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Panic Attacks and Drug Use
Research shows that there is a correlation between panic attacks and drug use. People who have panic attacks and other kinds of anxiety disorders are more likely to abuse drugs to alleviate their symptoms. Unfortunately, this can start a cycle of addiction where substance abuse worsens panic attacks, and you need more and more of these drugs to feel calm.
When treating addiction, you need to find out if underlying mental and emotional health conditions are contributing to substance use or panic attacks. A thorough evaluation by a health professional at Inspire Recovery can help uncover any co-occurring disorders and collaborate with you in creating a personalized treatment plan.
What are Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks are sudden, intense waves of fear or discomfort that come on quickly, often out of the blue. During an attack, you might feel like your heart is racing or skipping beats. You may sweat, tremble, feel dizzy, or have trouble breathing. Some people describe it as feeling like they are having a heart attack or losing control. These episodes usually reach their peak within about 10 minutes, but the whole experience can last anywhere from a few seconds to an hour.
While panic attacks can feel terrifying, they are not physically dangerous. Still, they can leave you feeling shaken or exhausted afterward. They can be triggered by stress, trauma, certain medical or mental health conditions, or even substances like caffeine or nicotine. In some cases, they seem to come out of nowhere.
Why Do Panic Attacks and Drug Use Often Co-Exist?
Panic attacks and substance use often go hand-in-hand. While one does not always cause the other, they can definitely feed into each other in complex ways. Some people may turn to drugs as a way to calm the intense fear or discomfort that comes with panic attacks. This behavioral pattern is called self-medicating. It might feel like a quick fix, but over time, using substances to cope can actually make anxiety worse and lead to dependence or addiction.
On the flip side, using certain substances, like cannabis, cocaine, or other stimulants, can also trigger panic attacks, especially if you are already feeling stressed or vulnerable. Research shows that people with panic disorder are more likely to have concurrent substance use disorders than the general population.
There are also shared risk factors that can make someone more vulnerable to both panic and addiction, such as genetics, trauma, or chronic stress. In some cases, panic symptoms come first. In others, they start showing up after substance use begins.
No matter which came first, both conditions need to be treated simultaneously. When care is compassionate and integrated, people have a much better chance of feeling grounded, supported, and on track toward lasting recovery.
Treatment for Panic Attacks and Drug Use
When someone is dealing with both panic attacks and drug use, the most effective approach is to treat them together. This approach is called integrated treatment, and experts consider it the gold standard of care. Treating one condition without addressing the other can lead to setbacks in recovery or worsening symptoms.
Treatment plans for panic attacks and drug use are tailored to each person’s needs because recovery looks different for everyone. These plans might include a mix of medication, individual or group therapy, and education about how panic and addiction interact. Some people may be prescribed medications to ease panic symptoms, like antidepressants or beta-blockers, while others may need medications to manage cravings or withdrawal symptoms from substances like alcohol or opioids.
Therapies may include one or more of the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of psychotherapy helps people identify and work to change thoughts and behaviors that harm them.
- Exposure therapy: A form of CBT that helps individuals gradually confront and work through fears related to panic disorder.
- Contingency management (CM): A therapy for substance use disorder that offers tangible rewards for positive behavioral changes.
- Group therapy: In these sessions, people connect with others who understand what they are going through. Doing this can be incredibly validating and comforting, particularly for LGBTQ people who are often isolated.
Treatment also includes learning about how the body reacts during a panic attack, which helps reduce fear and gives people tools to stay calm. With the right support, healing from both panic and substance use is possible.
Quitting Drug Use to Reduce Panic Attacks
Drug use impacts mental health in so many ways. For one, it increases the risk of anxiety disorders and panic attacks. If you understand the connection between the two, you are more likely to step toward healing. By seeking support through therapy and addiction treatment, you can address the root causes of both conditions.
Inspire Recovery will not only help you break the cycle of substance use, but our care will ease the intensity and frequency of panic attacks. Through our LGBTQ-affirming, trauma-informed, integrated approach to treating co-occurring disorders, you can begin a more balanced and fulfilling life. Call us today at 561-763-9016 to get started.
Does therapy help with panic attacks and drug use?
Therapy can be effective in treating both panic attacks and drug use. Therapists will help you figure out the way your anxiety and substance use are linked and equip you with more sustainable ways to cope with distress. Approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy can reduce panic symptoms, while addiction-focused therapies support long-term recovery. Therapy also offers a safe and structured space to explore underlying struggles that may be fueling both conditions.
Do I need rehab if I use drugs for my panic attacks?
If you are using illicit drugs or abusing prescribed medications or alcohol to cope with panic attacks, it may be a sign that you need support. While it might feel like a temporary relief, drug use can make panic symptoms worse over time and lead to dependency. Rehab can help you end that cycle by treating both the drug use and the underlying anxiety. Reaching out to Inspire Recovery for help is a strong and important step toward healing.
Is there an LGBTQ rehab that treats panic attacks and drug use?
There are LGBTQ rehabs that treat both panic attacks and drug use—Inspire Recovery is one of them. We offer affirming, integrated care designed specifically for LGBTQ+ folks. During your stay at our facility, you will find that our team understands the intersection of the LGBTQ experience with anxiety, drug use, and recovery. If you are struggling, we can help. Reach out to us today at 561-763-9016, and you will feel seen, supported, and safe.
Are you or is someone you know addicted to drugs?
Call Inspire Recovery today at 561-899-6088 for a free & confidential consultation.
