What Are Anxiety Disorders and When Is Anxiety Treatment Needed?
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent, excessive, and often irrational fear or dread that interferes with daily activities. While it is natural for everyone to experience anxiety at some point in their life, individuals with anxiety disorders often find their fears and worries are relentless, escalating, and debilitating.
Common types include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and other specific phobias.
In many cases, these issues require assistance from an anxiety treatment center.
Levels of Care Available for Anxiety Treatment
There are several levels of care for anxiety treatment, and you can choose which to attend based on your specific needs. The options generally include the following:
Inpatient Anxiety Treatment Center
For a person in a crisis situation who is having difficulty functioning on a day-to-day basis, inpatient treatment is likely the best option. Here, individuals live at the facility for 30 to 90 days (sometimes longer if necessary) and undergo rigorous treatment, including group and individual therapy and sessions with family members.
Other types of therapy that may be used as part of a treatment plan to help treat a severe anxiety disorder include art therapy, yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. Medications like beta blockers and anti-anxiety medications can be used as well.
Residential treatment programs are focused on stabilizing anxiety symptoms, improving healthy coping skills, and preparing individuals for a successful transition to a lower level of care by providing them with the resources needed to cope with life and its stresses.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) for anxiety provides a higher level of support than traditional outpatient programs but allows patients to return home at the end of each day.
Patients generally attend the program for several hours each day, five to seven days a week, engaging in a comprehensive array of therapeutic services. This may include individual and group therapy sessions, family therapy, medication management, and alternative and holistic therapies like yoga or art therapy.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are a flexible treatment option for individuals who are experiencing significant anxiety symptoms but do not need the intensive care of staying in a facility overnight. IOPs involve a comprehensive and rigorous treatment schedule, typically requiring patients to attend therapy and other therapeutic activities for several hours a day, multiple days a week.
IOPs incorporate numerous evidence-based therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and group counseling. Therapy is facilitated by a treatment team of experienced mental health professionals.
Standard Outpatient Treatment Programs
Standard outpatient programs for anxiety treatment offer a less intensive but highly effective approach to managing anxiety. These programs typically involve attending regular appointments with mental health specialists, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor. Outpatient treatment might include group or individual therapy sessions, medication management, and other supportive services as needed.
This approach allows patients to engage in high-quality, evidence-based care while continuing to live at home and maintain work, school, and family commitments.
Mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and eating disorders, are as unique as the individuals who experience them. They should be met with a personalized blend of behavioral therapy techniques, medical management, and a holistic approach that prioritizes the patient’s overall well-being during the recovery process from anxiety and related mental health conditions.
Therapeutic Approaches for Anxiety and Other Mental Health Disorders
Treatment for anxiety and other mental health disorders, like depression, requires a comprehensive approach and a mental health professional who understands the complexities of these conditions. Common treatments we utilize at our Massachusetts treatment center include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective form of talk therapy that has become a cornerstone in the mental health field for treating anxiety. CBT is designed to help individuals identify and restructure negative thoughts that contribute to feelings of anxiety and intense fear.
Through sessions with a trained therapist at an anxiety treatment center, patients learn practical and actionable skills to challenge and change these disruptive thought cycles.
Exposure Therapy
This form of mental health therapy is a highly effective treatment approach for various anxiety disorders, including phobias, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This form of cognitive behavioral therapy involves gradually and systematically exposing individuals to situations, objects, or thoughts they fear while under the guidance of a trained therapist.
The goal is to reduce the heightened response to these triggers and ultimately desensitize individuals to them.
Medication Management for Anxiety Symptoms
Medications can play a valuable role in the treatment of anxiety and other mental health disorders by effectively managing symptoms. Prescription medications, such as anti-anxiety medication, are often used to treat anxiety and alleviate physical symptoms associated with anxiety, like jitteriness or heart palpitations.
Additionally, beta-blockers are medications that might be prescribed to address physical symptoms that arise from a panic disorder during a panic attack. Although medications, like beta blockers, can be an essential part of treatment plans, they are often used for short-term treatment to help individuals regain control and stability.
Medications should always be used in conjunction with other types of treatment for feelings of anxiety, such as individual and group therapy, CBT, acceptance and commitment therapy, or other therapies used to treat an anxiety disorder.
