In today's world, anxiety has become almost a background of life: constant stress, instability, fears for the future and internal conflicts are undermining the psyche.
But what do you do when anxiety stops being just an emotion - and becomes a trigger for addiction?
Many addicts admit: «I started(ed) to manage my anxiety in some way.» This connection is not accidental. And understanding it is the key to successful treatment!
At first glance, anxiety and chemical dependency seem to be two different problems. But in reality they are closely intertwined.
Anxiety disorders are disorders in which a person constantly experiences worry, tension, fear, or inner insecurity.
Addiction is an attempt to get rid of these states through external substances (alcohol, drugs, pills) or actions (gaming, shopping, eating).
It is anxiety that often becomes the trigger for addiction. A person cannot cope with anxiety on his or her own - and is looking for a «quick way to switch off».
Typical thoughts of an anxious person:
And therein lies the trap!
Instead of professional help, the person gets a brief «exhale» - but pays for it with increased addiction and ruined health.
Anxiety acts like an internal engine: it keeps you restless, tenses your muscles, prevents you from concentrating, and disrupts your sleep.
In a state of anxiety, it's like the body is living in danger mode - all the time.
In this situation, the drug, alcohol or tranquilliser is perceived not as entertainment but as the only salvation.
It is especially common in people with:
It is important to realise: addiction is not born «out of thin air».
Anxiety is like a crack into which destructive forms of self-help can easily «seep».
When a person has a mental disorder and addiction at the same time, experts talk about a dual diagnosis.
This is a particularly difficult case because:
At Renaissance, we pay special attention to recognising dual diagnosis. Often we are approached by patients who have already been treated for addiction, but have not been able to maintain the results - simply because their anxiety has gone unaddressed.
Effective treatment is not possible without a comprehensive approach.
When we are dealing with anxiety and addiction at the same time, we need to treat both conditions, otherwise it will be like putting a band-aid on an open wound! At Renaissance Centre, the programme includes:
Addiction is not just a habit. It is often a way of coping with anxiety, loneliness, pressure, guilt or fear. Therefore, it should be treated not only by «giving up the substance», but by restoring mental health.
The Renaissance Centre in Poland is a place that works with anxiety and addiction together. Our specialists are experienced in working with dual diagnoses. We do not separate symptoms, but see the person behind them - with their history, their pain, their attempts to cope. We don't criticise - we understand. And we give the person the tools to cope differently.
At Renaissance, the patient receives not just a course of rehabilitation, but real support:
We believe that people are not born weak. He or she simply did not receive support once and now learns to ask for it again. Anxiety is not a judgement, but a signal! The link between anxiety and addiction is real. And recognising this connection is the first step to recovery.
If your loved one or you yourself are living in constant tension, anxiety, powerlessness - you shouldn't struggle alone.
The Renaissance Centre in Poland is open to you.
We know how to work with dual diagnoses, and we know how to get your inner support back!
Write us a chat or call us - we'll respond within an hour. Our team is ready to help you 24/7.
Every day we help people start a new life. Join the more than 1,200 patients who have already been treated at Renessans.
IMPORTANT! The information on this website is not a substitute for medical advice. We are against the promotion of surfactants and comply with EU law.
