Anxiety Treatment
Anxiety Disorder
Kahlil Gibran said, “Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.” Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses impacting US residents in 2025. Forty million people over age 18 (representing 19.1 percent of the population) live with an anxiety disorder.
What is Anxiety
Some anxiety is normal. It’s the feeling of fear or worry. When early humans were nomadic, they had to scan their environment for predators constantly. Their heart rate and blood flow increased, preparing them to run from predators.
We don’t live in the wild anymore. Our anxiety can produce the same feelings as though we must still be on the lookout for big cats, wild dogs, and snakes when we are prepping for an exam or a job interview. When harnessed correctly, it can be a motivating force that makes us study harder for a test or research a company in more depth before an interview.
Unfortunately, some people live in an anxious state most (or all) of the time. The anxiety may arise in social situations or it may show itself as an excessive reaction to a particular thing. Someone experiencing these kinds of symptoms may be living with an anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of Anxiety
The most common signs and symptoms of anxiety are:
- Cold, sweaty hands
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thinking about anything but the subject of the current worry
- Dry mouth
- Experiencing an upset stomach or diarrhea
- Feeling tense, nervous, or irritable
- Having a sense of impending panic or dread (waiting for “the other shoe to drop”)
- Have difficulty controlling the train of thought related to the worry
- Heart palpitations
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle tension
- Numbness or tingling in hands, feet
- Rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep difficulties
- Sweating
- Tiredness
- Trembling
- Wanting to avoid things that trigger anxiety feelings
- Weakness
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Risk Factors for Anxiety Disorders
When someone is diagnosed with anxiety, multiple elements are at play.
Abuse or Trauma
Children who have experienced abuse or witnessed traumatic events are at higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder in adulthood. Adults who experience a traumatic event are also more likely to develop anxiety disorders.
Drugs and Alcohol
Drug and alcohol use (or abuse) can cause, or even make anxiety worse. People going through withdrawal may also experience anxiety during the process.
Existing Mental Health Disorder
If someone is already living with a mental health concern, it may put them at higher risk for an anxiety disorder. Often, someone with depression also has an anxiety disorder.
Genetics
Anxiety disorders tend to have a genetic link that makes them run in families. People with a parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent with anxiety are more likely to develop it.
Stress Buildup
The buildup of several life events (or one enormous stressor) can trigger excessive anxiety. Say someone is faced with work stress, ongoing financial fears, and then a loved one dies. That person is at higher risk for developing an anxiety disorder.
Stress Due to Illness
When someone is diagnosed with a chronic health condition or a serious illness, it’s natural to be concerned about treatment and managing it. Anxiety often occurs when there are more questions than answers about how the illness will impact the patient and their family.
Complications from Anxiety
Living with an anxiety disorder means much more than (excessive) worrying. It can also include (or worsen) other existing medical conditions, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Depression (which often occurs with an anxiety disorder)
- Digestive or bowel issues
- Headaches
- Social isolation
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
- Poor quality of life
- Problems functioning at work or school
- Substance misuse
- Trouble sleeping
Anxiety and Substance Abuse Disorders
It’s possible to experience an anxiety disorder or a substance abuse disorder (previously called an addiction) separately. When someone experiences both, the situation can form the start of a vicious cycle.
Someone experiencing anxiety may turn to drugs and alcohol to try to manage their symptoms. The self-medication for the anxiety disorder may help to relieve the worries but it will place the person on a downward slope toward a full-blown substance use disorder.
Canyon Vista Recovery Treatment for Anxiety
At Canyon Vista Recovery Center, all clients undergo a detailed medical and psychiatric assessment when they arrive at our facility.
Detoxification, if Necessary. Clients who are still under the influence of chemicals complete a detoxification (detox) process under the supervision of our compassionate staff. When the body detoxes from drugs or alcohol, the user may experience flu-like symptoms (nausea, vomiting, body aches and pains, and more).
Next, our clients start on an individualized plan that addresses mind, body, and soul when setting out their treatment goals.
Anxiety Treatment. Depending on the client’s treatment plan, they may receive the following types of care:
Psychiatric Care
Effective psychiatric care is crucial for treating mental illness. Depending on the client’s level of anxiety and how their mental illness is impacting their daily life, mood-stabilizing or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed. The psychiatrist carefully monitors the medications to ensure the correct medication at the right dosage is being given to each client.
Psychiatrists also conduct evaluations and may refer clients to other mental health workers, such as psychologists and substance abuse counselors.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is based on the concept that a person’s thoughts, emotions, and actions are connected. Negative thoughts naturally lead to negative actions, which only complete the circle of negative emotions. By challenging and changing negative thoughts for positive ones, the negative actions must change. As a result, the negative emotions are replaced by more helpful ones.
Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy is used to help clients heal from traumatic experiences, including physical or emotional abuse, experiencing a natural disaster, being involved in an armed conflict (as a combatant or a civilian) or the sudden loss of a loved one. It is personalized according to the client’s readiness to confront their trauma.
Get Help for Anxiety Disorder Today
Anxiety isn’t a permanent condition. Discover more about how you can find help for yourself or a loved one by giving us a call today.
Canyon Vista Recovery Center is dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction and mental health disorders to build healthier, happier lives. With a personalized, compassionate approach, clients are empowered to take control of their recovery and embrace the possibilities of a brighter future.
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