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Here’s What You Should Know About Treating Addictions and Phobias

Phobias and substance abuse are not commonly associated with co-occurring disorders, but they do happen for people who are struggling with either one. Phobias can be medicated by drugs or alcohol or associated with an underlying medical condition caused by excessive drug use. When they are diagnosed, a person may develop an extreme fear of a situation or experience. The person must demonstrate that fear exceeds the actual hazard associated with the situation and beyond what they typically experience. 

Drugs Impact on Phobias

Drug abuse can make phobia symptoms worse. Some drugs, like cocaine or meth, can cause anxiety or paranoia. These drugs could heighten the fear and anxiety associated with the phobia. Long-term drug use and withdrawal may lead to anxiety and worsen phobias. While drugs may make a person forget a phobia, ongoing drug use can lead to addiction. When it comes to phobias, some people have a specific phobia and will experience alcohol use as a result. It is a low percentage, but it does occur. Phobias may lead to drug addiction for people with anxiety. If a person uses opiate to calm a phobia down, the person may become addicted to the drugs. It is possible that genetics may increase risk factors, but people who have anxiety are more prone to self-medicate and those who struggle with other similar disorders like panic attacks may also turn to drugs or alcohol to medicate symptoms. 

Treatment of Co-occurring Disorder

Treatment for phobias and substance use disorders can require addressing both diagnoses. Antidepressant drugs like Zoloft and anxiety meds show some benefit for people who have alcohol use and anxiety disorders. Medications should always be combined with counseling approaches to address underlying psychosocial issues associated with addiction and phobias. Some of the best ways to treat a person for this condition are:

  • Medication
  • Therapy
  • Co-occurring detox and rehab in a licensed facility
  • Alternative or holistic opportunities to heal 
  • Nature-based programs integrated with traditional methods

Trying different things is what recovery is all about. When a person is seeking help for addiction and phobias or anxiety disorders, they may need to try a variety of things before they find something that works. It is difficult to navigate healing when there are so many things to do, but it is important to find opportunities for healing from addiction and anxiety with the support of professionals who understand the condition and how to offer the right healing space for their loved one.

It is important at Guest House we understand all the challenges you face coming in the door. That is why we do a comprehensive assessment to place you where you need to be in detox and rehab. From there we support you with the latest tools and resources to help you recover. If you need aftercare, we are there for you. The key is to find hope in the midst of challenges in recovery and not give up. We will help you find it. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call 855-483-7800.