often feel isolated and turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. For these individuals, overcoming social anxiety disorder is often the first step in recovery. Learn more about this condition and what you can do to overcome it, such as enrolling in a social phobia treatment center in Jacksonville, FL.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by extreme anxiousness in social situations. These anxious feelings go beyond mere butterflies in one’s stomach, as they may also result in serious heart palpitations or even panic attacks. The sensations are often so severe that individuals want to completely isolate themselves. This, in turn, tends to make overcoming social anxiety disorder even more difficult.
Some signs that might indicate you or a loved one suffers from social anxiety disorder include:
- Experiencing intense fear at the thought of certain social situations
- Going out of one’s way to avoid being around others
- Always expecting the worst when going out in public, for example, assuming that something you say or do will embarrass you
- Over-analyzing your own behavior during and after a social event
- Refusing to speak to others or look them in the eye
It is normal to feel some anxiety at the thought of new social situations. However, when anxious thoughts keep you from living a normal lifestyle, it’s time to seek help. Contact us today, particularly if you have previously used drugs or alcohol to treat this disorder on your own.
The Connection Between Social Phobia and Addiction
Someone with social anxiety disorder may find it difficult to form friendships, attend school, or hold down a job. Often, they feel so lonely and depressed that they turn to drugs or alcohol to help them manage these feelings. Individuals may also abuse substances to help them get through social settings that are impossible to avoid.
Those with an addiction may feel too embarrassed or afraid to ask for help, in which case they can suffer for years. It’s not uncommon for someone with social phobia to wait ten years or more to seek treatment. Things will only get harder the longer you wait. Don’t put off treatment any longer, when you can obtain professional dual diagnosis treatment by visiting Lakeview Health.
Overcoming Social Anxiety Disorder
The idea of overcoming social anxiety disorder overwhelms many who suffer from it. Visiting a social phobia treatment center in Jacksonville, FL is often the only way individuals can learn to deal with this disorder and overcome any ensuing addictions.
Other Treatment Programs
Here at Lakeview Health, we regularly see people with social anxiety disorder and other mental health issues. As such, we have developed a wide range of programs to meet a plethora of needs. In addition to programs designed to help you with overcoming social anxiety disorder, we also offer:
- Medical detox
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Coping skills
- Individual and family counseling
- Medication therapy
- Aftercare
We offer gender-responsive treatment as we know that men and women both respond to rehab differently. When it comes to social phobia, women may also have their own reasons for developing it that are unique to that of men. By segregating our residents in this manner, we can provide them with more personalized care in an environment where everyone feels safe and secure.
Get Help for your Addiction and Social Phobia
At Lakeview Health, overcoming social anxiety disorder and putting your addiction behind you can be easy. We’ll help put you on a path to recovery so that you can regain control of your life again. Don’t suffer in silence. Contact us today at [Direct] to get started.
