Anxiety and panic disorders affect millions of people in the United States. The symptoms of panic disorder can affect a person’s mental, physical, and social health. Without treatment, panic disorders can increase the risk of substance abuse and addiction.
Treating panic disorder and substance abuse can be challenging. Recognizing these conditions is the first step toward getting help. Understanding what to expect during treatment for panic disorder and substance abuse can help people find the help they need.
This article will explore what to expect during treatment for panic disorder and substance use disorder (SUD). You will learn:
- The symptoms of panic disorder
- How to treat panic disorder
- The link between panic disorder and SUD
- How to treat panic disorder and SUD
- Where to find mental health and SUD treatment
If you or a loved one struggles with SUD and co-occurring panic disorder, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at First Step Behavioral Health to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. This mental health condition causes people to experience panic attacks.
A panic attack is a highly distressing event that causes intense symptoms of panic. Symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- A feeling of being strangled or suffocating
- Racing thoughts
- Fast pulse
- Tingling in the arms, legs, or hands
- Lightheadedness
- Feeling like you are going to die
- A feeling of intense dread or fear
- Feeling as though you will “go crazy”
- Sweating
- Nausea or churning stomach
- Shaking or trembling
In many cases, it is not clear what triggers a panic attack. People may feel very anxious about having another panic attack, which increases overall anxiety.
Mental health experts don’t know what causes panic attacks. Some theories about the origin of panic disorder include:
- Family history
- History of trauma
- Substance abuse
- A malfunction in a person’s “fight or flight” response system
While the symptoms of a panic attack may feel life-threatening, these events do not usually cause physical harm. However, panic attacks–and worry about having more–can impact people’s lives in significant ways. People may avoid certain situations or live with chronic stress.
Treatment can help people reduce or manage panic symptoms. It is critical to seek treatment as soon as you recognize anxiety or panic symptoms.
How to Treat Panic Disorder
Panic disorders typically respond to treatment. Here is an overview of treatment plans for panic disorder.
Talk therapy
Talk therapy can help people explore their thoughts, feelings, and behavior in new ways. Many therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people manage anxiety and reduce panic attacks.
People may attend individual counseling sessions or participate in support groups. Therapy can help people process emotions, change behaviors, and learn healthy coping skills to reduce panic symptoms.
Medications
People may take prescription medications to manage a panic disorder. Some common medications for panic disorder include:
- Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Beta-blockers
- Benzodiazepines and other anti-anxiety medications
People must work with a doctor to find the most effective medications with the least side effects.
Lifestyle changes
People may make lifestyle changes to help them reduce panic or manage anxiety, including:
- Practicing mindfulness, yoga, breathwork, and other holistic therapies
- Eating a balanced diet
- Prioritizing sleep
- Reducing stress as much as possible
- Staying socially active
- Exercising regularly
These treatment options can help people find relief from their symptoms and work toward long-term management of this condition.
The Connection Between Panic Disorder and Substance Abuse
Panic disorder can make many aspects of life more challenging. Living with an untreated panic disorder can cause significant stress, impact relationships, and reduce quality of life.
People with untreated panic disorder may turn to drugs or alcohol for relief from their symptoms. Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol may provide temporary relief. However, it puts people at increased risk of substance use disorder (SUD).
People with co-occurring SUD and panic disorder require specialized treatment programs. It is critical to treat both conditions simultaneously to reduce the risk of mental health complications and relapse.
How to Treat Panic Disorder and Substance Abuse
A “dual diagnosis” describes having substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health condition. Dual diagnosis treatment programs provide comprehensive treatment for both conditions.
Treatment for panic and substance use disorders include:
- Assessments and screenings
- Medically-supported detox programs
- Prescription medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
- Mental health treatment
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual, family, and group counseling
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Exercise, nutrition support, yoga, creative therapies, and other holistic practices
- Aftercare planning and support
Depending on their needs, people may receive care in inpatient or outpatient settings. Treating both conditions simultaneously can help people manage these conditions effectively and move forward.
Find Panic Disorder and Substance Abuse Treatment
If you or a loved one lives with a mental health condition and SUD, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to explore our dual diagnosis treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Panic Disorder
- NIH: Anxiety and Substance Use Disorders: A Review
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder in Adults
- Science Direct: Relationship between substance abuse and panic attacks
