Addiction and Anxiety Treatment in
New Jersey
Living with anxiety and addiction can feel overwhelming, especially when both conditions fuel and intensify one another. Many people struggling with substance use also experience anxiety disorders, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without the right kind of care. When only one issue is treated, the other often resurfaces, making lasting recovery harder to achieve. That’s why addressing both at the same time is essential.
At Fort Lee Recovery Center in Fort Lee, New Jersey, we provide comprehensive anxiety and addiction dual diagnosis treatment designed to treat the whole person. Our team understands the complex relationship between anxiety symptoms and substance use, and we create personalized treatment plans that focus on both mental health and recovery. By offering integrated therapies, evidence-based practices, and compassionate care, we help clients build the skills they need to manage anxiety without relying on drugs or alcohol.
Through our dual diagnosis treatment program, clients gain access to individual counseling, group therapy, and holistic approaches that target both emotional well-being and sobriety. Whether anxiety led to substance use or developed as a result of addiction, our treatment helps address the root causes and provides tools for long-term stability. Our goal is to guide each client toward a healthier, more balanced life, free from the grip of anxiety and addiction.
What are Anxiety Disorders and Addiction?
Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions marked by ongoing feelings of worry, fear, or nervousness that are more intense or longer-lasting than typical stress. Unlike everyday stress that comes and goes, anxiety disorders can interfere with school, work, relationships, and daily decisions. For example, someone with generalized anxiety disorder may feel anxious most days, even when there is no clear cause, leading to trouble concentrating or sleeping.
Addiction is a chronic disease that changes the way the brain works. It involves a pattern of compulsive use of substances—such as alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs—despite negative consequences. Addiction can make it difficult to control urges, causing people to keep using substances even when it causes problems at home, work, or school.
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The Relationship Between Anxiety and Addiction
Anxiety and substance use disorders have a two-way relationship. Feeling anxious can lead some people to use drugs or alcohol to calm their nerves or escape uncomfortable feelings. In other cases, using substances can change the brain and body in ways that make anxiety worse or even trigger anxiety disorders.
For example, someone with social anxiety might drink alcohol at parties to feel more relaxed. Over time, this can create a cycle where the person relies on alcohol for relief, but also becomes more anxious when not drinking. On the other hand, certain drugs or alcohol can cause changes in the brain that result in higher anxiety, especially during withdrawal or after long-term use.
Research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that about 20% of people with an anxiety disorder also have a substance use disorder, and about 20% of those with a substance use disorder also live with an anxiety disorder. Studies also show that in most cases, anxiety symptoms come before substance use problems.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety and Addiction
When anxiety and addiction happen together, the warning signs can be different from having just one condition. Here are common signs to look for:
Physical signs
- Shaking or trembling, especially in the hands
- Sweating more than usual, even in comfortable temperatures
- Rapid heartbeat or feeling like the heart is pounding
- Muscle tension, aches, or frequent headaches
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or sleeping much more than usual
Emotional and behavioral changes
- Using substances to relax or feel calm in social situations
- Sudden mood swings, irritability, or anger
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or usual activities
- Lying or being secretive about activities or whereabouts
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
These behaviors often differ from anxiety or addiction alone by their combination and the way they disrupt daily life, leading to more pronounced changes in relationships, responsibilities, or personal safety.
Risk Factors of Anxiety and Addiction
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing both anxiety disorders and addiction. Understanding these risk factors can help identify when someone might be at higher risk.
Genetics and family history play a significant role. Research shows that genetics accounts for about 40% to 60% of the risk for addiction and around 30% to 50% of the risk for anxiety disorders. Having a parent or sibling with either condition increases the chances of developing it, but it doesn’t guarantee a person will experience the same issues.
Stressful life events and trauma are also linked with a greater risk for both anxiety and addiction. Examples include:
- Physical or emotional abuse
- Witnessing violence or losing a loved one
- Living through disasters or serious accidents
- Ongoing neglect or family instability
According to recent studies, about 50% of people with both substance use and anxiety disorders report a history of significant trauma. Evidence also shows that people who have experienced childhood trauma are two to three times more likely to develop both conditions later in life.
Anxiety and Addiction Treatment
Comprehensive Assessment
A comprehensive dual diagnosis assessment helps professionals understand both anxiety and substance use patterns in an individual. This assessment includes a medical history, psychological evaluation, and a review of current symptoms, substance use, and mental health concerns.
