Understanding Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder

In general, anxiety means feeling intense worry most of the time. You may worry about many different parts of your life. The worry never seems to go away.

Anxiety disorders are a common type of mental illness. They can run in your family. They can also be caused by your lifestyle or environment.

A substance-induced anxiety disorder is when a person has panic attacks or other anxiety symptoms caused by 1 or more substances. The symptoms may occur while you’re using or exposed to the substance (intoxication), or after you stop (withdrawal).

The chemicals in your brain affect how you think, feel, and act. Being exposed to certain substances can change your brain chemistry. These changes can trigger anxiety symptoms in the mind and body.

Substance-induced anxiety can be caused by:

• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, LSD, or non-prescribed steroids
• Caffeine
• Prescribed medicines like sedatives, stimulants, and medically prescribed steroids

Your anxiety disorder is probably not substance-induced if you felt anxious before taking the substance. But certain substances can make an existing anxiety disorder worse.

Symptoms may include:

• Worry that won’t stop
• Upsetting thoughts
• Becoming irritated or annoyed easily
• Inability to focus or concentrate
• Being unable to fall or stay asleep
• Body tension
• Stomach and digestive issues
• Nausea
• High blood pressure
• Fast heartbeat
• Sweating and shaking
• Dizziness
• Hot flashes
• Chills

Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms for several days. Substance-induced anxiety symptoms can last several weeks to a month. It’s important to see a provider right away if your symptoms are getting worse or you’re having an emergency. If your symptoms are life-threatening, call 911.

It’s helpful to keep a record of your symptoms to share with your provider. You should also write down which substance(s) trigger anxiety for you. This is especially important if you have experienced substance-induced anxiety more than once. Be honest. Your provider is there to help you feel better.

These are some questions your provider may ask during your appointment:

• Which substance(s) did you take?
• How much did you take and for how long?
• What are your symptoms?
• When did your symptoms start?
• Have your symptoms changed?
• Is there any other important information to know?

Your provider is also likely to:

• Give you a physical exam
• Review your medical history and your family medical history
• Conduct lab tests (such as blood work)

Your healthcare provider may refer you to a mental health specialist. This person will be able to share more information about substance-induced anxiety disorder. They will also create a treatment plan with you.

Most treatment plans for anxiety disorders will include prescribed medicine and therapy. Lifestyle changes are also important. Your treatment depends on your own situation.

It’s possible for your symptoms to get better on their own. How soon this could happen depends on:

• How much of the substance you used or were exposed to
• How quickly your body is able to process the substance
• How your body withdraws from the substance
• Your unique symptoms

Tell your primary care provider and mental health specialist if your symptoms don’t go away or if they get worse. Be sure to tell them if the treatment plan isn’t working. Their job is to help and support you.

It’s important to not use the substance in the future. This can be hard. It requires commitment.

In addition, anxiety disorders often benefit from:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Prescribed medicine
• Lifestyle changes, including:
  • Eating a variety of healthy foods
  • Drinking enough water
  • Limiting caffeine
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Exercising
• Stress reduction practices, such as mindfulness and meditation
• Support from family and friends

Having an anxiety disorder means that you need to put your health first. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Take small steps to support yourself every day. It may take time, but you can recover.

Call or text 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255) right away. You will be connected to trained counselors who are part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. An online chat option is also available. This service is free and available 24/7.