Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder

Anxiety

Some people experience anxiety in a physical way, while others feel it emotionally.  Sometimes anxiety creates a general feeling of worry that doesn't seem to go away, and for others it occurs intensely in only specific situations.  When the feelings you have start to affect your ability to live your day-to-day life, you may want to talk with someone about the possibility that you may be experiencing anxiety.  People who experience anxiety sometimes use alcohol or drugs to cover up or deal with the symptoms they feel.  However, this can lead to substance use disorder.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Feeling constantly tense, worried, or on edge
• An inability to complete your work, school, or family responsibilities because of your worry
• Feeling fear that you know is irrational but you are unable to make it go away (such as fear of dying or losing control)
• Avoiding certain activities or situations because they cause you to feel anxious
• Unexplained bodily pain (such as back aches, stiffness, or pressure)
• Sudden, unexplained, intense fear with:  heart pounding, sweating, trembling or shaking, feeling short of breath or like you are smothering or choking, chest pain, nausea, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, fears of losing control or going crazy, fear of dying, numbness or tingling, or chills/hot flashes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Short-term memory loss
• Feeling like your emotions are blunted, flat, or numb
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Ongoing, unexplained headaches or nausea

Could you or someone you know have a problem with drugs or alcohol with anxiety?  Call 303.657.3700 or e-mail info@ahinc.org for help. Phone lines are open Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.