Professionals may use questionnaires, interviews, and information from family members or other providers. Accurate information is important, so honest disclosure about symptoms and substance use helps during this process. The assessment at Fort Lee Recovery Center is designed to identify overlapping symptoms, determine severity, and develop an individualized treatment plan for co-occurring disorders.
Therapy and Counseling
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors related to both anxiety and substance use. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) focuses on managing emotions, improving relationships, and coping with distress.
Therapies address both anxiety and addiction by targeting the behaviors and thought patterns that connect the two. Research shows that integrated therapy for co-occurring disorders results in better outcomes than treating each condition separately. Fort Lee Recovery Center offers these therapy models, tailored to individual needs, in both group and individual formats.
Medication Management
Evidence-based medications for anxiety disorders include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). For addiction treatment, medications include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram for alcohol use disorder, and buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.
Medication-assisted treatment sometimes combines medications for both anxiety and addiction, with careful monitoring to avoid interactions and dependence. The approach varies based on individual needs and the specific substances involved.
Managing Triggers for Anxiety and Addiction
Learning to identify and manage triggers is an important part of recovery from both anxiety and addiction. Triggers are situations, emotions, or thoughts that increase the likelihood of feeling anxious or wanting to use substances. Common triggers include:
- Arguments or conflicts with others
- Feeling isolated or lonely
- Work-related pressure or deadlines
- Being in locations tied to past substance use
- Financial worries or major life changes
Effective coping strategies without substances:
- Mindfulness breathing exercises and grounding techniques
- Physical activity, such as walking or stretching
- Talking with a supportive person
- Practicing healthy sleep habits
- Using a distraction, such as listening to music or drawing
A basic grounding exercise involves naming five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This grounding activity can be used in moments of high anxiety or craving.
New Jersey Outpatient Programs for Dual Diagnosis
Fort Lee Recovery Center uses a dual diagnosis approach, which means both anxiety and substance use are addressed at the same time. Care plans are based on assessments of each person’s symptoms and needs. The treatment team may include counselors, doctors, and other specialists who coordinate care for both mental health and substance use.
Outpatient care provides structure and support while allowing people to continue with school, work, or family responsibilities. People with anxiety disorders in outpatient care may participate in individual therapy, group sessions, and medication management.
Family Support for Anxiety and Addiction Recovery
Family relationships influence the recovery process for people living with both anxiety and addiction. The way that family members communicate and support each other can make it easier or harder for a person to manage symptoms and stick with treatment.
Families may help by learning about anxiety and addiction, listening without judgment, and encouraging treatment steps. Attending therapy sessions together, showing patience during setbacks, and offering practical help with daily responsibilities are also ways to support a loved one. Healthy family support includes:
- Active listening: Giving full attention without interrupting or offering quick solutions
- Encouragement: Supporting treatment decisions and celebrating small progress
- Boundaries: Setting clear limits about what behaviors are acceptable
- Self-care: Taking care of your own mental and emotional health
Fort Lee Recovery Center offers family education, support groups, and counseling programs that address challenges of living with anxiety and addiction.
Anxiety and Addiction FAQs
How does anxiety lead people to develop addiction?
Anxiety can lead to addiction when a person uses alcohol or drugs to reduce uncomfortable feelings or calm their nerves, known as the self-medication cycle. This provides short-term relief but can make anxiety and dependence worse over time.
Can treating addiction also help with anxiety disorders?
Addiction treatment that also addresses anxiety disorders at the same time, called integrated or dual diagnosis treatment, is designed to improve outcomes for both conditions. Treating both conditions together helps reduce the risk that one condition will make the other worse.
How long does dual diagnosis treatment typically take in New Jersey?
Dual diagnosis treatment in New Jersey often ranges from several weeks to several months, depending on each person’s symptoms and progress. The length of care is determined by individualized treatment plans that are adjusted as needs change.
Will insurance cover treatment for both anxiety and addiction?
Many insurance plans in New Jersey offer coverage for dual diagnosis treatment, including both mental health and substance use services. Coverage and costs can vary, so it’s important to check with the treatment provider and insurance company to confirm benefits.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Integrated treatment addresses anxiety disorders and addiction at the same time. This approach is important because treating one condition alone often leaves the other unaddressed, leading to a higher chance of relapse or ongoing symptoms.
Fort Lee Recovery Center in Fort Lee, NJ, provides integrated dual diagnosis treatment, using evidence-based methods and a team experienced in co-occurring disorders. To learn more, contact us today. Insurance verification is available before treatment begins. Our rehab center in New Jersey has a record of successful outcomes for individuals facing both anxiety and addiction.