Anxiety & Addiction Treatment Centers Near You
Anxiety disorders and substance use disorders often occur together, each exacerbating the other. Discover treatment centers specializing in co-occurring disorder care with integrated mental health and addiction treatment.
Found 7,770 rehab centers specializing in anxiety disorders across the United States.
Need Help Finding the Right Treatment Center?
Speak with a compassionate specialist now - 100% free & confidential
Find Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers for Anxiety and Addiction
Browse dual diagnosis treatment centers for anxiety and addiction below. Filter by therapy type, insurance, and level of care.
Showing 20 of 7770 results

Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders, situated in Wickenburg, AZ, stands as a premier institution dedicated to inpatient detoxification and therapeutic interventions for adults facing co-occurring substance use and significant mental health challenges. The center features distinct programs catering to adolescents and individuals with dual diagnoses, incorporating evidence-based approaches such as 12-step facilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and brief intervention strategies. Serving a diverse clientele of both men and women, Rosewood Centers is committed to delivering exceptional care within a nurturing atmosphere. For those requiring detoxification or integrated treatment for substance use disorders, Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders provides customized pathways to recovery for all age groups, establishing itself as a leading provider of specialized therapeutic services.

Situated in Olympia, Washington, Royal Life Centers provides complete care for addiction, encompassing both detox and ongoing treatment. They offer various residential options, including immediate detox, round-the-clock residential support, and shorter residential stays, serving adults and young adults of all genders. The facility employs tailored therapeutic methods like 12-step support, emotional regulation training, and immediate intervention strategies. Special programs are available for active military members, adult men, and adult women. Royal Life Centers is dedicated to offering excellent care and assistance to those battling substance abuse, positioning itself as a leading facility for individuals aiming for a sober life.

Royal Life Centers, situated in Olympia, WA, delivers all-encompassing addiction recovery services for adults and young adults. The facility offers a spectrum of care, encompassing intensive outpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs. Employing strategies like 12-step facilitation, anger management, and brief intervention, Royal Life Centers customizes treatment plans for each person. Dedicated programs are provided for active military members, adult males, and adult females. Catering to both genders, this establishment prioritizes effective care and assistance for individuals pursuing sobriety.

Royal Life Centers located in Prescott, AZ, provides exceptional treatment for substance use within a calm residential environment. This center emphasizes 12-step facilitation, anger management, and brief intervention strategies to tackle addiction. It offers customized programs specifically designed for active duty military members, adult males, and those who have endured intimate partner violence, ensuring focused support. Catering to adults, seniors, and young adults, this facility is dedicated to male clients in need of thorough rehabilitation services. Discover quality care and individualized treatment plans at Royal Life Centers to promote effective recovery and sustained sobriety.

At Royal Life Centers in Sumner, WA, we provide extensive addiction recovery solutions for individuals and younger adults. Our services include detox and comprehensive substance abuse care via our intensive outpatient, outpatient, and day treatment options. We offer tailored programs for active duty military personnel, adult men, and adult women, recognizing the unique challenges each group faces. Royal Life Centers employs proven therapeutic methods including 12-step facilitation, anger management strategies, and brief intervention techniques to foster healing. Our dedication to personalized attention and a nurturing atmosphere ensures clients are empowered for lasting abstinence.

Situated in Prescott, AZ, Royal Life Centers provides extensive treatment for substance use in a residential format. The program covers various therapeutic modalities, including 12-step facilitation, strategies for anger management, and brief intervention techniques. This center serves adult women, current military members, and those who have faced intimate partner violence. Emphasizing care for adults, seniors, and young adults, Royal Life Centers offers focused support for female patients. With its short-term and round-the-clock residential options, the facility creates a nurturing environment conducive to recovery. Clients can anticipate personalized care and customized treatment plans to support their path to sobriety.

Located in Prescott, AZ, Royal Life Centers provides extensive addiction rehabilitation services through multiple formats such as intensive outpatient programs, outpatient care, and day treatment options. The center focuses on 12-step facilitation, along with anger management and brief intervention strategies. With specialized programs designed for active military members, as well as adult men and women, Royal Life Centers serves a variety of individuals. The facility is committed to delivering exceptional care in a nurturing atmosphere to both adults and young adults of all genders. Individuals in search of personalized addiction treatment in a friendly environment will discover programs that cater to their specific requirements at Royal Life Centers.

