People with anxiety symptoms who self-medicate with alcohol or other drugs may be at a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders and a co-occurring substance abuse disorder (known as dual diagnosis), according to researchers from the University of Manitoba, as reported in an article on medicalnewstoday.com.
The research team used data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism survey to determine the substance abuse rates among those with anxiety disorders. Conversely, they also wanted to determine the incidence of the new-onset of anxiety disorders among those with a substance disorder. In total 34,653 were surveyed during the years 2001-2002 and 2004-2005.
The researchers separated the participants into three categories: those who self-medicate with alcohol only, those who self-medicate with drugs (with or without alcohol), and those who do not self-medicate. They found that of the individuals with a diagnosed anxiety disorder who self-medicated with alcohol, 12.6% developed an alcohol-use disorder, while just 4.7% of those who did not self-medicate developed the alcohol-use disorder.
Additional findings were that self-medication with alcohol was behind 6.9% of new-onset social phobia and 20.4% of new-onset social phobia was found to be caused by those who self-medicated with drugs.
The researchers concluded that, given their findings, there is a correlation between the development of social phobia and substance use disorders. Northbound Treatment Services specializes in dual diagnosis treatment for individuals who have both a substance abuse disorder and a co-occurring anxiety disorder. Our highly-trained staff assists patients every step of the way with comprehensive care that focuses on the whole person—mind, body and spirit. For more information about Northbound’s services, click here.
Author
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Paul Alexander is the CEO, President & Founder of Northbound Treatment Network in Newport Beach, California. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder and mental health treatment. With over 27 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Paul has extensive knowledge of “in vivo” treatment modalities, clinical development, operations, strategy, marketing and financial planning. He has been widely recognized for his development of collegiate-based residential treatment programs for students in recovery and authored a research study at The University of California confirming this modality’s effectiveness.
Paul’s comprehensive professional experience, willingness to innovate, and emphasis on organizational health are vital factors in Northbound’s continued success. Paul received his Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist training at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and was awarded Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2002. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Paul currently serves on The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) board. In addition, he serves on The Family Recovery Foundation board and The CarePossible board in Orange County; both organizations are committed to raising funds for family recovery and treatment for former military personnel. Paul is in recovery himself and lives in Orange County with his wife Silvana and his two young sons, Noah and Dean.
