GAD Coping Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Substance Use By Deborah R. Glasofer, PhD Deborah R. Glasofer, PhD LinkedIn Twitter Deborah Glasofer, PhD is a professor of clinical psychology and practitioner of cognitive behavioral therapy. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 22, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Daniel B. Block, MD Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD LinkedIn Twitter Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Getty Images Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is known to frequently overlap with other emotional and behavioral problems, including depression, other anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. While the exact mechanism by which an individual develops co-occurring generalized anxiety and substance use disorders remains unclear, self-medication is thought to play an important role. When an individual decides independently to use a substance to soothe or manage a particular symptom, it is referred to as “self-medicating.” Self-medication often provides temporary relief of an uncomfortable sensation or emotion, which reinforces its use. Recent research indicates, however, that the use of alcohol or drugs to cope with symptoms of anxiety can be particularly problematic as it confers additional risk of ultimately developing a substance use disorder. The Link Between GAD and Substance Use Disorders Though GAD is known to affect women at higher rates, co-occurring GAD and substance use disorders are more likely to affect men. According to a recent report from a national survey on substance use disorders, individuals with co-occurring GAD and substance use disorder are more likely to have a family history of an alcohol or drug use disorder than those with GAD alone. The presence of a substance use disorder is associated with more severe anxiety symptoms and more overall impairment in day-to-day functioning. Compared to adults with “uncomplicated” GAD, those with GAD and a substance use disorder are more likely to report poor concentration, to describe more conflict with loved ones, and to endorse more difficulty completing their daily responsibilities. What to Know About Treatment Though individuals with co-occurring GAD and substance use disorders have higher rates of other co-occurring psychiatric conditions (such as bipolar disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder) than those without a substance use disorder, rates of seeking treatment are equivalent, and relatively low, across groups. Regardless of the presence of a substance use disorder, this large-scale study found that nearly half of those diagnosed with GAD received no treatment. Individuals who did ultimately seek treatment did so, on average, two years after the onset of their anxiety symptoms. However, there are effective treatments for both GAD and substance use disorders. Depending on which disorder is considered primary and the severity of each condition, treatment of one disorder may be followed by treatment of the second disorder, treatment of both conditions may occur in parallel by different clinicians, or treatment may be integrated such that the disorders are treated (or at least monitored) simultaneously by a single treatment provider. If you find yourself using drugs or alcohol to manage your anxiety, it is not likely to be the solution to the problem. While some substances may help with anxiety in the short-term, their effects are temporary. And the use of these substances can create a psychological or physiological dependence, which will cause or worsen other life problems and will ultimately exacerbate your anxiety symptoms. Co-Occurring Disorders: Mental Health Issues & Addiction A Word From Verywell If you (or a loved one) is worried about your use of substances to cope with anxiety, you should learn about the signs of a substance use problem and how to try to change these behaviors. Consider speaking with a mental health provider or your physician about your particular circumstance; a clinician will be able to help you assess your symptoms and to understand what available treatments might be best suited to your needs. If you are unsure about the resources in your neighborhood, you can find help locally through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (which also provides some basic information on dual diagnosis). Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 0 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Alegria AA, Hasin DS, Nunes EV, Liu S, Davies C, Grant BF, Blanco C. Comorbidity of generalized anxiety disorders: results from the national epidemiologic survey on alcohol and related conditions. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2010 Sep;71(9):1187-95; quiz 1252-3. doi:10.4088/JCP.09m05328gry. Robinson J, Sareen J, Cox BJ, Bolton JM. Role of self-medication in the development of comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders. JAMA Psychiatry. 2011 Aug;68(8):800-7. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.75. Smith JP, Randall CL. Anxiety and alcohol use disorders: comorbidity and treatment considerations. Alcohol Research. 2012; 34:414-31. 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