How a Dual Diagnosis Rehab Can Help With an Anxiety Disorder
A dual diagnosis rehab is a treatment center that addresses the unique challenges presented by co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. By simultaneously addressing both conditions, dual diagnosis treatment programs help the patient uncover and treat the root causes of their struggles rather than merely treating the symptoms of one disorder in isolation. Here are three ways a dual diagnosis treatment center can help.
Address Anxiety and Addiction Simultaneously
Treating anxiety and addiction at the same time is crucial because when one is left untreated, it can aggravate the other. Having treatment under one roof eliminates the hassle of coordinating between multiple providers, which can be overwhelming. This approach allows you to access therapy, medications, and all necessary support at the same anxiety treatment center, making the process much more manageable.
Ultimately, dual diagnosis rehab teaches you how to manage your anxiety without using dangerous drugs and alcohol.
Get To the Root Cause
Anxiety disorders and substance abuse have a complex relationship. However, in many cases, both conditions occur due to similar underlying issues. Common root causes of both anxiety and substance abuse include:
- History of trauma – Experiencing one or more traumatic events, particularly in childhood, can increase your risk for developing PTSD, anxiety disorders, and addiction.
- Family history – Having a parent with one or more mental health problems can make you more susceptible to those conditions yourself.
- Chronic stress – Overexposure to stress can increase the risk of anxiety disorders or substance abuse.
- Other co-occurring mental illnesses – Someone with depression, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or any other mental illness is more likely to experience anxiety or use drugs and alcohol to cope.
By addressing the cause of your struggles and getting the support you need, you can fully begin to heal and overcome both anxiety and addiction.
Get The Care You Need and Deserve
Woburn Addiction Treatment is a leader in the addiction treatment field, with proven success in facilitating long-term recovery. Our team of top clinical & medical experts specializes in treating addiction coupled with mental illness, ensuring that each person receives individualized care. Call us – we’re available 24/day, 7 days/week.
Learn Healthy and Practical Coping Skills
Learning practical coping skills is incredibly helpful for both anxiety and addiction, as these strategies provide a person with practical tools to manage stress and cravings. By focusing on healthy coping mechanisms, a person can reduce their anxiety levels and minimize the urge to engage in addictive behaviors. It empowers them to make better choices during challenging situations, enhancing their well-being and overall recovery. Some examples include:
- Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your mind
- Engage in regular physical activity, like walking or yoga
- Maintain a journal to express your thoughts and emotions
- Connect with supportive friends or attend support groups
- Explore creative outlets, such as drawing or playing music
- Develop a routine that promotes regular sleep and balanced eating habits
When you develop the ability to cope with stressful situations through these practices effectively, you start to reclaim control over your life.
Contact Woburn Addiction Treatment to Learn More About Anxiety Treatment
Dealing with anxiety is a difficult situation – it can make every aspect of life seem scary and more challenging. Fortunately, there is treatment available to help you overcome this. At Woburn Addiction Treatment Center, our dedicated team of experienced professionals understands the complex relationship between mental health conditions and substance abuse and is committed to offering an individualized treatment plan to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need.
For help with anxiety treatment, contact us today to speak with an admissions team member and get started. Call (781) 622-9190 or complete our online contact form. Whether you’re dealing with generalized anxiety disorder, dual diagnosis, or other mental health concerns, we’re here for you when you’re ready to start the road to recovery.
How To Find Treatment for Anxiety and Substance Abuse in Massachusetts
Finding treatment for anxiety and substance abuse in Massachusetts begins with acknowledging the interconnected nature of these conditions and understanding the importance of treating mental health conditions alongside addiction. When seeking treatment, start by consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a primary care physician or mental health specialist, who can assess both your mental and physical health, and provide recommendations for appropriate treatment methods. They may suggest a range of options, from inpatient substance abuse treatment programs to outpatient counseling services that specialize in dual diagnosis.
In addition to medical and psychological treatment, consider programs that incorporate holistic approaches, such as relaxation techniques and nutrition counseling, to support overall well-being. Research local and state resources, reach out to local mental health organizations, or consult with your insurance provider for a list of covered services. Remember, seeking therapy is a courageous step towards recovery and there are numerous resources in Massachusetts designed to guide you through this journey towards health and stability.
