What Is The Relationship Between Substance Abuse And Anxiety Disorders?

Dr. Levendusky answers the question: 'Substance Abuse And Anxiety Disorders?'

By
Philip G. Levendusky, Ph.D., Director, Psychology Department and Psychology Training, McLean Hospital
April 15, 2008, 5:51 PM ET
1 min read

— -- Question: What is the relationship between substance abuse and anxiety disorders?

Answer: There often is a close relationship between substance abuse and anxiety disorders. In many situations a person with a significant anxiety disorder will try to cope with that disorder by using substances. They'll feel better if they have a couple of drinks. They'll feel better if they've taken some pills. And that kind of self medicating is an attempt on the person's part to cope with their anxiety.

Unfortunately, that is a very ineffective strategy and can often lead to both the anxiety disorder not being properly treated, but also to a course of more significant substance abuse.

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