Dual-Diagnosis Treatment

Anxiety Disorders and Addiction Treatment in California

Integrated treatment for co-occurring anxiety disorders and substance use disorder at Keystone Health Group.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the United States, and they are among the most frequent co-occurring conditions in addiction treatment. Approximately 20% of people with an anxiety disorder also have a substance use disorder, and vice versa. The relationship is complex: anxiety drives substance use as self-medication, while substance use worsens anxiety — creating a cycle that is difficult to break without integrated treatment. At Keystone Health Group, our dual-diagnosis team treats anxiety and addiction simultaneously.

Types of Anxiety Disorders We Treat

We treat all anxiety disorders that co-occur with addiction, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and agoraphobia. Each has a distinct clinical presentation and requires a tailored treatment approach.

The Self-Medication Cycle

Many people with anxiety disorders discover that alcohol, benzodiazepines, cannabis, or opioids temporarily relieve their anxiety. This relief is real — but short-lived. With regular use, tolerance develops, and the substance begins to worsen anxiety between doses. This creates a self-medication cycle that drives both addiction and worsening anxiety.

Evidence-Based Anxiety Treatment in Recovery

Our psychiatrists transition clients from addictive substances to evidence-based, non-addictive anxiety treatments: SSRIs (Lexapro, Zoloft), SNRIs (Effexor, Cymbalta), buspirone, and evidence-based therapies including CBT and DBT. These treatments address the root causes of anxiety rather than masking symptoms.

Signs & Symptoms of Addiction

Using substances to manage anxiety or panic attacks

Increased anxiety when substances wear off

Avoiding situations without substances

History of anxiety disorder diagnosis

Panic attacks

Social isolation driven by anxiety

Physical anxiety symptoms (heart racing, sweating)

Insomnia driven by anxiety

Our Treatment Approach

Comprehensive anxiety disorder assessment

Transition to non-addictive anxiety medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Exposure therapy for specific phobias and social anxiety

Mindfulness-based stress reduction

Integrated dual-diagnosis treatment planning

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anxiety be treated without benzodiazepines?

Yes. SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, and evidence-based therapies including CBT are highly effective for anxiety disorders without addiction risk. Our psychiatrists develop non-addictive treatment plans for all anxiety disorders.

Will my anxiety get worse during detox?

Anxiety often temporarily increases during detox, particularly from alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids. Our medical team manages withdrawal-related anxiety with appropriate medications and supportive care.

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