Royal Life Centers, located in Prescott, Arizona, provides focused detox and substance abuse treatment in a tranquil residential environment. The center employs customized methods including 12-step support, anger management, and brief intervention to ensure thorough care for both adults and young adults. Programs are specifically designed for active military members, men, and women, allowing for personalized assistance. Clients can access residential detox services, round-the-clock care, and short-term residential treatments available for both genders. Committed to delivering high-quality care and individualized therapies, Royal Life Centers aims to support individuals on their journey to long-term recovery.

Situated in Mead, WA, Royal Life Centers delivers thorough addiction recovery services for adults and younger individuals. The facility offers intensive outpatient, standard outpatient, and day treatment (partial hospitalization) programs. Emphasizing 12-step facilitation, anger management, and brief intervention techniques, this center serves adult men and women, as well as active duty military members. Specialized programs for both genders guarantee personalized recovery plans. Royal Life Centers is committed to high-quality care and assistance for individuals striving to conquer addiction, establishing itself as a leading option for effective rehabilitation.

Royal Life Centers in Spokane, WA, delivers thorough addiction recovery services. This establishment offers detox and addiction therapy within residential accommodations, featuring round-the-clock support and shorter-term stays. Their approach includes the 12-step program, strategies for managing anger, and concise intervention techniques. They serve adult men and women, as well as active military members. Customized treatment plans are provided for both younger and older adults, guaranteeing personalized attention. Royal Life Centers distinguishes itself by offering distinct programs for male and female patients, underscoring their commitment to high-caliber treatment and successful rehabilitation for sustained sobriety.

Located in Claremont, CA, RS Recovery Services Inc delivers outpatient treatment for substance use disorders in both adults and children facing significant mental health challenges. The facility emphasizes 12-step facilitation, anger management, and brief intervention techniques, catering specifically to active duty military personnel, teenagers, and adult males. RS Recovery Services Inc offers extensive programs aimed at adults and seniors of every gender, concentrating on personalized treatment approaches backed by evidence-based practices. Renowned for its commitment to high-quality service, the center is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to sustained recovery and enhanced mental health.

Situated in Sioux City, IA, Rosecrance Jackson Centers provides extensive treatment for adult men struggling with substance use in a nurturing and secure setting. The center features long-term residential programs that emphasize 12-step methodologies, cognitive behavioral therapy, and short-term intervention techniques. With a specialization in addressing dual diagnoses of mental health issues alongside substance use disorders, this facility is designed for adults, seniors, and young adults. Additionally, Rosecrance Jackson Centers offers transitional housing and sober living arrangements, committed to providing exceptional care to support individuals on their journey to sustained recovery.

Rosecrance Jackson Centers, located in Sioux City, IA, specializes in long-term residential care for adult women dealing with substance use issues and co-existing mental health conditions. The center features transitional housing and offers round-the-clock support, employing methods like 12-step facilitation and cognitive behavioral therapy. It includes distinct programs designed for individuals with dual diagnoses, delivering personalized treatment options for adults, seniors, and young adults. For those in search of a thorough addiction recovery program that emphasizes mental wellness, Rosecrance Jackson Centers could be the ideal choice.

RUHS/Behavioral Health, located in Palm Springs, CA, provides an extensive array of treatment options for individuals dealing with substance abuse and concurrent mental health disorders. The center features intensive outpatient services, outpatient day care, and partial hospitalization programs, all employing proven methods like cognitive behavioral therapy and the Matrix Model. Specialized programs are designed for active-duty military members, teenagers, and adult males. With an emphasis on adults and young adults of all genders, this facility is dedicated to offering effective care that aids individuals on their path to recovery.

