Anxiety is a natural reaction within the brain to external stress. In the best circumstances, it forces your brain to react in the right manner when there is some risk surrounding you. Yet, for many people, anxiety does not go away as it should. It remains present, at some level, or comes back over and over again. Some people battle this type of mental health disorder long term, leading to substance abuse. At South Tampa Psychiatry, we can help you overcome these challenges. Contact us today at 866.273.5017 to learn more about our treatment options.
What Anxiety Causes When It Lingers
Anxiety is a reaction to outside risks. Something has your brain worried, so your body focuses all of its attention and function on resolving the problem. Yet, the type of stressors people face today are not small or short-term instances. Instead, your stress does not go away, meaning your anxiety lasts, too. Your body isn’t meant to remain at this heightened level for very long. It’s not comfortable. It’s also hard to manage your thought processes.
When you cannot stop anxiety naturally, your brain looks for ways to relieve it. Substance abuse appears to do that. Often, the use of alcohol or some drugs can help minimize the symptoms you feel by reducing the central nervous system’s function. This usage reduces the feelings you have, but it does not resolve your challenges long term. Some substances can even lead to worsening anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, addiction can form, leading to even more complex situations.
How Do You Know You Have Anxiety and Substance Abuse?
When you have substance abuse that leads to addiction and a mental health disorder like anxiety, it’s called co-occurring disorders. When this happens, it’s critical to get treatment for both conditions at the same time. Doing so can significantly improve your chances of overcoming your challenges. Some of the most common symptoms of these conditions include:
- A constant need to use drugs or alcohol
- Seeking out drugs to deal with anxious feelings
- Needing drugs or alcohol to deal with stress
- Knowing substance abuse is unsafe and risky but engaging in it anyway
- Struggling with withdrawal symptoms when you don’t use
If that’s happening in your situation, it’s time to find mental health and substance abuse treatment. Our team can offer that to you by helping you deal with both components of your co-occurring disorders.
If you do nothing and continue to use drugs or alcohol to manage your anxiety, chances are dependence will occur. You’ll find it impossible to stop using on your own. Your physical health could be at risk of developing health conditions. At the same time, your anxiety will not improve and may worsen, putting you further at risk for mental health complications.
Getting help can provide relief. It can even give you more control over your future.
How Can You Get Help for Mental Health Today?
At South Tampa Psychiatry, our team works closely with you to determine the right type of therapy for your needs. We can treat co-occurring disorders very effectively with treatment. Take the time to explore the types of services we offer and what you can expect from treatment. Let our professionals provide you with insight and support as you start on the path towards healing. Learn about our services, such as:
- Drug and alcohol detox centers
- Addiction treatment centers
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Withdrawal symptom expectations
- Expectations during detox
Choose to Get Support From South Tampa Psychiatry Today
Anxiety is debilitating in itself. When you add substance abuse to it, it becomes challenging for you to find your way forward, especially without professional help. Our team can provide support to you. To learn more about the mental health treatment options that we can offer, call South Tampa Psychiatry today at 866.273.5017 or reach out to us online.
