Panic - Anxiety Disorder and Addiction
Dual diagnoses - the coexisting problems of addiction and mental illness - are often hard to treat because of the unstable nature of the individuals involved. Couple that with the fact that drugs and alcohol only make a mental condition worse, and you've got a high-risk individual who could easily spiral out of control.
This fact is especially true for those dual diagnosis patients who are suffering from Panic - Anxiety Disorder, a condition that causes repeated panic attacks and anxiety attacks. Panic-Anxiety Disorder puts the individual on "shaky ground", as they will constantly feel under siege or "near death" even when there is no threat to speak of.
Symptoms of Panic-Anxiety Disorder
Those suffering from Panic-Anxiety Disorder will exhibit a series of symptoms, including:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Terror
- Nervousness
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Paranoia
Turning to drugs or alcohol
Those with Panic-Anxiety Disorder often turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of calming themselves down and as an attempt to numb the fear they are experiencing. Substance abuse becomes an escape of sorts for these individuals, who quickly go from one medical condition to a dual diagnosis (once the drug or alcohol use becomes an addiction). Of course, over time these substances only serve to make the anxiety worse and the panic attacks more prevalent.
A difficult diagnosis
As with any dual diagnosis, finding the right treatment can be difficult. Sometimes, it is hard to ascertain if the symptoms are a result of the mental illness or the addiction. There is a lot going on both inside and out with these individuals, which makes their state a fragile one.
When it comes time for drug rehab, it is strongly recommended that the individual with both an addiction and panic anxiety disorder turn to a program or facility that is equipped specifically to handle dual diagnosis individuals. Not only to these facilities have psychologists on staff to work on the panic disorder, they also treat the addiction and the mental illness simultaneously. This type of integrated treatment has been proven highly effective for dual diagnosis patients. If an individual is able to get help for all their various ailments, "all under one roof", the chances are they will experience greater success in their recovery. The ability for doctors and professional to closely share information about the patient helps a great deal in getting that person the help he needs.
The Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers are among the country's finest facilities for those suffering from mental illness and addiction simultaneously. With two elite facilities in California (Michael's House and The Canyon) and one in Tennessee (LaPaloma Treatment Center), they provide first-class service on both coasts. That service includes caring, expert professionals, lush grounds and top amenities, and some of the most innovative, effective treatment methodologies anywhere. Contact these facilities today for more information.
Remember, when treat a dual diagnosis, it is crucial to work with people with know the special nature of the condition. We provide that expertise, and so much more, to our patients.
