Starting on the road to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is never easy, and one of the common symptoms of withdrawal is anxiety. Anxiety can take many forms and can affect people differently, so it’s important to know how to deal with it properly during this fragile time. As Magnolia Ranch Recovery, a recovery center in Nashville, TN, we understand the importance of providing help and support during this challenging process. In this blog post, we will discuss anxiety and anxiety disorders, panic attacks & panic disorder, and how to deal with anxiety and panic attacks during drug and alcohol detox to help ensure a successful recovery.
Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
Dealing with anxiety is no easy feat, and when the feelings arise, it’s best to stop and take a deep breath, remember your emotions are valid, and allow yourself to heal. But what is anxiety exactly?
Anxiety is defined as a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Anxiety disorders, on the other hand, are a group of mental health disorders characterized by significant feelings of anxiety and fear. They can affect anyone at any age, and people who struggle with addiction are particularly vulnerable.
It’s important to be aware of the following symptoms that anxiety can bring about:
- Feeling on edge
- Restlessness
- Fear
- Overwhelming worry
- Confusion or disarrayed thoughts
- Racing heartbeat
- Quickened breathing
- Stomach troubles
- Shaky muscles
In some ways, feeling anxious is simply part of being human. However, if these episodes have a significant impact on our day-to-day life, it’s time to reach out for help. You deserve to get the care you need, especially if you are going through drug and alcohol detox and your anxiety is heightened.
The American Psychiatric Association identifies these different forms of anxiety:
- Social anxiety disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
Take it easy on yourself because if you already experience anxiety, you have a higher likelihood of facing anxiety and panic attacks during drug and alcohol detox. And if you have decided to take the reins of your life and check yourself into a detox program, it’s important to let them know ahead of time about your struggles. Just say hey, just so you know, this is what I am dealing with; this way, you can get the compassionate care you need. Without the right care, anxiety can lead to drug and alcohol relapse, and that is a vicious cycle that doesn’t need to set in again. Let’s break the never-ending cycle of substance abuse and anxiety together.
Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder
Suppose you have had a panic attack before; then you know that they are sudden and unexpected. Something very small could suddenly trigger your whole body out of nowhere, and panic attacks are actually defined as sudden, intense feelings of apprehension, terror, and fear. Although anxiety and panic disorder seem similar, panic disorder is actually a type of anxiety disorder in which a person experiences recurring panic attacks. Knowing all of that can cause fear of having another panic attack and the fear of the physical symptoms.
A panic attack happens when at least four of these symptoms appear without warning and all at once:
- Tightness in your chest
- Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat
- Feeling light-headed
- Feeling like you can’t breathe
- Tingling or numbness
- Stomach pain
- Sense of impending doom
- Fear that you are not grounded in reality
- Trembling muscles
It is challenging to predict anxiety and panic attacks in general, especially during drug and alcohol detox; that’s why you should have a team of experienced medical experts watching over you throughout your detox journey. Take a deep breath; you got this.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks During Drug and Alcohol Detox
A Drug and alcohol detox program is no easy feat. and we understand that here at Magnolia Ranch Recovery. While it is common to experience anxiety and panic attacks during drug and alcohol detox, it is also essential to understand that it’s a natural part of the recovery process.
As your body begins to detox, it goes through a literal shock and tries to balance out that shock with adrenaline; thus, the panic attacks kick in. However, there are strategies to manage anxiety and panic attacks during detox.
If you are going through any of the following drug detoxes, we have professionals who are ready to help you get your life back:
- Heroin detox
- Alcohol detox
- Marijuana detox
- Cocaine detox
- Meth detox
Detoxing is the first step, but if you are dealing with anxiety and panic attacks, it can feel frightening. That’s why it is so important to reach out for help and explore your options. At Magnolia Ranch Recovery, our professionals offer 24-hour support so that when a panic attack arises, there will be someone there grounding you and supporting you through it.
Start Your Journey At Magnolia Ranch Recovery in Nashville, TN
If you or a loved one is suffering from substance abuse and addiction, it can be very difficult to take the first step towards recovery. You may feel overwhelmed and anxious about what lies ahead. But remember that as daunting as this journey may seem, you are not alone on this path.
At Magnolia Ranch Recovery in Nashville, TN, we provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to take the first steps on their journey toward recovery. Our knowledgeable staff is available throughout the detox process to help manage any anxiety that may arise. We understand that this can be a stressful time for many people, so we strive to make our facility as calming and comfortable as possible.
We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for all of our clients. We offer a variety of resources and services that can help individuals on their recovery path, such as individual and group counseling, spiritual guidance, relapse prevention classes, and more. Contact us today and take the first step towards a better life.
