Anxiety can present itself in many different forms and can be incredibly debilitating for some. It can also put individuals at higher risk of developing a substance use disorder. It is important to seek help from a qualified professional if you are struggling with the symptoms of anxiety and SUD in order to find an effective treatment plan. Anxiety treatment therapy is one of the most successful methods for alleviating symptoms, avoiding relapse, and providing long-term relief.
With the help of an experienced therapist, you can learn techniques for managing anxiety, develop healthier coping strategies, and gain a better understanding of the root causes of your anxiety and addiction. Call Foundations San Francisco at 415.854.6735 to learn how our mental health treatment program for co-occurring anxiety could help you.
When to Get Treatment
Living with anxiety can be a challenging and difficult experience. It can cause feelings of fear, worry, and dread that are hard to grapple with on a daily basis, in some cases leading to substance use as a way of self-medicating. Anxiety can interfere with day-to-day life making it difficult to concentrate, socialize, or even get out of bed in the morning. Anxiety can manifest itself in physical ways as well. People living with anxiety may experience shortness of breath, dizziness, chest tightness, headaches, insomnia, and fast heart rate – all of which make it harder for them to cope with their condition. Anxiety can also lead to feelings of guilt and shame if not managed properly. Additionally, people may find themselves constantly worrying about the future or obsessing over past mistakes they have made.
Signs that it may be time to reach out for professional help for your anxiety include:
- Feeling overwhelmed by worries, doubts, and fears that are hard to control
- Experiencing physical symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest tightness
- Avoiding certain activities or situations due to fear or anxious feelings
- Avoiding certain activities or situations due to fear or anxious feelings
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks due to preoccupation with anxious thoughts
- Constant worrying about everyday problems and potential outcomes
- Engaging in compulsive behaviors such as checking, counting, or hoarding in response to anxiety triggers
- New or worsening use of alcohol or drugs to self-medicate symptoms
It is important to remember that everyone experiences anxiety differently, so if your symptoms are impacting your daily life or worsening substance use, it is best to reach out for help.
What to Expect in an Anxiety Treatment Therapy Program
An anxiety treatment therapy program is designed to help people learn how to manage their anxiety symptoms, reduce feelings of fear and worry, and live a more fulfilling life. Participants will work with a therapist to identify the sources of their anxiety, learn coping strategies for managing it, and develop new skills and behaviors that can help them build resilience. The therapy may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness meditation, and other modalities depending on the individual’s needs.
Participants will also be encouraged to explore any underlying issues or events that might have contributed to their anxiety and addiction. This could include addressing past traumas or significant losses, examining problematic beliefs and assumptions held about oneself, and understanding the role of core emotions such as fear in their anxiety. The therapist will work with individuals to develop a personalized plan that addresses their needs and recovery goals and helps them face their fears in a supportive environment.
In an anxiety treatment therapy program, participants should expect to practice skills they have learned in order to build confidence and gradually reduce their symptoms. As they feel more comfortable, the therapist may help move them towards longer-term goals that are identified at the outset of treatment. During treatment, there will be times when individuals feel frustrated or discouraged, but these feelings should be supported by both the therapist and other members of the group. With commitment and attention to proper self-care, people can learn how to manage their anxiety better and create healthier, more satisfying experiences.
The Benefits of Getting Professional Help for SUD and Anxiety
Anxiety treatment and therapy can be highly beneficial to the SUD recovery process, improving the mental health and quality of life of the anxiety sufferer significantly. Some of the benefits include:
- Improved quality of life – Treatment can help people manage their anxiety and reduce symptoms, leading to an overall improved quality of life.
- Better relationships – Anxiety often affects how people interact with others, including family members and friends. Treatment helps improve these relationships by providing coping strategies for managing stress and emotions.
- Increased self-esteem – Dealing with anxiety can make a person feel inadequate or undeserving. With treatment, a person’s sense of self-worth can increase as they learn how to manage their anxiety better and confront situations more confidently.
- Increased productivity – Anxiety can impede a person’s ability to focus and be productive. Treatment provides strategies such as relaxation techniques that help increase focus, allowing people to work more efficiently.
- Improved mental health – By managing anxiety symptoms in treatment, a person can experience improved mental health overall. This includes better moods and sleeping patterns, as well as decreased levels of stress and worry.
Getting treatment for substance use disorder and co-occurring anxiety is an important step for anyone looking to improve their mental well-being and lead a healthier life. With the right therapy, people can learn to manage their anxiety symptoms more effectively and enjoy the many benefits it brings, including freedom from substance use.
Find Anxiety Treatment and Therapy in San Francisco, CA at Foundations
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, there is help available. Therapy is a great way to learn tools and techniques to manage your anxious thoughts and feelings. Whether you have a specific diagnosis or are just feeling overwhelmed, therapy can help you identify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, process difficult emotions, and develop coping strategies. Call Foundations San Francisco today at 415.854.6735 to learn more about anxiety treatment and therapy to support substance use disorder treatment. You can also reach us via our online contact form.