When you have an anxiety disorder, it affects every aspect of your life. Many people withdraw and avoid going out in public to avoid the wash of emotions that cause a rise in heart rate and can trigger an attack. At Bayview Recovery, clients receive warm, sensitive care in our anxiety disorder treatment program. Those with co-occurring alcohol abuse disorder receive care that helps them overcome alcoholism and anxiety.

What Is Anxiety?

Many people use anxiety to describe a general feeling of worry and fear. However, it is not the clearest name for a specific mental disorder. People experience different kinds of anxiety depending on their situations. While you may occasionally feel fretful about an upcoming test or a new relationship, an anxiety disorder has lasting health effects if left untreated.

Alcoholism and Anxiety

To self-medicate, you may turn to alcohol to numb the pain. Alcoholism and anxiety form a toxic partnership. Anxiety stresses the central nervous system by increasing blood pressure and heart rate — and your brain goes into overdrive. Doctors typically prescribe benzodiazepines to suppress the central nervous system. Unfortunately, benzodiazepines and alcohol have many of the same effects, making it dangerous to take them together.

Those who cannot get a prescription for benzodiazepines often turn to alcohol. The same holds true for those who cannot afford therapy or who are too embarrassed to ask for help. Drinking alcohol regularly increases your body’s tolerance for it. Therefore, you must drink more to dull the pain of anxiety and fear. Self-medicating often leads to the development of an addiction.

At Bayview Recovery, our knowledgeable addiction treatment therapists understand the link between alcoholism and anxiety. We have an alcohol addiction rehab center that offers the appropriate treatment for clients with dual diagnosis disorders.

Addressing Alcoholism and Anxiety in Therapy

Some people have a drink or two after work occasionally. Others tend to binge drink during vacation or on the weekend. However, if you have an underlying mental health disorder, you may be at a greater risk of addiction than your co-workers and friends.

Instead of self-medicating and creating an even larger issue, we recommend coming to Bayview Recovery. Our staff works with you to choose programs that help you gain coping skills for your underlying anxiety disorder. If you have a severe addiction to alcohol, we may recommend an intensive outpatient program or partial hospitalization program to provide you with guidance and accountability on your road to sobriety.

If you have already tried to stop drinking on your own, it is time to take another approach. You may even endanger your health since the withdrawal symptoms for alcoholism include some intense side effects. Alcoholism and anxiety should not have the power to derail your efforts to rebuild your life.

Treatment Options for Alcoholism and Anxiety at Bayview Recovery

At Bayview Recovery in Tacoma, WA, we believe that traditional and holistic approaches combine to give our clients the best chance at lasting sobriety and freedom from anxiety. We want to give all of our patients an opportunity to heal and create a better future for themselves or a loved one. As well as dedicated programs for alcoholism and anxiety, we offer a variety of treatment options, including:

• Psychotherapy Programs
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Life Skills Training
• Yoga Meditation Therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy

If you are in need of this type of help, we are here to support you. Alcoholism and anxiety is a dangerous combination and needs professional help to overcome. Bayview Recovery has the tools necessary to make a difference. Contact us at 855.478.3650 today to learn more about our substance abuse rehab and recovery services in Tacoma, Washington.