RS EDEN Recovery Services, located in Minneapolis, MN, provides dedicated programs for substance use treatment specifically designed for adult women. The center offers a range of support options including intensive outpatient care, long-term residential stays, and general outpatient services, all grounded in proven methodologies such as 12-step facilitation, anger management, and cognitive behavioral therapy. RS EDEN Recovery Services is particularly attentive to the needs of clients who have faced intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. By focusing on adult women, seniors, and young adults, the center fosters a nurturing atmosphere for women pursuing thorough and empathetic treatment.

Situated in Sioux City, IA, Rosecrance Jackson Centers provides an extensive array of addiction treatment options specifically designed for adult women. The center features long-term residential programs, detox services, and 24/7 support. With methods including 12-step programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, and brief intervention techniques, the facility focuses on clients who have faced trauma, intimate partner abuse, or domestic violence. Rosecrance Jackson Centers serves adults of all ages, including seniors and young adults, emphasizing quality care in a nurturing setting that fosters recovery and wellness.

Royal Oaks Hospital, situated in Windsor, MO, provides extensive treatment for adults dealing with substance use issues alongside mental health disorders and for children experiencing significant emotional challenges. The facility features specialized programs aimed at adolescents and those with simultaneous diagnoses, offering both inpatient hospital services and round-the-clock care. Employing techniques such as 12-step facilitation, anger management, and short-term interventions, the center serves both male and female clientele. Royal Oaks Hospital is distinguished by its exceptional, gender-sensitive treatment plans designed for children, teens, and adults, promoting a comprehensive recovery experience for all individuals.

RS EDEN Recovery Services in Minneapolis, MN, provides a spectrum of substance abuse recovery solutions. These encompass intensive outpatient, extended residential stays, and standard outpatient services. Their treatment philosophy incorporates 12-step engagement, emotional regulation strategies, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. This establishment offers distinct tracks for adult males, adult females, and individuals affected by domestic or intimate partner abuse. Catering to adults and young adults across genders, RS EDEN Recovery Services is dedicated to offering effective care grounded in proven methods adapted to individual circumstances. For a thorough and empathetic path to overcoming addiction, consider this center for your healing process.

Located in Baltimore, MD, Royal Minds provides a complete spectrum of substance abuse treatment options, customized to each person's unique requirements. The center excels in providing intensive outpatient services, extended residential stays, and standard outpatient care, employing proven methodologies such as anger management techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, and brief intervention strategies. Royal Minds is dedicated to delivering high-quality support and offers distinct programs for active military members, adult men, and women. Catering to both older and younger adults, this establishment is open to individuals of any gender looking for a structured journey toward healing within a nurturing setting.

