Anxiety is a heavy burden, especially for those navigating the challenges of recovery from addiction. If you’ve experienced an anxiety attack, you know how overwhelming the symptoms can be. But understanding what triggers anxiety attacks and how they may affect your sobriety is an essential step toward maintaining stability in recovery. Dual diagnosis treatment, which addresses both addiction and co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety, can provide the support you need to thrive.
Let’s take a closer look at what triggers anxiety attacks, how to manage them, and how targeted treatment can help you regain control.
What is an anxiety attack?
An anxiety attack is an intense episode of fear or worry that can feel uncontrollable. These attacks often come on suddenly and are marked by both physical and emotional symptoms. While they can occur in anyone, anxiety attacks are especially common for those who are in recovery because of the stress and emotional triggers that sometimes accompany it.
Unlike ongoing generalized anxiety, an anxiety attack tends to be short but highly intense. It’s the body’s fight-or-flight response kicking in at times when there’s no real danger present. Understanding anxiety attack symptoms can help you determine whether you’re experiencing one and how to respond.
What do anxiety attacks feel like?
If you’ve had an anxiety attack before, you know how frightening it can be. Anxiety attack symptoms often include a sense of panic or impending doom. Other common physical symptoms include:
- Racing heart or chest pain
- Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
- Sweating or shaking
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Nausea or stomach pain
People having an anxiety attack may feel as though they’re losing control or even fear they’re having a heart attack. The fear and discomfort make these moments feel overwhelming. For some, repetitively encountering anxiety attacks may raise worries about relapse, as managing high stress can be challenging without the right tools.
What causes anxiety attacks?
Understanding what triggers anxiety attacks can give you useful tools for prevention. Anxiety attacks can be caused by a combination of mental and physical factors. These reasons vary from person to person, but they often include:
- Stress: Major life changes, work pressures, or unresolved emotional issues. Prolonged stress can overwhelm your coping mechanisms, leading to increased anxiety.
- Trauma: Memories or flashbacks of past experiences may intensify anxiety. These unresolved memories can resurface unexpectedly, causing emotional and physical distress.
- Health concerns: Fear of illness or managing chronic conditions. Worrying about symptoms, treatments, or the future can lead to heightened feelings of vulnerability.
- Change in routine: Sudden disruptions in stability can increase stress. Adapting to new circumstances often takes time and can feel overwhelming.
- Triggers in recovery: Environments or situations that remind you of past substance use. These triggers can evoke cravings or emotional responses, making it challenging to stay on track.
When these triggers aren’t addressed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, they may contribute to repeating patterns of both anxiety and addictive behaviors. Recognizing your personal triggers for anxiety is an important first step toward managing them effectively.
How long do anxiety attacks last?
Anxiety attacks typically last anywhere between a few minutes to half an hour. For some, the aftereffects—like feeling emotionally drained or physically fatigued—can linger for hours. The peak of an anxiety attack is often the most intense but also the shortest. Understanding these patterns can help people better prepare for and manage their symptoms when an attack occurs.
The duration of these episodes may depend on various factors, such as how quickly you can identify what’s triggering your anxiety and whether you employ strategies to manage the symptoms. Chronic anxiety, however, may make these attacks feel more frequent or prolonged in recovery. Understanding the timeline can help you mentally prepare and seek proper tools to manage this experience.
What is the difference between anxiety attacks vs. panic attacks?
Many people confuse anxiety attacks with panic attacks, as they can feel very similar. But there are key differences between the two. Anxiety attacks are often linked to a specific event or thought, such as worry about a stressor or fear related to recovery challenges. Panic attacks, on the other hand, tend to strike suddenly and without clear warning.
Both share symptoms like chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath, but panic attacks are generally more severe and may occur unexpectedly. While anxiety attacks are often rooted in triggers for anxiety, panic attacks tend to feel disconnected from specific events. Clarifying whether you’re experiencing anxiety or panic is important for seeking the right kind of support.
How to manage anxiety attacks
When anxiety strikes, having strategies to calm your mind and body is essential. Here are several ways to manage anxiety attacks:
- Deep breathing exercises: Focus on slow, deep inhales and exhales to calm your nervous system.
- Grounding techniques: Use your senses to anchor yourself in the present moment, like naming five things you see or feel.
- Relaxation methods: Try guided meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation.
- Healthy lifestyle habits: Maintain regular sleep, exercise, and nutrition to reduce overall stress levels.
- Speak to a therapist: Talking with a mental health professional can help identify what triggers anxiety attacks and manage long-term challenges.
These techniques can ease symptoms in the moment and help you build resilience against future episodes. Learning to manage anxiety attacks in a healthy way can also prevent the temptation of substance use as a coping mechanism.
What are triggers for anxiety?
Triggers for anxiety vary from person to person, but they often include mental or physical stressors. Some of the most common triggers are:
- Environmental factors – Loud noises, crowded spaces, or overwhelming schedules can heighten worry.
- Social pressures – Fear of judgment, public speaking, or group interactions.
- Past trauma – Memories or reminders of painful experiences.
- Substance-related cues – Being in an environment tied to previous substance abuse can increase emotional stress.
Recognizing and avoiding these triggers can make a significant difference during your recovery. Addressing these influencing factors in substance abuse treatment programs can help create a sense of control, leading to steadier progress over time.
How dual diagnosis treatment can help you navigate your anxiety
It’s not uncommon for people in recovery to face both anxiety and addiction simultaneously. That’s where dual diagnosis treatment can make all the difference. This specialized care approach treats both challenges as interconnected. By addressing the root causes of anxiety while simultaneously supporting your recovery, you’re given a much better chance at achieving long-term wellness.
Dual diagnosis treatment includes therapy for mental health concerns and treatment programs that foster healthier coping skills. A plan curated for anxiety and addiction means that your emotional health isn’t overlooked as you work toward sobriety.
Why you should choose The Arbor for mental health help
Managing anxiety and addiction together is possible, but support is essential. That’s where The Arbor comes in. Our substance abuse treatment programs provide a compassionate, therapeutic environment that prioritizes both physical and emotional healing.
From addressing anxiety attack symptoms to exploring what triggers anxiety attacks, our team tailors solutions to fit your recovery goals. Nestled on 67 acres in the heart of Texas, The Arbor offers a serene space with the tools you need to build a healthier future.
Call us today at 844.413.2690 to speak with an addiction specialist or use our convenient online contact form.