Anxiety and Substance Use: Expert Insights on a Complicated Relationship
Episode Overview
Substances provide short-term relief for anxiety but may lead to long-term issues Anxiety disorders and substance use exhibit a complex correlation Individualized treatment is crucial for addressing co-occurring mental health conditions with substance use disorders Mindfulness, psychotherapy, and mood stabilizers are valuable tools in managing anxiety and substance use Challenges of tapering benzodiazepines and the significance of stress reduction in treatment
Substances actually do help with your anxiety in the short term. So as we think about the range of substance use disorders and the different levels of severity, we also want to look at how are people using substances related to their anxiety.
Ever wondered how anxiety and substance use disorders intertwine? In this episode of 'The Addiction Files', Dr. Paula Cook and Dr. Darlene Petersen sit down with Dr. Mason Turner to unravel the complexities of these co-occurring conditions. Dr. Turner, a psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist, shares his expertise on the prevalence of anxiety disorders among those battling substance use issues.
They dive into the types of anxiety disorders commonly seen, treatment strategies, and the pitfalls to avoid when managing these dual diagnoses. This conversation sheds light on the importance of personalized treatment plans, emphasizing mindfulness, psychotherapy, and mood stabilizers as key tools in addressing these intertwined challenges.
Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone affected by these issues, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice and clinical pearls that could make a real difference in understanding and managing anxiety and substance use disorders.