Situated in Cape May Court House, NJ, RPK Associates serves as a dedicated rehabilitation center that provides outpatient treatment for substance use issues. The facility offers ongoing outpatient services utilizing methods including 12-step support, anger management courses, and brief intervention techniques. RPK Associates features specialized programs aimed at active military personnel, adolescents, and adult men, catering to adults and seniors of all genders. With a commitment to personalized care and research-supported practices, the center strives to deliver top-notch treatment for individuals pursuing recovery from substance use disorders.
Anxiety Disorders and Substance Use: Key Facts
Classification
Anxiety Disorders + Substance Use Disorder (Dual Diagnosis)
Co-occurrence
~20% of people with anxiety disorders also have SUD
Prevalence
40 million adults with anxiety disorders in the US (ADAA)
Common types
GAD, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Phobias, OCD
Self-medication risk
Alcohol and benzodiazepines most commonly used
Benzo danger
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening
Safe medications
SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, hydroxyzine (non-addictive)
Key therapies
CBT, DBT, exposure therapy, mindfulness
Anxiety and Addiction: Why They Co-Occur
Self-medication with alcohol and benzodiazepines
Anxiety disorders cause persistent, overwhelming fear and worry that can make daily life feel unmanageable. Many people discover that alcohol or sedatives like Xanax provide fast, temporary relief from anxious thoughts and physical symptoms. This relief is real — but short-lived. Over time, the brain adapts and requires more of the substance to achieve the same calming effect, leading to tolerance, dependence, and addiction.
Substance-induced anxiety
The relationship also works in reverse. Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine directly trigger anxiety by flooding the brain with stress hormones. Chronic alcohol use disrupts GABA and glutamate systems, leaving the brain in a state of hyperexcitability. Even cannabis, often perceived as calming, can produce severe anxiety and panic attacks in many users — especially with today's high-THC products.
Withdrawal anxiety
When someone who has been using alcohol or benzodiazepines to manage anxiety tries to stop, rebound anxiety occurs — often worse than the original symptoms. This happens because the brain has downregulated its own calming mechanisms in response to the substance. The intense anxiety during withdrawal drives many people back to using, creating a cycle that is extremely difficult to break without professional help.
The vicious cycle
Anxiety leads to substance use for relief. Substance use worsens anxiety over time. Worsening anxiety drives more substance use. Each cycle deepens both the anxiety disorder and the addiction, making each condition harder to treat in isolation. This is why dual diagnosis treatment — addressing both conditions simultaneously — is the most effective approach for lasting recovery.
Types of Anxiety Disorders Treated in Rehab
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD involves persistent, excessive worry about everyday matters — health, finances, work, relationships — that is difficult to control and lasts six months or more. People with GAD often turn to alcohol to quiet the constant stream of worry. Over time, alcohol becomes the only way they know how to relax, and quitting means facing the full force of unmanaged anxiety.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety causes intense fear of judgment, embarrassment, or rejection in social situations. Alcohol is the most common substance used to cope — many people with social anxiety cannot imagine attending a party, giving a presentation, or even making a phone call without drinking first. This pattern of "liquid courage" can quickly escalate into alcohol dependence.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder causes sudden, intense episodes of overwhelming fear accompanied by physical symptoms — racing heart, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, dizziness. These attacks feel like medical emergencies. Benzodiazepines like Xanax provide rapid relief from panic attacks, making them feel like a lifeline. But benzodiazepine dependence develops quickly, and withdrawal can actually trigger more panic attacks.
Specific Phobias
Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific situations or objects — flying, heights, medical procedures, enclosed spaces. People may use alcohol or sedatives to get through unavoidable situations that trigger their phobia. While less commonly associated with full addiction, phobia-driven substance use can develop into a pattern of avoidance that prevents people from ever addressing the underlying fear.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety (compulsions). The relentless nature of OCD can drive people toward alcohol, marijuana, or other substances to temporarily quiet obsessive thoughts. Studies show that approximately 25% of people with OCD also meet criteria for a substance use disorder.
The Benzodiazepine Trap
How benzodiazepine dependence starts
Benzodiazepines — Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), and Klonopin (clonazepam) — are among the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety. They work fast and effectively, providing near-instant relief from acute anxiety and panic. This rapid effectiveness is exactly what makes them so dangerous: the brain quickly associates the drug with relief, and tolerance develops within weeks of daily use.
Rapid tolerance and dose escalation
Within 2–4 weeks of regular use, most people need higher doses of benzodiazepines to achieve the same anxiety relief. Some increase their prescribed dose without telling their doctor. Others seek prescriptions from multiple providers or buy pills on the street. Tolerance develops even when the medication is taken exactly as prescribed, which is why most clinical guidelines now recommend benzodiazepines only for short-term use (2–4 weeks).
Dangerous withdrawal
