Anxiety affects millions of people each year, and unfortunately, many people don’t seek help even when they’ve long needed it. Experts say that anxiety is based on fear – the thought of a threat or a worry that something will go wrong in the future. In many cases, the argument of anxiety can feel so incredibly real that it’s hard to decide what the truth is in any given situation when anxiety is present. In addiction recovery, the way a person manages their anxiety can mean the difference between having a mental breakdown or sailing through a situation in a healthy way. People with anxiety disorders are two to three times more likely to battle a substance use disorder (SUD) at some point in their lives, and while there has certainly been some debate as to which comes first – anxiety or substance abuse – the fact remains that both can have a horribly negative effect on a person’s life if treatment isn’t sought. If not careful, anxiety can lead to a few serious problems in addiction recovery: It can convince a person that they’re not going to succeed in sobriety, even when they’re completely capable of remaining strong throughout their recovery path. Anxiety can lead a person to believe that they’re missing out by seeking recovery and that reverting back to substance abuse would have been a better choice. Unfortunately, anxiety can sometimes cause a person to be afraid to connect to other people because of fears relating to rejection; making it difficult for them to build a strong support system in recovery. Despite the anxiety, we have to open our hearts and mind to the vulnerability required to heal. This only happens when we admit that things may go wrong – that we may make mistakes, but to acknowledge that we’re strong enough to get through whatever it is that comes our way.
At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.