Panic Disorder And Addiction

The Connection Between Panic Disorder And Addiction

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that can produce intense, scary symptoms like dizziness, heart racing, shortness of breath, sweating, and shaking. You may feel like you are dying, having a heart attack, or choking when, in reality, you are not in actual danger. Because there is no apparent reason for the symptoms, your thoughts may become fixated on them, leading you to believe that something terrible is about to happen.

Panic attacks can be such scary experiences that you may develop a phobia of having an attack, especially when going into public places. Panic disorder can be debilitating, and it is common for someone to look for a solution to cope with these symptoms, even if it is unhealthy. Many people turn to alcohol or drugs to cope and eventually develop co-occurring panic disorder and addiction.

How Can Substance Use Trigger A Panic Attack?

Your brain consists of neurotransmitters that are responsible for how you think, feel, and behave. Dopamine gives you a sense of calm and euphoria. Serotonin boosts your mood, and GABA promotes relaxation. Substances, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription drugs, alter how these neurotransmitters function.

Exposure to toxins like alcohol and drugs changes how the central nervous system operates. It becomes over-excited, causing you to feel symptoms of anxiety.

Substances That May Cause Anxiety And Panic Attacks

Substance use can lead to panic disorder, and having panic attacks can lead to misusing substances. They are co-occurring disorders, which can be dangerous to your physical and psychological well-being. Substance use increases the odds of panic disorder by 30%, and there is a high rate of opioid use disorders among those with panic disorder. However, opioids are not the only drugs connected to panic disorder.

Both illicit and prescription drugs can trigger anxiety and panic attacks. You may experience substance-induced panic attacks that occur while you are intoxicated. You may also experience anxiety and panic attacks upon withdrawal or any time after using. Common substances that may cause anxiety and panic attacks include the following.

Alcohol

Anxiety symptoms can appear after one episode of heavy drinking. As alcohol leaves the body, you may experience “hangxiety,” or symptoms like a racing heart, headaches, restlessness, and muscle tension that may trigger the fight-or-flight response in the body, leading to anxiety and, often, panic. Alcohol can also hinder your decision-making and judgment processes, causing you to experience stress, confusion, and fear.

Cannabis

Cannabis has long been known to trigger anxiety and panic attacks. Many people begin smoking marijuana as a way to reduce stress and anxiety. However, after multiple uses, marijuana becomes a trigger for anxiety-related symptoms. In emergency rooms, researchers found that people admitted for cannabis misuse developed a new anxiety or worsening anxiety disorder within a few years compared to the general population.

Cannabis is also known to induce paranoia in some users, which can lead to heightened feelings of anxiety and panic.

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens, such as LSD, PCP, and mushrooms, are often taken recreationally in larger amounts than necessary to feel its effects. Taking too much of a hallucinogen increases your risk of having a bad experience or “trip.” An adverse reaction to the drug can induce fear, panic, paranoia, hallucinations, and terror.

Stimulants

Stimulants, such as amphetamines or cocaine, lead to an increase in heart rate, shallow breathing, restlessness, nervousness, and mood changes. Because these symptoms are like anxiety and panic, they may trigger underlying symptoms.

Additional drugs that may cause or worsen anxiety include inhalants, caffeine, tobacco, and steroids. To prevent anxiety symptoms, it is crucial to work with a mental health professional and physician who can help you overcome illicit substance misuse.

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Effects Of Substance Abuse On Panic Disorder Symptoms

Alcohol and drugs impact functioning in your brain, which leads to changes in your body. Some of the changes can be scary. It can cause an imbalance in your hormones, which can lead to a series of uncomfortable symptoms that can trigger anxiety. The effects may lead to the following:

• More intense symptoms that last longer
• More frequent symptoms of anxiety or panic
• Development or worsening of new anxiety disorders
• Development or worsening of new mental health disorders
• Development or worsening of physical conditions
• Reduced ability to function at work, home, or school
• Interference with social activities
• Sleep disturbances
• Relationship problems
• Substance use disorder

The effects of substance abuse on anxiety and panic disorder symptoms can lead you into a vicious cycle of using drugs or alcohol to cope with anxiety symptoms that are triggered by the substances. However, with proper dual diagnosis treatment, this cycle can be broken.

Self-Medicating Panic Disorder With Drugs And Alcohol

Self-medicating describes the practice of taking drugs or other substances that are not prescribed or recommended by a doctor to alleviate painful or uncomfortable symptoms. Examples include taking sedatives to calm down from an anxiety attack or drinking alcohol to feel relaxed after a stressful event.

Self-medicating leads to many problems, including:

• Amplified side effects
• Interactions between drugs
• Disease masking
• Adverse allergic reactions
• Overdose
• Worsening of underlying issues
• Development of new disorders

Understandably, you may try to relieve symptoms of panic disorder before heading to the doctor for help. You may feel embarrassed that there is no apparent reason for your symptoms or that you feel too weak to overcome them on your own. While these statements are not factual, they are common. The longer you self-medicate, the worse your symptoms will become.

Fortunately, managing panic disorder and addiction can be successfully achieved with the help of licensed mental health and substance abuse professionals.

Can You Die From A Panic Attack While Using Drugs Or Alcohol?

Panic attacks alone do not lead to death. However, drugs and alcohol can lead to fatal overdoses, even when you are having a panic attack.

Some overdoses are caused by misusing one drug, while others occur from using a mixture of drugs and alcohol. Many factors play a role in an overdose, such as the type of substance, the amount used, and whether other substances were involved. It is imperative to know the signs of an overdose, especially when someone is having a panic attack.

Panic attacks can make someone feel like they are dying. In addition, panic and anxiety can be a symptom of overdose. Because you can’t tell if their symptoms are related to anxiety or substance abuse, you must get immediate help by calling 911.

Also, pay close attention to their symptoms, which may vary based on the type of substances they consume. Common overdose, stroke, and heart attack symptoms caused by drugs or alcohol include:

Stimulants, sedatives, opioids, alcohol, and all other substances produce different overdose symptoms. Mixing substances can exacerbate symptoms and make them more challenging to identify. Educating yourself on overdose prevention can save a life.

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Treatment For Panic Disorder And Addiction

To overcome panic disorder and addiction, both disorders must be treated simultaneously. Co-occurring panic disorder and addiction treatment both make it less likely that the other disorder will trigger a relapse. Panic disorder and addiction treatment options are available at inpatient and outpatient facilities and may include the following.

Pharmacotherapy

The use of treatment medications to alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms helps treat alcohol and opioid use disorders. For other substance use disorders, doctors can treat your symptoms directly, stabilizing you mentally and physically so you can focus on learning recovery skills.

Behavioral Therapy

The skills you need to avoid relapsing on drugs and having repeat panic attacks are taught in individual and group therapies and may include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness-based therapy (MBT)
• Family therapy
• 12-step facilitation

These therapies help you learn to cope with symptoms of anxiety, as well as cravings and triggers for drugs or alcohol. If you have underlying conditions, you can participate in targeted therapies. For example, if you have experienced trauma, you can participate in trauma-focused CBT or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Each person is given a panic disorder and addiction treatment plan based on their unique needs.

Get Help For Panic Disorder And Addiction Today

Panic attacks and substance abuse interfere with daily functioning, but they don’t have to control your life. Help is available for both your panic disorder and addiction.

Committing to treatment for panic disorder and addiction means you learn specific strategies to help you maintain recovery. Contact a treatment provider today to learn more about your treatment options and start your path to recovery.