Drug or substance-induced anxiety refers to panic, nervousness, or restlessness caused by taking or quitting a drug. The human brain has chemicals that affect emotions, thoughts, and actions.
An imbalance of these chemicals can affect how you think, feel, act, and even lead to an existential crisis. Drugs can change the amount of these chemicals in your brain. Some drugs can cause anxiety while taking them while others cause anxiety days after you stop using them. Alcohol, non-prescription medicine, and illegal drugs such as cocaine can cause anxiety.
Fortunately, substance-induced anxiety can be treated. Continue reading to know how to deal with substance-induced anxiety.
1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
A trained psychologist or a health professional can help you deal with substance-induced anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy identifies, challenges, and alters the thought process to reduce anxiety.
The health professional uses a structured treatment plan to help you deal with anxiety. The plan is goal-oriented and requires you to engage in some activities outside of therapy. Substance-induced anxiety has something to do with chemical changes. Cognitive-behavioral therapy works on reframing negative thoughts.
2. Exercise and Yoga.
Studies show that exercise and yoga can help you reduce the state of alertness. Yoga allows you to breathe deeply and concentrate on your body. The uncomfortable positions used during yoga teaches you to breathe through stress using your mind and body.
Yoga allows you to reduce your heart rate, blood pressure and eases your breathing. Regular exercise stimulates chemicals in your brain that alleviate stress and calms the body.
3. Check your Medicine.
Visit your healthcare provider and tell him about all your medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and any substance that you use or stop using. Ensure you take all your medicine as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Always complete your medication, even if you think you feel well. If you feel like the medicine is not working, talk to your provider. You should also avoid mixing medication with alcohol or other drugs. If you take alcohol or any drug such as Adderall, wait for it to clear in your system before taking any medication. Look for information such as how long is Adderall in the system to avoid any problems.
4. Limit Alcohol, drugs, and caffeine.
Coffee, tea, and energy drinks can worsen substance-induced anxiety. Caffeine is a stimulant drug, and it can increase your heart rate. Cut down your caffeine intake and avoid drugs and alcohol.
While alcohol may stay for about a day in your system, some other drugs such as Adderall may stay longer. Eating healthy can also help you deal with anxiety. Do not skip any meal since it can lead to low blood sugar, which can trigger anxiety.
5. Participate in Community Work.
Staying active in your community can help to stay off drugs. Moreover, volunteering in the community influences levels of oxytocin, which helps in the management of stress. Being active in the community also assures you that you are not alone, and it makes it easier for you to talk to someone.
Prevention is better than cure. Avoiding places where people are likely to use drugs or alcohol is the ultimate way of preventing substance-induced anxiety.