Benzodiazepine withdrawal is one of the few substance withdrawals that can be fatal. Abruptly stopping benzodiazepines after prolonged use can cause seizures, psychosis, delirium, and death. Even with medical supervision, withdrawal must be managed through a slow, carefully monitored taper that can take weeks or months. This is why you should never stop taking benzodiazepines suddenly without medical guidance. Learn more about prescription drug abuse treatment.
Why medical taper is essential
A medical taper involves gradually reducing the benzodiazepine dose over weeks or months under professional supervision. The rate of reduction is adjusted based on how the patient responds. Longer-acting benzodiazepines like diazepam are sometimes substituted for shorter-acting ones like alprazolam to create a smoother taper. Throughout the process, non-addictive anxiety medications and therapy are introduced to provide alternative relief.
Safe Anxiety Medications During Recovery
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
SSRIs like sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), and paroxetine (Paxil) are first-line medications for anxiety disorders. They have no abuse potential, do not produce euphoria, and are safe for people in recovery. SSRIs take 2–6 weeks to reach full effectiveness, which requires patience — but they provide sustained anxiety relief without the risks of benzodiazepines.
SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
SNRIs like venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are effective for GAD, social anxiety, and panic disorder. They work on both serotonin and norepinephrine systems and are non-addictive. SNRIs are particularly useful for people who also experience chronic pain alongside anxiety, as they address both conditions.
Buspirone
Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medication specifically designed to treat GAD without addiction risk. Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone does not cause sedation, cognitive impairment, or physical dependence. It takes 1–2 weeks to become effective and works best with consistent daily use. Buspirone is often a good choice for patients transitioning off benzodiazepines.
Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) is an antihistamine with anti-anxiety properties. It provides fast-acting relief for acute anxiety without addiction risk, making it useful as a "rescue" medication during recovery when patients would otherwise reach for a benzodiazepine. It can cause drowsiness, which also makes it helpful for anxiety-related insomnia.
Addressing patient concerns
Many patients worry that non-benzodiazepine medications will not be strong enough. This concern is understandable — benzos work faster and feel more powerful. However, SSRIs and SNRIs provide more consistent, sustained anxiety relief without the rebound anxiety and cognitive fog that benzodiazepines cause with long-term use. Working closely with a psychiatrist experienced in addiction medicine ensures the right medication and dose are found for each individual.
Therapy Approaches for Anxiety and Addiction
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is the gold standard treatment for anxiety disorders and is equally effective for addiction. CBT teaches patients to identify the catastrophic thought patterns that fuel anxiety ("What if something terrible happens?"), challenge their accuracy, and replace them with realistic, balanced thinking. For addiction, CBT identifies triggers and builds concrete coping strategies that do not involve substances.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT was originally developed for emotional dysregulation and is particularly effective for anxiety combined with addiction. DBT teaches four core skills: mindfulness (staying present instead of worrying), distress tolerance (surviving crises without substances), emotion regulation (managing intense feelings), and interpersonal effectiveness (communicating needs assertively).
Exposure therapy
Exposure therapy is the most effective treatment for specific phobias, social anxiety, and panic disorder. Under professional guidance, patients gradually face feared situations in a controlled, safe manner. Over time, the brain learns that the feared outcome does not occur, and anxiety diminishes naturally. For people in recovery, exposure therapy provides a permanent alternative to using substances to avoid feared situations.
Mindfulness-based approaches
Mindfulness meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) train patients to observe anxious thoughts without reacting to them. Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety, mindfulness changes the relationship with it — allowing worry to pass through without triggering panic or substance use. Research shows mindfulness reduces both anxiety symptoms and relapse rates in recovery.
What to Expect in Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Comprehensive assessment
Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation of both the anxiety disorder and the substance use disorder. Clinicians determine which anxiety disorder is present, how severe it is, what substances are involved, and whether the anxiety is primary (existed before substance use) or substance-induced. This assessment guides every aspect of the treatment plan.
Medication stabilization
If benzodiazepines are involved, a medically supervised taper begins. At the same time, non-addictive anxiety medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone) are introduced. Because these medications take weeks to become fully effective, this overlap period requires close medical monitoring and strong therapeutic support.
Therapy phases
Early therapy focuses on stabilization, psychoeducation, and building basic coping skills. As patients stabilize, therapy deepens into CBT, DBT, or exposure work targeting the specific anxiety disorder. Individual therapy addresses personal history and trauma, while group therapy provides peer support from others managing the same dual challenge.
Gradual anxiety exposure
