Community-Focused Rehab for Anxiety in Maryland
Anxiety and substance use disorders often go hand in hand, creating a seemingly never-ending cycle that can be hard to break without help. For many across Maryland, these co-occurring issues can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and many other aspects of life.
At MARC, we understand that anxiety can drive substance use as a form of self-medication – and that substance use can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. We provide a safe, supportive treatment center environment where our patients can explore the root causes of their anxiety, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and overcome substance dependence once and for all.
Amanda Stevens
Dr. Po-Chang Hsu, M.D., M.S.
Amanda Stevens
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Key points
- Anxiety is a normal emotion, but persistent or excessive worry can develop into anxiety disorders like GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, agoraphobia, OCD, and PTSD, affecting daily life.
- Many with anxiety disorders use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate, leading to addiction. Conversely, substance use can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, creating a cycle that worsens both conditions.
- Anxiety disorders are widespread, affecting millions in the US alone, with GAD, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder being prevalent. Co-occurring anxiety and substance use disorders are also common.
- MARC offers specialized programs that combine evidence-based therapies with holistic care to empower those facing anxiety and addiction.
What is Anxiety?
In and of itself, anxiety is a normal human emotion that involves feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically in response to uncertain outcomes or potentially threatening situations.[1] While occasional anxiety is a natural part of life, persistent or excessive anxiety can develop into a mental health disorder that significantly impacts daily functioning and quality of life.
Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions marked by intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.[2] These feelings can be overwhelming and difficult to control.
There are several types of anxiety-based disorders, including:[3]
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life.
- Panic Disorder: Involves recurring panic attacks and fear of future attacks.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations and interactions.
- Phobias: Extreme fear of specific objects or situations.
- Agoraphobia: Fear of places or situations that might cause panic or feelings of being trapped.
- Separation Anxiety Disorder: Excessive fear of being separated from attachment figures.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): While often classified separately, OCD does involve intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): While also classified separately, PTSD involves anxiety symptoms following a traumatic event.
These disorders can vary in severity and presentation, but all can significantly impact your life. Anxiety disorders are treatable, and with proper support and intervention, you can learn to manage their symptoms effectively.
Drug Addiction and Anxiety
Substance abuse and anxiety (along with other mental health issues) often coexist – which is known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders – where both conditions significantly impact each other and your overall health.[4]
Many people with anxiety disorders turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication, seeking temporary relief from their symptoms. The substances may provide short-term alleviation of anxiety – but this relief is often fleeting and can lead to a dangerous cycle of dependence. As tolerance builds, you may find yourself needing more of the substance to achieve the same calming effect, potentially leading to addiction.
Conversely, long-term substance use can also trigger or exacerbate anxiety symptoms as well. Many drugs, including stimulants, hallucinogens, and even alcohol, can induce anxiety as a side effect or during withdrawal. This drug-induced anxiety can persist long after substance use has stopped.
The relationship between drug addiction and anxiety can present in several ways:[5]
- Increased risk-taking behaviors to obtain drugs, leading to more anxiety-inducing situations
- Social isolation due to drug use, which can worsen anxiety symptoms
- Financial stress from supporting a drug habit, creating additional anxiety
- Physical health problems from drug use, which can contribute to anxiety
Treating drug addiction and anxiety simultaneously is crucial for effective recovery. Integrated treatment approaches that address both issues concurrently tend to yield better outcomes than treating each condition separately.
How Common Are Anxiety-Based Disorders?
Anxiety-based disorders are the most common category of mental health conditions worldwide, affecting 301 million people in 2019.[6]
In the US, specific anxiety disorders show high prevalence rates as well:[7]
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects 6.8 million adults or 3.1% of the U.S. population. Notably, only 43.2% of those affected receive treatment, highlighting a significant treatment gap.
- Panic Disorder impacts 6 million adults, equivalent to 2.7% of the U.S. population.
- Social Anxiety Disorder is even more common, affecting 15 million adults or 7.1% of the U.S. population.
The relationship between anxiety disorders and substance use is also significant:[8]
- Approximately 20% of Americans with an anxiety or mood disorder such as depression also have an alcohol or other substance use disorder.
- Conversely, about 20% of those with an alcohol or substance use disorder also have an anxiety or mood disorder.
What Treatments Are Available for Addiction and Anxiety?
