For the majority of people, moderation is the key. Alcohol in moderation is fine. Using prescription pain killers as directed is fine. However, for those individuals with anxiety disorders this is not always the case. A recent study shows about 20 percent of those individuals with an anxiety disorder or depression abuse alcohol or drugs, both prescription and illegal. In direct relation to this, about 20 percent of drug and alcohol abusers have been shown to have an anxiety disorder or suffer from depression. Often times these people experience abuse and disorders independently, but it can also become a cycle of untreated disorders and abuse, one leading to the other.
Social Anxiety Disorder can be strongly linked to substance abuse. It has been found that teenagers in particular who suffer from social anxiety disorder are much more likely to abuse alcohol and smoke pot. They also began using drugs and drinking at a much earlier age. In adults, those with social anxiety disorder were more likely to abuse alcohol to put them at ease in social situations, but in actuality, it just makes people more anxious which causes the cycle of abuse. Abuse related to Social Anxiety Disorder generally begins after the onset of the disorder.
Individuals who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder often begin abusing drugs and alcohol at the same time as the onset of their disorder, because they often use drugs and alcohol to ease their anxiety; however substance abuse can make their disorder worse as well. Doctors will often treat both PTSD and substance abuse at the same time so that the patient will not suffer a relapse. Panic Disorder is a risk factor for those who already have a substance abuse problem. Substance abuse generally starts before or at the same time a person begins to suffer from a panic disorder.
It is important to get treatment early for any type of anxiety for depression disorder, as it can lessen the chance of substance abuse. It is also important for people who are suffering from substance abuse to also be evaluated and treated for any anxiety disorder that may be occurring side by side with their substance abuse. There are many safe medications that have a low dependence risk that doctors can use to treat anxiety and depression, in conjunction with therapy that can help with both problems.