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
Situated in Midway, UT, Acqua Recovery provides a wide array of rehabilitation services aimed at adults and young adults who are on the path to recovery from substance use disorders. The center features detox programs, intensive outpatient care, and extended residential services, employing techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy and the 12-step program. Acqua Recovery has a particular focus on helping active duty military members, as well as adult men and women. Additionally, the facility offers transitional living arrangements and anger management assistance, ensuring personalized care for both genders and emphasizing the importance of maintaining long-term sobriety.
Situated in Heber City, UT, Acqua Recovery delivers a wide array of research-backed treatment options for individuals grappling with substance use issues and related mental health challenges. The center offers intensive outpatient programs, outpatient day services, and partial hospitalization, employing various methodologies such as 12-step support, cognitive behavioral therapy, and strategies for anger management. Acqua Recovery is designed to serve different demographics, including active military members, adult males and females, as well as young adults. Prioritizing personalized care, this facility guarantees that clients receive tailored approaches that align with their distinct requirements. Whether individuals are in need of transitional housing, outpatient services, or sober living arrangements, Acqua Recovery fosters a nurturing atmosphere for sustainable recovery.
Nestled in Midway, UT, Acqua Recovery delivers extensive support for individuals battling addiction. This facility offers vital services including detoxification, comprehensive substance use care, and structured transitional and sober living arrangements for adult men and women. Patients can engage in treatment through flexible formats like intensive outpatient, extended residential stays, and standard outpatient programs, all designed to meet individual requirements. Acqua Recovery utilizes proven therapeutic methods such as 12-step integration, anger management techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Specialized offerings are available for active military personnel, as well as adult men and women. Catering to both adults and young adults, Acqua Recovery is committed to providing high-quality, personalized treatment for sustainable recovery.
Nestled in Bakersfield, CA, Action Family Counseling delivers extensive treatment for substance use disorders affecting both adults and children who also face mental health challenges. The facility offers a range of services, including intensive outpatient programs, standard outpatient options, and day treatment, concentrating on methodologies such as 12-step facilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and brief interventions. Tailored programs are designed for active duty military personnel, adolescents, and men, guaranteeing customized care for each individual’s needs. Catering to both men and women, this center emphasizes high-quality care and employs evidence-based practices to foster enduring recovery. For those in search of effective and individualized addiction treatment, Action Family Counseling stands out as a reputable option.
Action Family Counseling, situated in Santa Clarita, CA, provides thorough care for substance misuse affecting adults and children, especially those with significant co-occurring mental health issues. Their services include intensive outpatient, outpatient, and day treatment, employing proven methods such as 12-step facilitation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and brief intervention. Specialized tracks are offered for active military personnel, teenagers, and adult men. Action Family Counseling serves both men and women, offering excellent support for those pursuing recovery from addiction and mental health struggles.
ADAPT Aware Zone Inc, located in Whittier, CA, specializes in outpatient services for substance use treatment, particularly emphasizing Anger Management, Brief Intervention, and Contingency Management/Motivational Incentives. This center has dedicated programs for Active Duty Military members, as well as services for Adolescents and Adult Men. It offers assistance to both Adults and Children/Adolescents, ensuring that care is customized for individuals of all genders who are seeking support with addiction. With a strong dedication to high-quality treatment and evidence-based practices, ADAPT Aware Zone Inc stands out as a reliable option for those aiming to overcome substance use challenges in a compassionate outpatient environment.
Adapt Integrated Healthcare, situated in Roseburg, OR, provides a comprehensive suite of empirically supported therapeutic interventions. This institution focuses on addressing addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions in both pediatric and adult populations. They offer various levels of care, including intensive outpatient and standard outpatient programs, and administer medication-assisted treatment such as methadone and buprenorphine. Their specialized therapeutic approaches encompass anger management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and brief intervention strategies. Adapt Integrated Healthcare welcomes adult men and women, including survivors of domestic abuse, and extends its services to young adults of any gender, fostering a nurturing setting for holistic recovery.
Adapt Integrated Healthcare, situated in Roseburg, Oregon, delivers a full spectrum of detox and addiction recovery services. They offer hospital-based inpatient detox, treatment, and round-the-clock support for adults and young adults. The center features tailored programs for active military members, as well as separate tracks for adult men and women, addressing a variety of circumstances. Employing methods like 12-step encouragement, emotional regulation techniques, and brief counseling, this establishment ensures individualized support. Adapt Integrated Healthcare is dedicated to providing effective, research-backed care for all clients, aiding their path to sustained wellness.
Adapt Integrated Healthcare in Roseburg, OR, provides extended stay and round-the-clock residential care for young individuals struggling with substance dependency. Their approach integrates methods such as 12-step facilitation, brief intervention, and motivational incentives. They also offer tailored services for individuals with a history of trauma and those dealing with combined mental health and addiction challenges. This facility is committed to delivering high-quality, gender-specific treatment, offering robust support for those seeking specialized recovery services.
Action Recovery Group located in Ogden, UT, provides thorough treatment options for substance use targeting both adults and young adults. The center features intensive outpatient programs, standard outpatient services, as well as day treatment or partial hospitalization alternatives. Emphasizing methods such as 12-step support, anger management strategies, and brief intervention techniques, this facility addresses the specific requirements of active duty service members, as well as adult men and women. With tailored programs for each gender, the center commits to delivering personalized care and attention to all clients. Opt for Action Recovery Group for research-backed treatment and professional assistance in a friendly and nurturing atmosphere.