Treating co-occurring addiction and anxiety requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously. Modern treatment methods combine evidence-based therapies with holistic approaches to provide well-rounded care. A variety of anxiety and panic attack treatment options are available to meet your needs at MARC:
Overcome Your Anxiety with MARC’s Rehab for Anxiety in Maryland
Don’t let anxiety and substance use continue to control your life. At MARC, we understand the unique challenges you face when dealing with these co-occurring issues. Our specialized programs are designed to address both anxiety and addiction simultaneously, providing you with the comprehensive care you need to break free from this cycle.
With our experienced team, evidence-based therapies, and holistic approach, we offer a path to lasting recovery that’s customized to your individual needs.
At MARC, you’re not just a patient – you’re our partner in the healing journey. We’re committed to equipping you with the tools, support, and confidence to manage your anxiety and maintain sobriety long after you leave our care.
Take the first step towards a calmer, clearer future today.
Reach out to MARC and discover how we can help you reclaim control over your life, one day at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab for Anxiety in Maryland
Aftercare is never an afterthought at MARC. Our unique care model and treatment programs emphasize long-term success by developing a comprehensive aftercare plan tailored to each client's specific needs. This plan is crafted throughout the rehabilitation process and may include ongoing therapy sessions, connections to local support groups, continued medication management, regular check-ins with our team, relapse prevention strategies, and life skills coaching. We strive to provide a seamless transition from intensive treatment back to daily life, ensuring you have the tools and resources necessary to maintain progress and effectively manage anxiety in the long term.
Anxiety treatment centers typically take a comprehensive approach to addressing panic attacks during rehabilitation. They begin by educating clients about the nature of panic attacks, including their triggers and physical symptoms. They then teach various coping strategies, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and grounding exercises to manage panic symptoms. Centers may employ cognitive restructuring to help clients identify and challenge anxiety-provoking thoughts that can lead to panic attacks.
MARC equips clients with a diverse toolkit of practical techniques for managing anxiety in daily life. These include mindfulness and meditation practices, progressive muscle relaxation, cognitive restructuring to challenge anxious thoughts, and breathing exercises for quick anxiety relief.
We also focus on developing healthy lifestyle habits, including proper sleep hygiene, nutrition, and regular exercise. Clients learn time management and organization skills to reduce stress, as well as journaling techniques for emotional processing. We provide assertiveness training for better communication and teach problem-solving skills to address anxiety-provoking situations.
Yes, MARC accepts insurance for our anxiety rehab programs. We are in-network with Kaiser Permanente, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for many clients. For those with other insurance providers, we offer assistance in navigating out-of-network benefits to maximize coverage. Understanding that financial concerns can exacerbate anxiety, we provide several options to make treatment more accessible.
Our team assists in verifying insurance benefits and explaining coverage details. We can help develop payment plans for any out-of-pocket expenses and offer guidance on effectively using out-of-network benefits. In some cases, we can work with insurance companies to arrange single-case agreements. We encourage potential clients to contact our admissions team for a confidential insurance benefits check and to discuss all available financial options.
The therapists at MARC are highly qualified clinicians dedicated to treating anxiety disorders. All our therapists hold advanced degrees, such as Master's or Doctoral, in fields like clinical psychology, counseling, or social work. They are licensed by the state of Maryland in their respective fields and have received specialized training in anxiety disorders and evidence-based treatments.
Many of our therapists bring years of experience, specifically in treating anxiety and co-occurring disorders. We emphasize ongoing professional development to ensure our team stays current with the latest advancements in anxiety treatment in MD.
[1] American Psychological Association. (2022). Anxiety. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety on July 16, 2024
[2] National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Anxiety Disorders. National Institute of Mental Health; National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders on July 16, 2024
[3] Cleveland Clinic. (2020, December 17). Anxiety Disorders. Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9536-anxiety-disorders on July 16, 2024
[4] Brady, K. T., Haynes, L. F., Hartwell, K. J., & Killeen, T. K. (2013). Substance Use Disorders and Anxiety: A Treatment Challenge for Social Workers. Social Work in Public Health, 28(3-4), 407–423. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775646/ on July 16, 2024
[5] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, April). The connection between substance use disorders and mental illness. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/part-1-connection-between-substance-use-disorders-mental-illness on July 16, 2024
[6] World Health Organization. (2023, September 27). Anxiety disorders. World Health Organization; World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders on July 16, 2024
[7] Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (2022, October 28). Anxiety disorders - facts & statistics. Anxiety and Depression Association of America; ADAA. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics on July 16, 2024
[8] ADAA. (2021). Substance use | anxiety and depression association of america, ADAA. Adaa.org. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/co-occurring-disorders/substance-abuse on July 16, 2024