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General Anxiety and Addiction Information

Anxiety Treatment

Today, people across the United States struggle with anxiety. For some, persistent anxiety might be a sign of an anxiety disorder or panic disorder. Anxiety disorders and panic disorders are among the most common co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders happen alongside other mood disorders and addictions. Dual diagnosis focuses on treating anxiety and addiction together rather than as separate symptoms and behaviors. The comprehensive mental health treatment program at Northpoint Washington provides the dual diagnosis anxiety treatment to help clients understand, treat, and manage anxiety disorders.

If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, call Northpoint Washington today. At Northpoint Washington, we understand every facet of addiction, and how it affects anxiety. Reach our staff now at 888.450.2153 for more information about anxiety treatment in Edmonds, Washington.

What is General Anxiety Disorder?

General anxiety disorder, also called GAD, is characterized by excessive worry about the past or future. Those living with anxiety have difficulty staying in the present moment and often find themselves unnecessarily concerned with something that has already happened or something that might happen in the future. To others, these worries might seem outlandish or unrealistic. To someone living with anxiety, however, they are very real. Anything can trigger anxiety, and everyone’s anxiety triggers are personal. Some might include financial worries, family troubles, or fear of failure. Throughout the day someone’s anxiety may ebb and flow, but can be difficult to self-regulate. The most common anxiety symptoms are:

  1. Feeling nervous
  2. Restlessness
  3. Tense muscles
  4. Sensing danger or dread
  5. Panic
  6. A rapid heart rate
  7. Hyperventilation
  8. Profuse sweating
  9. Muscle twitching
  10. Shaky hands
  11. Feeling weak and lethargic
  12. Trouble focusing
  13. Brain fog
  14. Digestive problems
  15. Chest pain
  16. Trouble sleeping

When someone experiences anxiety, their nervous system is dysregulated, causing a range of physical and emotional symptoms that can be hard to stop without help. Unfortunately, the repetitive cycle of anxiety leads many people to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Self-soothing can temporarily calm the nervous system, however relying on substance use often leads those with anxiety to addiction. In fact, studies show that at least half of people living with addiction have co-occurring disorders like anxiety. Treating anxiety disorders can reduce addiction cravings, compulsive behaviors, and greatly lower the risk of relapse.

Understanding and Treating Common Anxiety Disorders

The first step in understanding anxiety is understanding each type of anxiety and its effects on the mind and body. The most common anxiety disorders are:

  1. Panic Disorder
  2. Social Anxiety Disorder
  3. Phobias
  4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety differently. This can make it especially hard for friends and loved ones to relate to those living with anxiety disorders. The professional team at Northpoint Washington understands. No matter the anxiety disorder, the team at Northpoint Washington is here to provide comprehensive treatment to evaluate, stabilize, and manage anxiety.

What are the Various Types of Anxiety Disorders?

Many people with anxiety find that their condition doesn't usually fall under the heading of GAD. Generally, they suffer from a certain type of anxiety disorder. The different types of anxiety include:


People who suffer from panic disorder often have feelings of fear that strike suddenly. These are called panic attacks. Panic attacks occur repeatedly, and they can be triggered by even the most mundane of activities. For example, people will often experience them when they're driving, sitting down to relax, or brushing their teeth. Symptoms of a panic attack can include chest pain, sweating or heart palpitations.


This is also known as social phobia. People with social anxiety disorder have an intense fear of social situations only. They worry about being judged by others. They also worry that they might do something to lead to embarrassment. Social anxiety disorder often keeps many people isolated from friends and even family.


There are many different types of phobias, and they are characterized by intense fears of situations or objects. For example, some people may be afraid of heights or spiders. Their fears are extreme, and can cause them to avoid even common situations.


Someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder uses frequent, repetitive actions to calm intrusive thoughts. These ritualistic acts quickly take over their lives, and without performing them, their anxiety increases.


PTSD occurs when someone has been through a traumatic event, such as an accident or war. These individuals will frequently have flashbacks of the event that paralyze them. They live in constant avoidance of anything related to the event. However, they will often relive it in their minds.

You may be suffering from PTSD and addiction, a phobia and an addiction, or panic attacks and addiction. Regardless, there is help available for you.

Get The Support You Need From Anxiety Treatment Programs in Edmonds Washington

If you or someone in your life is struggling with an anxiety disorder, call Northpoint Washington today. Our dual diagnosis treatment helps clients living with anxiety, addiction, and other co-occurring disorders. With a range of treatment options, our dual diagnosis team is ready to help you and your loved ones understand, treat, and manage anxiety and addiction. With individual, group, and family counseling, clients at Northpoint Washington get the support system they need. Our flexible programs provide inpatient and outpatient care for addiction and dual diagnosis recovery in beautiful Edmonds, Washington. Don’t let anxiety hold you back, let Northpoint Washington help you today.

Start Anxiety Treatment at Northpoint Washington Today!

Reach us now at 888.450.2153 to learn more about our comprehensive anxiety treatment program and other programs at Northpoint Washington.