Situated in Scottsdale, Arizona, the ACT/Counseling and Education center provides extensive outpatient services addressing substance use, co-occurring disorders, and significant mental health issues in adults, as well as serious emotional disturbances in children. Employing proven techniques like 12-step facilitation, brief intervention, and cognitive behavioral therapy, this center has dedicated programs specifically designed for active duty military members, and both men and women. Catering to adults and young adults of all genders, the facility ensures high-quality, personalized care that meets individual needs, establishing itself as an essential option for those pursuing effective rehabilitation solutions.
ADAPT Addictions and Behavioral Health, located in Bismarck, ND, offers outpatient services specifically designed for adults and young adults facing substance use challenges. The facility emphasizes 12-step programs, anger management strategies, and short-term intervention techniques. It also has specialized offerings for individuals who have encountered intimate partner violence, domestic violence, trauma, and those dealing with both mental health issues and substance use problems. Committed to personalized treatment, ADAPT fosters a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for clients of all genders. For those seeking thorough and effective addiction support, this center is devoted to delivering high-quality care to aid in the recovery journey.
ADAPT Counseling Services located in Evansville, IN, delivers an extensive range of substance abuse treatment for both adults and children facing concurrent mental health issues. The center features a variety of treatment formats, including intensive outpatient, outpatient, and standard outpatient programs that employ proven methods like 12-step facilitation, anger management, and brief intervention. ADAPT also offers specialized programs aimed at active duty military members, adolescents, and adult men, accommodating a wide spectrum of ages and genders, including both women and men. With an emphasis on personalized care and a nurturing atmosphere, the facility is dedicated to providing high-quality treatment for those in need of effective and empathetic rehabilitation support.
Action Consultants Therapy in Costa Mesa, CA, delivers outpatient care for individuals grappling with substance use disorders. Their expertise includes guiding clients through 12-step programs, teaching effective anger management techniques, and employing brief intervention strategies. This center is particularly adept at supporting those who have faced intimate partner or domestic violence. They provide individualized support for adults and young adults, recognizing the distinct needs of both men and women. Emphasizing a high standard of service and customized recovery plans, Action Consultants Therapy distinguishes itself through its specialized offerings and dedication to meeting the specific recovery journeys of every client.
Situated in Rochester, NY, "Action for a Better Community" delivers extensive treatment options for substance use issues and specialized support for those facing severe mental health challenges alongside addiction. The center features diverse outpatient programs, including treatments involving methadone and buprenorphine. Emphasizing approaches such as 12-step facilitation, anger management, and brief interventions, the facility serves adult males and females, alongside children and teenagers who have encountered intimate partner violence. "Action for a Better Community" is dedicated to providing customized services for all genders, guaranteeing effective care for individuals pursuing recovery from substance use disorders and mental health difficulties.
Action for the Betterment of, situated in Sturgis, SD, delivers extensive care for substance abuse. Their services include outpatient and intensive outpatient programs, employing strategies like 12-step facilitation, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Dedicated programs are available for active military personnel, teens, adult men, adult women, older adults, and those in need of transitional living, sober living homes, or halfway house accommodations. This center prioritizes personalized support, offering a path to recovery within a supportive atmosphere.
Situated in Honolulu, HI, "Action with Aloha LLC" delivers a wide array of substance abuse treatment options for both adults and seniors. The center features intensive outpatient, outpatient, and standard outpatient programs that emphasize 12-step facilitation, management of anger, and brief intervention techniques. Tailored programs are available for adult men and women, along with those who have faced intimate partner or domestic violence. With a dedication to high-quality care, "Action with Aloha LLC" supports both male and female individuals seeking assistance for co-occurring substance use disorders and significant mental health challenges or emotional issues.
Situated in Centerville, UT, Active Recovery delivers a wide array of services aimed at assisting individuals in their journey toward overcoming addiction. This center focuses on treating substance use disorders, offering transitional housing and addressing the complexities of co-occurring substance use and significant mental health issues in adults, as well as serious emotional challenges in children. Active Recovery employs various treatment modalities, such as intensive outpatient care and day treatment programs. Their offerings include 12-step support, anger management techniques, and quick intervention strategies. The center is designed to meet the specific needs of active duty service members, as well as adult men and women, providing customized programs that cater to diverse requirements. Committed to delivering exceptional care, Active Recovery strives to help adults and young adults of all genders achieve sustainable recovery.
The Acute Stabilization Unit in Providence, RI, offers dedicated substance use treatment and dual diagnosis support for individuals of all ages. Their residential and short-term residential options employ techniques like brief intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relapse prevention. Specialized tracks are provided for adult men, women, and those with a history of trauma. The center also offers gender-specific programming for adults and young adults, encompassing both male and female clients. The Acute Stabilization Unit is committed to providing effective, personalized care aimed at fostering recovery and enhancing general health.
In Grants Pass, OR, Adapt Integrated Healthcare provides excellent substance abuse rehabilitation using methods such as anger management, brief intervention, and cognitive behavioral therapy. This establishment supports adult men, adult women, and individuals affected by intimate partner and domestic violence. Adapt Integrated Healthcare offers intensive outpatient, outpatient, and standard outpatient programs for adults and young people of any gender. Prioritizing personalized care and scientifically supported treatments, Adapt Integrated Healthcare is a reliable choice for those pursuing effective and thorough recovery programs.
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.