Panic disorder is a condition that can severely disrupt a person’s life. People with panic disorder experience sudden, intense episodes of fear that can feel overwhelming and debilitating.
For someone struggling with panic disorder, the search for relief from this intense anxiety can sometimes lead to a substance use disorder or addiction as a coping mechanism. Understanding the connection between panic disorder and addiction is vital for those seeking to break free from both challenges.
What Is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes frequent and unexpected panic attacks. Experiencing at least two panic attacks can lead to a diagnosis of panic disorder.1
These attacks often come without warning and can mimic life-threatening situations, leaving individuals feeling anxiety symptoms and uncertain of when the next one might strike. People may experience panic attacks that last between 5 and 10 minutes but may linger for hours.
People with panic disorder may begin to live in fear of their next attack, avoiding places or situations they believe might trigger one. This can lead to social isolation and a reduced quality of life, as everyday tasks become sources of anxiety. For many, this chronic stress creates a constant search for relief, which may include turning to substances like alcohol or drugs.
Symptoms of Panic Disorder
Panic attack symptoms vary from person to person but may include some of the following:1
- A sense of impending danger
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath
- Throat tightness
- Abdominal cramps
- Headaches
- A choking sensation
These symptoms can feel terrifying, and because they often occur without warning, the uncertainty adds another layer of distress to a person’s life.
Triggers of Panic Disorder
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing panic disorder, though the exact causes are not always clear. Some of the most common triggers include:1
- Family history: If someone in your family has panic disorder, you may be at an increased risk of developing it. It’s unclear whether this is due to genetics or the environment you grew up in.
- High levels of stress: Stressful events or prolonged exposure to stress can trigger panic attacks and lead to the development of panic disorder.
- Difficulty handling negative emotions: People who frequently experience negative feelings or have trouble coping with emotions are more vulnerable to panic attacks.
In addition to these factors, there are other conditions and habits that are believed to put those at high risk for panic disorder:1
- Depression: Many people with panic disorder also struggle with mental health conditions like depression, which can increase the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
- Alcohol abuse: Drinking alcohol excessively can contribute to the development of panic disorder.
- Cigarette smoking: Smoking is linked to both anxiety and panic
- Suicide risk: Individuals with panic disorder may face a higher risk of suicidal thoughts, especially when combined with other mental health challenges.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): This type of depression, which typically occurs during the winter months, may also be linked to increased anxiety and panic
How Panic Disorder Can Lead to Addiction
For individuals with panic disorder, the constant fear and unpredictability of panic attacks can feel overwhelming. Many turn to substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other drugs as a way to numb the debilitating anxiety and regain a sense of control.
Initially, these substances may seem to provide temporary relief from the intense fear and tension that panic disorder brings. However, this relief is short-lived and often leads to long-term consequences.
There is a high substance use prevalence among panic disorder sufferers, as many individuals use substances to cope with overwhelming feelings. Over time, using substances as a coping mechanism can result in dependence, where the brain and body require these substances to function normally.
What begins as a way to escape panic attacks can evolve into a harmful cycle of addiction. The more frequently substances are used, the more tolerance builds, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. This often leads individuals to increase their consumption or turn to stronger drugs, further complicating their battle with both panic disorder and substance abuse.
Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people turn to substances, especially when coping with panic disorder. While drugs and alcohol may temporarily dull the emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety, they can ultimately worsen the condition. This creates a dangerous feedback loop: the substances intensify anxiety over time, leading to increased reliance on them, perpetuating both the panic disorder and the addiction.
Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Panic Disorder and Addiction
Recovery from both panic disorder and addiction is challenging, but seeking treatment can make recovery possible. A holistic treatment plan often requires a dual approach that addresses both the anxiety disorder and the substance use problem.
1. Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for panic disorder. It helps individuals understand their thought patterns and learn healthier ways to cope with anxiety. CBT can also help those struggling with addiction by addressing the underlying emotional triggers for their substance use.
2. Medication
Some individuals may benefit from medication to manage panic disorder. Antidepressants or non-addictive anti-anxiety medications can help control symptoms, without the risk of developing a new addiction.
3. Support Groups
Whether it’s a 12-step program or a support group for people with anxiety, having a network of people who understand the struggle can make a huge difference. Support groups provide a safe space to share experiences and learn from others.
4. Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Learning new ways to cope with anxiety is essential. Mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and other stress-reduction techniques can provide healthier alternatives to substance use when dealing with panic disorder.
Find the Support You Need for Panic Disorder and Addiction With Lumina Recovery
The connection between panic disorder and addiction is clear: both are powerful and often co-occurring challenges that feed into each other. Understanding the symptoms and triggers of panic disorder is essential in preventing the cycle of addiction from taking root. With the right treatment and support, individuals can learn to manage both their anxiety and substance use, leading to a healthier and more stable life.
Lumina Recovery offers dual diagnosis programs that address both anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), providing specialized care for individuals whose panic disorder and related conditions contribute to substance use, ensuring a holistic path to recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with panic disorder and addiction, reach out to Lumina Recovery for professional support today.
Source:
