Social anxiety is a debilitating condition that can make daily tasks feel overwhelming. As a result, people may turn to substances like alcohol to numb the discomfort. However, alcohol can make these symptoms worse. A more effective way to treat social anxiety and alcohol use disorders is often through dual diagnosis treatment.
At Promises, we provide the trusted programs you need to break free from mental health conditions and substance use disorders. We offer numerous treatment programs that can address your exact needs. Learn more about our options by contacting Promises at 844.875.5609 today.
What Is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder that generally causes extreme fear and anxiety in social settings. You may have trouble speaking with people and could find it impossible to attend social gatherings out of fear of people judging you. Social anxiety is different from shyness, however, because it can impact your daily life.
Social anxiety can result in symptoms that include:
- Feeling very nervous in social situations
- Blushing, shaking, or sweating in social situations
- Not making eye contact with others
- Having a stiff posture when around others
- Avoiding places with people
- Having trouble speaking in front of others
- Experiencing dizziness
- Feeling self-conscious
- Having extreme fear of doing something embarrassing
These symptoms can be severe enough that you can’t live your life as you want. For instance, you could struggle with attending school and forming relationships while also dealing with high stress levels every time you need to get groceries.
To combat these symptoms, many people turn to substances like alcohol. Although it may appear to help at first, alcohol can actually make your mental health problems worse.
Co-Occurring Disorders: Alcohol and Social Anxiety
Alcohol inhibits impulse control and impacts the areas of the brain that trigger stress responses, so drinking can appear to help you relax in social settings. The effects are temporary, however, and once they wear off, you can be left struggling with depression, anxiety, and irritability.
After a while, having just one drink is usually not enough to help with symptoms, which can lead you to drink more. An alcohol use disorder can quickly develop in this manner. Some signs that you may be suffering from an alcohol use disorder include:
- Needing a drink in the morning to start your day
- Drinking alcohol four or more times a week
- Feeling guilty after drinking
- Having five or more alcoholic drinks in one day
- Having a friend or loved one express concern about your drinking
- Not being able to stop drinking once you’ve started
The combination of alcohol and social anxiety can lead to the development of co-occurring conditions. Once these two issues are entwined, you can’t treat one without also treating the other, so it’s important to choose a program that offers care for co-occurring conditions.
Dual Diagnosis Programs and How They Can Help
Dual diagnosis programs guide you to help you find the underlying cause of the issues you face. Through behavioral therapy, you can learn the root issue that prompted your social anxiety and start making the necessary changes to start healing.
At the same time, you can go through the detox process, which ensures you’re safe as you begin your wellness journey and helps you avoid the worst of the alcohol withdrawal symptoms. You can then start attending individual and group therapy sessions to manage the dependence.
Get the Help You Need With Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Promises
If you’re battling an alcohol use disorder along with social anxiety, you need a treatment program that can help you tackle both of these issues. At Promises, we offer both residential and outpatient programs for co-occurring disorders designed to support you fully as you work toward achieving long-term recovery.
Don’t wait to begin your journey toward health when there are effective options available. Let our team guide you in finding a personalized treatment program for your unique needs. Use our online contact form or call Promises at 844.875.5609 today.