Once patients are stable and have basic coping tools, therapists gradually introduce exposure to anxiety-provoking situations. This might mean social interactions for social anxiety, uncertainty tolerance exercises for GAD, or interoceptive exposure for panic disorder. Each step builds confidence that anxiety can be tolerated without substances.
Aftercare with ongoing anxiety management
Discharge planning includes ongoing psychiatric care, continued therapy, medication management, and relapse prevention strategies specific to anxiety triggers. Support groups, alumni programs, and step-down care (from residential to outpatient, or from IOP to standard outpatient) ensure the transition back to daily life is gradual and supported.
Important: Anxiety may temporarily worsen during early recovery as brain chemistry rebalances. This is normal and manageable with professional support. The increase in anxiety does not mean treatment is failing — it means the brain is healing and learning to regulate itself without substances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety and Addiction
How are anxiety and addiction connected?
Anxiety disorders and substance use disorders frequently co-occur. Some people develop substance dependence after self-medicating anxiety symptoms with alcohol or drugs. Others develop anxiety as a consequence of substance use or during withdrawal. Both conditions interact, with each worsening the other, which is why integrated dual diagnosis treatment addressing both simultaneously is most effective.
Can I take anxiety medication during addiction treatment?
Yes, but medication must be carefully managed. Benzodiazepines like Xanax and Ativan are avoided due to their high addiction potential. Non-addictive alternatives exist and are highly effective: SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, and hydroxyzine all treat anxiety without abuse risk. Dual diagnosis programs work with psychiatrists experienced in addiction medicine to find safe, effective anxiety management.
What types of anxiety disorders can be treated alongside addiction?
Dual diagnosis programs treat all anxiety disorders including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, specific phobias, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) alongside substance use disorders. Treatment is individualized based on the specific anxiety diagnosis, the substance involved, and personal circumstances. Each anxiety type requires a tailored therapeutic approach.
What therapies help with anxiety and addiction together?
Evidence-based therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge anxious thoughts and addictive behaviors, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation and distress tolerance, exposure therapy for specific fears, and mindfulness practices to manage both anxiety and cravings. These approaches address both conditions simultaneously.
Will my anxiety get worse when I stop using substances?
Anxiety may temporarily increase during early withdrawal and recovery as your brain chemistry rebalances. This is normal and expected. Quality dual diagnosis treatment provides support through this period with therapy, appropriate non-addictive medication, coping skills training, and medical monitoring. Long-term, treating both conditions properly leads to significant improvement in anxiety symptoms beyond what substances ever provided.
How do I find a treatment center for anxiety and addiction?
Look for centers explicitly offering dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder treatment. Verify they have licensed mental health professionals, psychiatric services, medication management capabilities, and experience treating both conditions together. Use our directory to filter for dual diagnosis programs, read facility details, and verify accreditation. Contact admissions teams to discuss your specific needs.
Does insurance cover anxiety and addiction treatment?
Most health insurance plans cover dual diagnosis treatment under mental health and substance use benefits, thanks to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Coverage varies by plan and may include inpatient, outpatient, detox, therapy, and psychiatric services. Contact your insurance provider or the treatment center's admissions team to verify your specific coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
Is it safe to stop taking Xanax cold turkey?
No, never stop taking Xanax (alprazolam) or any benzodiazepine abruptly. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause life-threatening seizures, psychosis, delirium, and death. A medically supervised taper — gradually reducing the dose over weeks or months — is the only safe way to discontinue benzodiazepines. If you are taking Xanax and want to stop, talk to a medical professional about a safe tapering plan. Learn more about prescription drug treatment.
How long does anxiety last after getting sober?
Rebound anxiety is typically most intense during the first 1–4 weeks of sobriety as the brain adjusts to functioning without substances. Most people see gradual improvement over 2–6 months as brain chemistry normalizes. Some experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) including anxiety for up to a year. With proper medication, therapy, and ongoing support, anxiety becomes increasingly manageable over time. The vast majority of people in recovery report significantly less anxiety after 6–12 months of sobriety than they experienced while actively using.
Medical Review and Sources
Trusted Resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Federal agency providing information, resources, and treatment locator for substance abuse and mental health.
Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
National Institute on Drug Abuse
NIH institute advancing science on drug use and addiction causes, consequences, and treatment.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
NIH institute supporting research on alcohol's impact on health and providing treatment resources.
Need Help Finding Treatment Now?
Speak with a compassionate specialist who can help you find the right dual diagnosis program for anxiety and addiction — 100% free and confidential, available 24/7.
Browse anxiety disorders programs in states with the most treatment options.
Related conditions, treatment approaches, and levels of care.