Many people know what it feels like to be uncomfortable, nervous, shy, or embarrassed in a social situation. Most can get through interactions like this, but for some, the feeling turns into a fear that is debilitating and chronic. This condition is known as social anxiety disorder. If your anxiety interferes with the way you live your life, you should consider getting professional help.

Social anxiety can be extremely difficult to cope with, to the point some turn to drugs or alcohol to try and fit in or to numb the stress they live with. Co-occurring anxiety and addiction are challenging to overcome, especially alone. Look to NorthStar Clinical Services for guidance on the path to recovery. Our anxiety treatment program is specifically designed for those living with co-occurring disorders. Call 888.373.8052 to get help now.

What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder goes way beyond introversion. It is characterized by an unreasonable and excessive fear of being in situations with required social interactions. The fear someone with social anxiety disorder has is tied to thoughts that they will make mistakes or embarrass themselves in front of others.

An individual with social anxiety will especially avoid situations where they could be forced to interact with strangers. If faced with social interaction, they may have a panic attack or become severely anxious with physical symptoms.

Social Anxiety Is a Mental Health Concern

As the disorder progresses, the patient may avoid more and more social situations—making personal, school, or work relationships hard to maintain. Some individuals experience such severe social anxiety that they don’t engage in activities necessary for their health or safety. However, being an extremely shy loner is not enough for a social anxiety disorder diagnosis. A patient’s symptoms must also coincide with the following:

• Anxiety almost always arises as a response to social situations.
• Social anxiety and related avoidance reactions have persisted for six months or longer.
• Social situations are endured with intense distress or else completely avoided.
• The anxiety causes significant emotional anguish and functional impairment.
• The patient recognizes that the anxiety is excessive or very irrational.

Anxious feelings are not the result of just not trying, being shy, or any sort of character flaw. Those living with social anxiety often have a hard time doing things they know are simple but take all of their energy.

What Is Living with Anxiety Like?

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can be broken down into three groups—physical, cognitive, and behavioral. They can include the following:

• Physical symptoms – Racing heart, shaking, sweating, headache, chest tightening, chest pain, ringing in the ears
• Cognitive symptoms – Thinking about negative thoughts, beliefs, and bias
• Behavioral symptoms – Choices are made based on fear and avoidance of difficult social situations, poor quality of life is maintained because of isolation and low self-esteem, and fear-proving situations are dealt with by escaping or running away

Like many other anxiety problems, social anxiety disorder can be related to past psychological trauma or have a genetic basis. The patient’s health, history, and environment can also contribute to the development of social anxiety disorder. Chronic insomnia, family difficulties, high levels of stress, overworking, medical problems, relationship difficulties, and substance abuse can all lead to severe social anxiety.

Social Anxiety and Substance Use

Substance use can lead to anxiety, and anxiety can lead to substance use. The challenging feelings and emotions brought on by severe anxiety are difficult to cope with. When someone lives with social anxiety, they may try to turn to drugs like alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, or anything they feel will help them engage with others more easily. On the other hand, those living with addiction might develop anxiety due to chemical changes in the brain and a desire to hide their substance use.

The addiction cycle is difficult to break, especially when co-occurring anxiety is involved. Trying to get sober without addressing anxiety can quickly lead to relapse and/or a worsening of mental health symptoms. Integrated dual diagnosis treatment helps address both conditions simultaneously.

Call NorthStar Clinical Services for Help

If you or someone you know lives with social anxiety and addiction, look to NorthStar for guidance. Our treatment center in North Carolina offers evidence-based, compassionate care that works. Call 888.373.8052 or complete our simple online form now.