Alcohol, Drugs, and Panic Attack Disorder
Posted in Understanding Panic Attacks on by – Be the first to comment Tags: alternative panic attack treatments, anxiety attacks, cure panic attacks
It has been estimated that as much as 47% of individuals with panic attack disorder self medicate with psychoactive drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both. Whether taken for recreational purposes or self medication purposes, the use of alcohol can be rather detrimental to a patient’s health. Beverages or medication that contain alcohol often exasperate the symptoms that a person feels during an attack, like an accelerated heart rate. Interestingly, in many clinical studies, the use of cannabis has been known to contribute to the development of a panic attack. In The Journal of Substance Abuse, a study was published in 2000 that examined the effects of alcohol abuse in those who suffered from panic attacks. The results yielded that those who used alcohol and drugs to medicate themselves experienced a significant increase in the frequency and severity of their attacks compared to those who used healthy controls.
The use of alcohol and drugs to self medicate may initially alleviate the symptoms of a panic attack. However, when used over extended periods of time, this form of self medication causes dependency and addiction. During alcohol or drug withdrawal syndrome, the symptoms of panic attack disorder worsen. This increase in the severity of the attacks is due to the fact that alcohol and drug usage distorts the brain’s chemistry and function. Withdrawal from certain prescription drugs, like benzodiazepines, can also produce similar withdrawal effects. Generally, these symptoms will lessen and disappear within the succeeding months. In contrast, it is possible for panic attack disorder to be a direct result of years of alcohol or drug abuse.
Adolescents who suffer from panic attack disorder are at an increased risk for potentially becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol. Their dependency upon these substances also puts them at an elevated risk for later suicide attempts. Furthermore, dependency upon these substances can interfere additionally with an individual’s ability to lead a normal and productive lifestyle. In order to successfully avoid the use of these substances, it is imperative that an individual builds a support network underneath themselves, consisting of family and friends. Additional treatment may be needed for underlying emotional issues or depression. Besides therapy and medication, there is also a wide range of support groups that a person can choose to employ for their benefit.
Leave a Reply