Maladaptive Behaviors to Relieve Anxiety

Maladaptive Behaviors to Relieve Anxiety Panic Disorder Coping Print Maladaptive Behaviors to Relieve Anxiety By Sheryl Ankrom linkedin Sheryl Ankrom is a clinical professional counselor and nationally certified clinical mental health counselor specializing in anxiety disorders. Learn about our editorial policy Sheryl Ankrom Updated on February 24, 2020 Maladaptive Behaviors. Getty Images Credit: Jetta Productions More in Panic Disorder Coping Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Related Conditions Often used to reduce anxiety, maladaptive behaviors often result in dysfunctional and non-productive outcomes. If you experience frequent panic (anxiety) attacks and have been diagnosed with panic disorder or 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 use alcohol or 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 dont have anxiety disorders. Abusing alcohol or other drugs to control stress and anxiety is classified as a maladaptive behavior because it provides only temporary relief from anxiety and actually may create more long-term problems. Substance abuse does not fix the underlying problem, and long-term alcohol or drug abuse can lead to tolerance, dependence, and for some, addiction. 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. Tolerance may 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. The Effects of Alcohol Tolerance Common withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol or other drug dependence may include: AnxietyDiarrhea/stomach upsetInsomniaMuscle crampsHeadacheDecreased concentrationRapid breathingTremorsSeizures Drug addiction is 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. The Risks of Using Alcohol to Relieve Anxiety There is no cure for addiction, and maintaining sobriety is usually an ongoing quest for people who have substance use disorders. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, drug addiction differs from drug dependence and drug tolerance. Not all people who develop tolerance or physical dependence on a drug will go on to develop an addiction. It is believed that certain individuals are predisposed or vulnerable to addiction from biological, psychological, and social influences. Getting Help for Substance Abuse Maladaptive behaviors refer 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 its more likely to cause distress in the long run. Get Help With the 7 Best Online Anxiety Support Groups