Anxiety Treatment

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges in the United States, affecting nearly 18 percent of adults each year. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, anxiety disorders can significantly disrupt daily routines, relationships, and overall well-being.

For some individuals, anxiety disorders coexist with substance use disorders. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, those with anxiety are twice as likely to struggle with substance use compared to the general population. Many people turn to drugs or alcohol to manage symptoms, only to find that these substances worsen both mental and physical health, creating a cycle of dependency and addiction.

If you or a loved one experiences persistent anxiety, evaluation by a licensed professional is essential to understand the root causes and explore effective treatment options. Contact us for anxiety therapy today, or continue reading to learn more.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of worry, fear, or unease. While occasional anxiety is a normal stress reaction, anxiety disorders are chronic and can significantly interfere with daily life. These disorders vary in presentation and severity, often requiring professional diagnosis and treatment to manage effectively.

Types of Anxiety

Anxiety disorders come in various forms, each with their own distinct symptoms and challenges. Below is an overview of the most common types of anxiety disorders:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is marked by excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life, such as work, health, or personal relationships. This worry is often disproportionate to the situation and persists for six months or longer. Common symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and physical tension.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that trigger repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions). These rituals are performed in an attempt to reduce anxiety but can interfere significantly with daily activities. Examples include compulsive handwashing, checking, or counting.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is characterized by sudden, intense episodes of fear known as panic attacks. These attacks often occur without warning and may include symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom. Many individuals fear future attacks, which can lead to avoidance of certain situations or activities.

Phobia

Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or activities that pose little to no actual danger. Common examples include fear of heights, flying, or certain animals. People with phobias may go to great lengths to avoid the source of their fear, which can interfere with daily functioning.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by a deep fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social situations. This fear can lead to avoidance of social interactions, making it difficult to form relationships or participate in activities. Physical symptoms, such as sweating, trembling, or nausea, often accompany this condition.

Each type of anxiety disorder presents unique challenges and may coexist with other mental health or substance use conditions. Professional evaluation and personalized treatment are crucial for effective management.

What are the Symptoms of Anxiety and Panic Attacks?

The symptoms of anxiety can differ from person to person based on their lifestyle and the amount of stress that they are enduring. However, there are many common symptoms of anxiety.

The most common symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks include:

Nervousness
Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry.
“Racing” heart
Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy
Feeling sweaty or having chills
Chest pains
Breathing difficulties
Feeling a loss of control
Insomnia

Anxiety doesn’t just affect how you feel—it can disrupt nearly every aspect of your life.

It can make it difficult to focus at work, strain relationships with family and friends, and cause you to withdraw from activities you once enjoyed.

Sleep disturbances can leave you exhausted and irritable, while physical symptoms like chest tightness and shortness of breath may lead to avoiding social situations or routine tasks.

Over time, anxiety can create a cycle of fear and avoidance, making it harder to engage in life fully. If anxiety is interfering with your daily routine and overall well-being, seeking professional support can help you regain balance and feel like yourself again.

Coping With Anxiety and Addiction

People who have anxiety disorders often turn to drugs or alcohol as self-treatment to cope and soothe themselves. Substance abuse becomes a perceived escape, which can lead to addiction and, ultimately, a dual diagnosis. When interacting with someone with an addiction and anxiety disorder, keep a few things in mind:

Approach with an empathetic and nonjudgmental attitude. Rather than focusing on the adverse effects addiction and anxiety can have on a person’s relationships and work, turn their attention toward all the benefits that come with recovery and healing.

Don’t be surprised by an attitude of denial or defensiveness. These are both common symptoms of addiction, and anxiety disorders can sometimes result in paranoid thinking as well. An intervention may be warranted if multiple close friends or family members can be included.

Anxiety and addiction should be considered different types of mental illness. They should both, therefore, be treated by qualified therapeutic professionals.

Be ready to offer help in addition to emotional support. You should be prepared to provide practical help for your loved one, such as accompanying them to a 12-step meeting, transporting them to or from a therapist’s office, or making arrangements to begin their detox process.

Anxiety Treatments

Anxiety is a highly treatable condition, and many individuals find relief through a combination of therapeutic approaches, behavioral strategies, and medication.

With the treatment for anxiety, it’s possible to manage symptoms effectively and improve your overall quality of life.

Below are some common and effective treatment options offered at The Raleigh House:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A proven therapeutic method that focuses on identifying and modifying self-defeating thought patterns. CBT helps individuals develop healthier coping strategies, making it especially beneficial for those with anxiety and co-occurring substance use disorders.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Medications such as citalopram (Celexa) and sertraline (Zoloft) increase serotonin levels in the brain, reducing negative thoughts and excessive worry. SSRIs are widely considered safe, effective, and non-addictive.

Behavioral Modification Strategies: Techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and stress management skills help individuals address anxiety triggers and build resilience over time.

With proper support from mental health professionals, these treatments can empower individuals to regain control over their lives and manage anxiety in a healthy, sustainable way.

Dual Diagnosis Program Features

At The Raleigh House, our dual-diagnosis program addresses both anxiety and substance use disorders simultaneously, offering a comprehensive approach to healing. Key features of our program include:

Multiple Levels of Care: Personalized treatment plans that allow clients to heal at their own pace.
High Staff-to-Client Ratio: Ensures greater care and individualized attention.
Strong Recovery Community: Frequent one-on-one and group therapy sessions foster connection and support.
Structured Recreation: Yoga, boxing, and rock climbing encourage physical and emotional well-being.

Experiential Therapies: Expressive art therapy, trauma release therapy, and cooking lessons support holistic recovery.
Medical Detox Coordination: Seamless transitions to and from detox facilities as needed.
Nutritional Support:Helps restore balance by providing essential nutrients that support brain function, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being during and after recovery.

This comprehensive approach ensures clients develop healthier coping strategies and tools to prevent relapse.

Get Help Today at The Raleigh House

Anxiety and addiction don’t have to control your life.

At The Raleigh House, we provide compassionate, dual-diagnosis care to help you heal and regain balance.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety alone or in combination with substance use, our expert team is here to guide you toward recovery in a supportive and understanding environment.

Choose the Treatment Setting That Best Fits Your Needs:

The Ranch at The Raleigh House: Located in the serene Colorado countryside, The Ranch offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature. This setting is ideal for those seeking peace and holistic therapies, including yoga, hiking, and expressive arts, to support emotional and physical recovery.
The Center for Integrative Behavioral Health: This modern facility in the Denver Tech Center provides a clinical, structured environment focused on evidence-based treatment and personalized care. It’s a convenient option for individuals seeking intensive support in a professional setting.

Take the first step toward healing today. Contact The Raleigh House at 720.891.4657 or reach out to us online to learn how our expert team can help you or a loved one find lasting relief and recovery.