Key Takeaways
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Panic disorder and substance abuse can feed into each other, making both harder to treat alone.
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Many people use drugs or alcohol to try to calm anxiety and panic symptoms, which often backfires.
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Dual diagnosis treatment helps people recover by treating both conditions together.
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Behavioral therapy and support are key parts of long-term recovery.
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Recovery is possible with the right treatment plan and support.
Introduction
Living with panic disorder can feel terrifying. Your heart races. Your chest tightens. You might feel like you’re about to pass out—or worse. Now, imagine adding substance abuse to the mix. It becomes a cycle that’s hard to break.
Many people with anxiety and panic use drugs or alcohol to try to feel better. But over time, this choice can lead to bigger problems. Substance use may trigger more panic attacks, worsen anxiety, and increase the risk of addiction.
This article will help you understand the connection between substance abuse and panic disorder—and why specialized addiction treatment is the path to long-term healing.
What Is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. It causes unexpected panic attacks—sudden waves of fear and worry. These attacks can happen without warning and may last several minutes.
Symptoms of Panic Disorder:
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Fast heartbeat
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Trouble breathing
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Chest pain
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Sweating
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Dizziness
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Feeling like something terrible is about to happen
Some people have one or two panic attacks in their lifetime. Others have them often and fear when the next one might hit. That fear can affect their daily lives.
Substance Abuse Explained
Substance abuse means using drugs or alcohol in ways that cause harm. Over time, this can lead to substance use disorder, a medical condition where someone can’t stop using even when it’s causing problems.
Commonly Abused Substances:
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Benzodiazepines (like Xanax)
Substance use affects your brain and body. It can cause both physical symptoms and serious mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or panic disorder.
The Link Between Substance Abuse and Panic Disorder
Many people with panic disorder turn to substances to calm their symptoms. This is known as self-medication. It may feel like it helps—at first.
But using drugs or alcohol can make panic symptoms worse in the long run.
For example:
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Alcohol may relax you in the moment but increase anxiety later.
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Stimulants like cocaine can cause fast heartbeats and trigger panic attacks.
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Withdrawal symptoms from drugs can feel just like panic symptoms.
Some people even develop panic disorder because of substance use or withdrawal. The relationship between substance abuse and panic is complex—and it can trap people in a cycle of fear and addiction.
Dual Diagnosis: Co-Occurring Disorders
When someone has both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, it’s called a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder.
In this case, a person may be struggling with both panic disorder and addiction.
This combination makes treatment more challenging. Panic disorder may prevent someone from going to group therapy or leaving home for treatment. Substance use can block the brain’s ability to heal and cope.
That’s why a treatment program must treat both conditions at the same time—with a team that understands the connection between them.
Treatment Options for Panic Disorder and Substance Abuse
There is hope. Many people recover with the right support.
The most effective treatment for co-occurring substance abuse and panic disorder includes a blend of medical care, therapy, and long-term support.
Evidence-Based Treatments Include:
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Teaches skills to manage anxiety, thoughts, and behavior.
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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Helps reduce cravings and manage panic symptoms.
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Behavioral Therapy: Focuses on building new habits and coping skills.
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Holistic Support: Mindfulness, breathing exercises, yoga, and group support.
The goal is to help people stop using substances and learn how to manage symptoms of panic in healthy ways.
What to Expect from a Treatment Program
A good treatment program will guide you through every stage of recovery.
Here’s What It Often Includes:
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Detox: A safe space to manage withdrawal symptoms.
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Inpatient Treatment: 24/7 care in a structured setting.
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Outpatient Treatment: Flexibility to live at home while getting help.
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Therapy and Counseling: One-on-one and group sessions.
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Support for Long-Term Recovery: Tools to prevent relapse and build a healthy life.
A personalized treatment plan is important because everyone’s story is different. What works for one person may not work for another.
Finding the Right Help
Treating panic disorder and substance abuse is not something you should do alone. The right help can make all the difference.
Virtue Recovery Las Vegas offers care that understands the relationship between substance abuse and panic. Their team uses a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to support healing from both conditions.
They believe in treating the whole person—not just the symptoms. That means addressing your physical health, mental health, and emotional well-being.
Conclusion
Panic attacks are scary. So is addiction. When they happen together, life can feel overwhelming. But there is a way out.
With dual diagnosis treatment, you can find relief from both panic symptoms and substance use. You’ll gain tools to manage anxiety, feel safe in your body again, and begin your path to recovery.
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse and panic disorder, call Virtue Recovery Las Vegas at 866-520-2861 today. Help is here, and healing is possible.
FAQs About Dual Diagnosis Anxiety and Panic Disorder During Addiction Treatment
What are the common symptoms of panic disorder?
Panic disorder symptoms often include unexpected panic attacks, rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, chills, or hot flashes. Individuals with panic disorder may also experience anxiety symptoms between attacks.
How is panic disorder related to substance abuse?
The relationship between substance abuse and panic attacks is significant. Substance use can trigger a panic attack or exacerbate anxiety and panic symptoms, leading to a cycle of increased substance use and worsening panic disorder.
Can substance abuse cause anxiety and panic attacks?
Yes, substance abuse can cause anxiety and panic attacks. The withdrawal from drugs or alcohol can lead to heightened anxiety and may trigger panic attacks in individuals who are predisposed to panic disorder.
What is dual diagnosis treatment?
Dual diagnosis treatment refers to a comprehensive treatment approach for individuals who have both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition, such as anxiety and panic disorder. This integrated approach addresses both issues simultaneously for better outcomes.
How can therapy help with panic disorder and addiction?
Therapy can be an effective treatment for panic disorder and addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help individuals understand and change negative thought patterns, manage anxiety symptoms, and address substance abuse behaviors.
What treatments are available for panic disorder?
Treatment for panic disorder may include therapy, medications, or a combination of both. Comprehensive treatment often involves addressing panic disorder symptoms while also considering any co-occurring substance abuse issues.
What should I do if I experience panic attacks after using drugs or alcohol?
If you experience panic attacks after using drugs or alcohol, it is important to seek help from a treatment center. Professional support can help you address both the panic disorder and the effects of substance abuse.
Can addiction treatment help with panic disorder symptoms?
Yes, addiction treatment can help with panic disorder symptoms by addressing the underlying substance use that may be triggering or worsening anxiety and panic attacks. Successful recovery from substance abuse can lead to improvements in overall mental health.
What are the effects of substance abuse on panic disorder?
The effects of substance abuse on panic disorder can include increased frequency and severity of panic attacks, heightened anxiety symptoms, and a greater risk of developing other mental health disorders. It is crucial to address these issues in treatment.
Resources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10574314/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/000579679090157E
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/panic-disorder
