Maladaptive Behaviors to Relieve Anxiety

Often used to reduce anxiety,maladaptive behaviorsoften result in dysfunctional and non-productive outcomes. If you experience frequentpanic (anxiety) attacksand have been diagnosed withpanic disorderor another anxiety disorder, you may have inadvertently developed maladaptive patterns of behavior to cope with your situation.

People with anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, may usealcoholor other substances to cope with fear and anxiety.

Studies show that people with anxiety disorders are up to three times more likely to have alcohol or another substance abuse disorder compared to people who don't have anxiety disorders.

Abusing alcohol or other drugs to control stress and anxiety is classified as amaladaptive behaviorbecause it provides only temporary relief from anxiety and actually may create more long-term problems.

Tolerance can result from using a drug over an extended time. The result of tolerance is that the drug does not produce the desired effect or the effect is diminished.

Tolerancemay mean increasing the amount of the drug to produce the desired effect. The physical dependence on a drug often includes tolerance and can be identified by withdrawal symptoms if the drug is abruptly stopped or decreased.

Commonwithdrawal symptomsassociated with alcohol or other drug dependence may include:

• Anxiety
• Diarrhea/stomach upset
• Insomnia
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Decreased concentration
• Rapid breathing
• Tremors
• Seizures

Drug addictionis a brain disease with components of physical and psychological dependence. Detoxification may occur during the ending phase of physical dependence, but the psychological component maintains a steadfast hold.

There is no cure for addiction, and maintaining sobriety is usually an ongoing quest for people who have substance use disorders.

It is believed that certain individuals are predisposed or vulnerable to addiction from biological, psychological, and social influences.

Getting Help for Substance Abuse

Maladaptive behaviorsrefer to types of behaviors that inhibit a person’s ability to adjust to particular situations. Maladaptive behaviors prevent people from adapting to the demands of life. Initially, excessive use of alcohol or other drugs may appear to provide relief from anxiety, but the long-term effects of substance abuse can be serious.

If you have an anxiety disorder and are abusing alcohol or other drugs, you should talk to your doctor or a therapist. A professional who treats anxiety disorders can also help address your substance use. Using substances to self-medicate anxiety symptoms can feel like a fix in the short term, but it's more likely to cause distress in the long run.