If you are suffering from excessive anxiety, it might be more than just stress. While anxiety is a normal reaction to stressors, it should be a short-term reaction and not an enduring one. If your anxiety has grown out of control, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder and need anxiety treatment.
Here at Sunstone Recovery, we know how important it is to integrate an anxiety treatment program with our substance abuse treatment programs. The more you know about these conditions the better informed you will be when it comes time to decide if you need to pursue an individual therapy program for your anxiety.
Do you need the help of a dual diagnosis treatment center? Call us today at 855.833.9199 for more information.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
Differentiating normal anxiety from an anxiety disorder is difficult, but not impossible. One indicator that can set them apart is the frequency at which anxiousness is then experienced. If a client is experiencing unease in ordinary situations this is a sign that anxiety may be to blame. This level of anxious feeling can interfere with anyone’s ability to function at work, social situations, or even in the home.
Symptoms that may indicate that one has an anxiety disorder include:
- Excessive worry
- Uncontrollable agitation
- Uncomfortable restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoidance behaviors
- Panic attacks
these are all red flags that should prompt you to seek help for a potential anxiety disorder. However, there are other symptoms that can be evaluated by a qualified physician.
Causes Of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can occur by themselves or as a response to another medical condition. It is also very common in people who are working to overcome addiction to drugs or alcohol. If you find that it is difficult to deal with normal situations as a result of anxiousness, even if it is as a result of substance abuse or mental illness, an anxiety treatment program can be of enormous benefit to your recovery.
What’s Involved in an Anxiety Treatment Program?
While there isn’t an exact cure for it, there are some effective treatments available. One of the most commonly prescribed is individual therapy. The reason for this is that other situations such as group therapy or support groups may be a trigger for anxiety rather than a remedy for it.
The goal of individual therapy is not to eliminate anxiety. It’s to alleviate symptoms to the extent that the client can return to normal levels of activity in their life.
What To Expect From Individual Therapy For Anxiety
When beginning an individual therapy program for anxiety, a client will have an initial consultation with a counselor intended to build up a rapport and trust in the process. This needs to be established before any significant work can be done successfully.
During this screening, the discussion will focus on getting to know one another. It will also focus on medical history and how the anxiety is being experienced and affecting the life of the client. Once this step is completed, there are a number of therapies that the program may seek to employ. This is done in order to make positive changes that will help the client to cope with their anxiety.
More than one treatment model may be used for this purpose. This is especially so in the cases where the client is also dealing with addiction or an additional physical or mental disorder.
Commonly Used Therapies in Programs for Anxiety
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: This is a type of therapy that helps the client to understand and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that are associated with their anxiety.
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): Helps clients to understand and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that are associated with their anxiety, while also teaching them mindfulness and stress management techniques.
- Exposure therapy: Gradually exposes clients to the things that trigger their anxiety, in a safe and controlled environment, in order to help them to overcome their fear.
- Personal counseling: Focuses on the client’s personal relationships and how they may be affecting the anxiety.
- Physical therapy: Uses physical activity to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
- Prescription medications: Uses medication to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
An individual therapy program for anxiety can be an incredibly effective way to help someone suffering from this disorder to find relief and begin living a more fulfilling life. With the right treatment, clients can learn how to manage their anxiety and eventually overcome it entirely.
When choosing a program, it’s important to make sure that the one chosen uses evidence-based practices that have been proven to be effective in treating anxiety. The facility should also offer a variety of treatment methods. This allows clients to find the treatment that works best for them.
Get Help From An Anxiety Program Today
Whether you are suffering from anxiety yourself or worried about a loved one, Sunstone Recovery is here to help. Anxiety treatment as part of dual diagnosis treatment programs has helped clients attain sobriety and overcome their anxiety. Call us today at 855.833.9199 to take the first step toward recovery.