Anxiety and Addiction: The Connection and How to Seek Help

Anxiety, addiction, these two can be closely intertwined in a person's life. In fact, many people find that their anxiety and depression have led them to a place of self-medication through drugs or alcohol as an attempt to try to manage their mental health. As the link between anxiety and addiction becomes more widely known, it’s important for those struggling with either disorder - or both - to know there is help available.

Anxiety and addiction often go hand-in-hand, meaning that people who struggle with anxiety may also be more prone to addictive behaviours. This connection is thought to be partially due to the fact that substance abuse can drastically reduce feelings of anxiety in the short-term. However, it's important to note that this solution only provides temporary relief. Drug and alcohol use have been linked with long-term increases in anxiety and mental health issues, as well as physical problems such as damage to the heart and other organs. It is therefore essential for individuals struggling with both addiction and anxiety to receive comprehensive treatment that can help them cope with their difficulties in a healthy way.

Anxiety is a real issue that affects many people in different ways. Often, people who experience anxiety may feel extreme fear or worry even when there isn’t an obvious reason to be worried. Signs of anxiety can vary from person to person and depend on the underlying cause, but some common symptoms to look out for include sweating, trembling, trouble sleeping, rapid breathing, a racing heart rate and physical fatigue. As well as these physiological responses, it’s important to note that anxiety tends to be accompanied by negative thought patterns. If regular worries are starting to have an impact on your functioning in everyday life, it could be time to speak to a professional who may be able to help you process these feelings and gain greater understanding of the source of your anxiety.

Managing stress can be an intimidating prospect, but there are simple strategies anyone can use to help them cope. First, taking time out for yourself and building a routine that includes relaxation practices like yoga and mindfulness meditation are great ways to reduce stress. Additionally, consciously changing your thoughts can help you reframe situations that may have been causing you undue anxiety. Finally, developing strong relationships with supportive people in your life or engaging in hobbies you enjoy can be a great outlet for releasing stress hormones and helping to stay emotionally balanced. Although it takes some practice, managing stress doesn’t have to be overwhelming – by creating proactive habits to promote emotional well-being, you’ll be better equipped to handle those particularly stressful moments.

Making the decision to seek help for a mental health disorder can be daunting and often we feel as though having two issues requires twice the effort. However, psychotherapy is a great tool to assist in managing both disorders simultaneously. Through psychotherapy, treatment providers focus on utilising methods such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, systems-based approaches, and humanistic techniques to create an individualised approach catered specifically to an individual’s needs. This allows the opportunity to discover why these conditions may occur together and which treatments will work best. Furthermore, with greater awareness of our inner thoughts and emotions, we learn how to identify troublesome behaviours while incorporating coping strategies with more positive self-talk. Through this collaborative process between patient and professional, successful progress can be achieved over time – giving us hope when tackling any issue that life throws at us.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis plants which has recently exploded in popularity. Although it's often associated with marijuana, CBD does not cause intoxication and can be extracted from hemp plants.

Over recent years, this powerful natural supplement has exploded, with the media singing its praises - and rightfully so! Early stage clinical studies have alluded that CBD has the potential to help with anxiety symptoms by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and restoring a sense of natural balance to our bodies. Recent research also suggests that CBD may act on the major neurotransmitter systems, activating calming sensations.

Vaping CBD has quickly become one of the most popular methods of getting CBD into your system. It is one of the fastest, if not the fastest, way of getting CBD into the bloodstream. Not only is it convenient, but thanks to recent advances in technology, it is also safer than smoking.

Taking an puff of CBD anxiety vape promotes a sense of calm and relaxation. Additionally, vaping offers users quicker relief than traditional CBD oils, allowing them to manage their wellbeing in minutes rather than hours.

Many who suffer from mild to moderate levels of anxiety add vaping as a tool to their daily management routine of their wellbeing.