With substance use disorders involving drugs and alcohol, certain triggers can lead to cravings and relapses. Anxiety is a common trigger for many, and people with anxiety disorders might even self-medicate in an attempt to assuage their feelings. While treatment is sometimes needed to manage anxiety, there are also steps you can take.
What Is Anxiety?
Everyone experiences stress or worry from time to time, but persistent anxiety is another matter. People with generalized anxiety disorder and other mental health conditions will experience the following disruptive symptoms without cause or reason:
- Racing heart and shortness of breath
- Problems sleeping
- Irritability
- Nausea and stomach issues
- Lack of interest in hobbies and friends
- Poor school or work performance
- Feelings of intense fear and dread
Strategies for Coping With Anxiety
If you experience symptoms of anxiety on a regular basis, talk with your doctor. They can recommend treatments like therapy and counseling or prescribe medication to reduce anxious feelings. You can also use these strategies to cope with anxiety as it happens:
- Distract yourself with an activity (going for a walk, watching a movie, etc.)
- Talk with a trusted friend or loved one about how you’re feeling
- Try to reframe your anxious thoughts by challenging them (“I’m safe right now, I’m capable, I can manage my thoughts and needs.”)
- Try deep breathing, mantras, or stretching to re-center yourself in the present
While it may take time to determine the proper approach, many people are able to manage their anxiety with a combination of treatment and coping techniques.
Duke City Recovery Toolbox Is Your Partner in Sobriety
A sound foundation can help you deal with substance use disorders and all the stress that accompanies them. Our team at Duke City Recovery Toolbox helps people in Albuquerque create such a foundation with our addiction recovery services. Contact us for more information or call (505) 224-9777 to schedule an intake interview at our clinic today.
