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Treatment for Panic Disorder & Addiction

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Panic disorder and substance abuse frequently co-occur. Individuals with panic disorders may use drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms. Self-medication, though, offers only temporary relief while introducing significant risks and doing nothing to address the underlying issues.

When panic disorder and substance use disorder occur at the same time, treatment that goes after both problems will offer the best results.

What Is the Best Treatment for Panic Disorder?

Both psychotherapy and medications, or a combination of the two, are highly effective for treating both panic attacks and panic disorder. The duration of treatment varies based on the severity of the condition and the person’s response to therapy.

Psychotherapy, known informally as talk therapy, involves personalized techniques designed to help people identify and change harmful thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Effective psychotherapeutic approaches include:

  • CBT: CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is a first line treatment for panic disorder and many other mental health conditions. Individuals work closely with mental health professionals to pinpoint and reframe thoughts that trigger panic attacks. 
  • DBT: DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) is a type of CBT originally developed to manage BPD (borderline personality disorder). The mindfulness component of DBT can help people recognize the early indicators of a panic attack. 
  • Exposure therapy: This therapeutic technique gradually acclimatizes a person to their panic triggers through imagined or real exposure. Techniques such as relaxation and breathing exercises are taught to help individuals manage anxiety during this process.
 

Medications useful for treating panic attacks and panic disorder include:

  • Anti-anxiety medications:
    Benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam) and Ativan (lorazepam) are commonly prescribed as panic attack treatment medication. Benzos should be used cautiously due to their potential for addiction.
  • Antidepressants: SSRIs like Prozac (fluoxetine) and Paxil (paroxetine), or SNRIs like Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine), can decrease the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
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Can Drug Treatment for Panic Disorder Cause Substance Abuse?

If a treatment plan for panic disorder involves the prescription of benzodiazepines, this may lead to substance abuse.

Benzos are Schedule IV controlled substances. Most drugs under this schedule are considered to have a low potential for abuse. This class of medication, though, can rapidly lead to the development of dependence if not used as directed. This often but not always leads to addiction (sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic use disorder).

Can Addiction Intensify Panic Disorder?

Substance abuse can lead to more frequent and severe panic attacks, especially when used for self-medication. When a person stops using this substance, there is a risk that their panic attacks may not only return but also worsen. Sustained substance use may amplify the symptoms of panic disorder.

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Alcohol and Panic Disorder

Alcohol is often abused due to its calming effects, leading to frequent co-occurrence with panic disorder. Some people may increase their alcohol consumption over time as a way to self-medicate against the anxiety-driven symptoms of panic disorder. Discontinuing or persistent use, though, can dramatically increase anxiety levels and the chance of experiencing panic attacks.

Marijuana and Panic Disorder

Marijuana is often used by individuals seeking to alleviate anxiety associated with panic disorders. In many cases, people instead experience an increase in anxiety levels and panic attacks.

Simulants and Panic Disorder

Stimulants are especially damaging for individuals with panic disorders. Substances like methamphetamine can heighten anxiety and induce physiological changes that are similar to those experienced during a panic attack, potentially triggering an actual panic attack for those predisposed. 

Substance Use Disorder & Panic Attack Treatment

Addressing both substance use disorders and panic attacks together through a dual diagnosis treatment approach is central to effective recovery. This integrated strategy ensures that both the mental health issue and the addiction are treated simultaneously.

By focusing on the underlying causes of each condition, therapists can more effectively break the cycle of addiction and alleviate the severe symptoms of panic disorder. Treatment for co-occurring disorders usually includes a mix of psychotherapies, medication management, and lifestyle adjustments to promote long-term wellness and stability.

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Treatment for Panic Disorder FAQs

Yes, individuals with panic disorders may be at increased risk of addiction. The intense anxiety and stress that characterize panic disorders can lead some people to self-medicate with alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications.
To prevent addiction to panic disorder medications, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely. Only use medications as directed, discuss any concerns with your prescribing physician, and explore additional therapies like CBT to manage your condition effectively.
Treatment for both panic disorder and drug addiction is available at dual diagnosis treatment centers. These facilities specialize in addressing both mental health conditions and substance abuse issues simultaneously.
Yes, treating drug addiction can significantly help with your panic disorder, especially in a dual diagnosis setting. This approach focuses on getting to the root of the addiction and treating both conditions at the same time, promoting stability and sustainable recovery.
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Get Treatment for Substance Use & Panic Disorders at Gratitude Lodge

Since anxiety and addiction commonly co-occur, we treat all types of addiction and anxiety or panic disorders at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. For those with a dual diagnosis, we offer integrated treatments for panic disorder and drug addiction or alcoholism.

Detox at one of our luxury facilities in Long Beach or Newport Beach, CA, gives you access to FDA-approved medications to reduce the intensity of the withdrawal process. Continuous clinical and emotional care reduces the likelihood of complications or relapsing disrupting the early recovery process.

For effective and compassionate addiction and anxiety disorder or panic disorder treatment, call Gratitude Lodge at 844-576-0144.

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Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox, facilitating the beginnings of a successful recovery at our rehab addiction centers in Orange County, CA.

Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox.

Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox may not take as long or produce severe withdrawal symptoms, but it is still an essential beginning to your recovery.

Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse.
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Holistic Therapy

Our holistic therapy treatments offer a full-scope approach to recovery, addressing your mind, body, and emotions as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This therapy is designed to help address underlying issues and integrate alternative therapies to promote overall health and well-being.
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Psychotherapy

An essential part of your treatment experience, we offer individual (CBT and DBT talk therapy) and group addiction treatment counseling to help you explore and address the emotional component of addiction, providing you with the tools, self-awareness, and empowerment you need to maintain recovery.
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Dual Diagnosis

Dual Diagnosis is a highly effective addiction treatment that addresses substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously. Often co-occurring, these disorders are best managed when treated together with specific and targeted therapy.
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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment provides you with FDA-approved medications to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal while you’re in treatment. This makes the detox process easier and safer, as well as increasing the chances of a successful recovery.
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Sober Living

Sober living provides a supportive and substance-free living environment for your ongoing recovery. We partner with a number of upscale and carefully vetted sober living homes that are available to our clients after inpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment.
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Outpatient Treatment

Once detox and inpatient are complete, we provide an easy transition to outpatient care through our hand-selected partners. This program offers a more flexible approach, allowing you to ease back in to daily life while still receiving frequent & effective care.
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Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment provides an intensive and comprehensive addiction treatment program in a structured environment. You will receive 24/7 expert care, therapy, and support as you build your foundation for long-term recovery.
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Drug & Alcohol Detox

A crucial first step in the recovery process, our detox program provides a comfortable, medically supervised environment that addresses the physical aspect of addiction and eliminates substances from your body.
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Jenni Bussi

Jenni Busse MS, LPCC

Jenni Busse MS, LPSS is the Clinical Director at Gratitude Lodge. Jenni oversees the clinical program and the clinical team at Gratitude Lodge as a whole. Jenni has worked in treatment for almost 14 years. Her background as a licensed therapist and her passion for helping others intersected with addiction recovery when she started working primarily in detox residential treatment.
Joe Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.

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