Addiction is a struggle of many levels.

Addiction to drugs or alcohol is hard to control. They can make you feel guilty, or ashamed. They can strain your relationship at home and at work, so why doesn’t it help to know how they connect to anxiety?

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, more than 20 million Americans suffer from addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Of these, two million misused prescription painkillers. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 15.1 millions people in America struggle with alcoholism.

It’s very common

Some people use alcohol and drugs to relieve stress and anxiety. Drinking may ease your discomfort for a while, however, the effect is temporary. After drinking too much, it becomes harder and harder to get sober. Eventually, it can take an entire bottle to feel better.

Anxiety can show up if you feel your life is out of control. You may not know what causes the anxiety, but you know something needs to change. Perhaps you’ve decided to get rid of an addiction or stop doing something harmful to yourself. Or maybe you’re trying to move forward with a new job or relationship. Whatever the reason, you may find yourself feeling stressed and anxious. These feelings can cause you to worry about how you’ll handle whatever comes next. They can also lead you to crave alcohol or drugs to help you cope.

Getting help

Understanding all the factors contributing to your substance use, such as anxiety, can help you set goals to curb the behavior. Counseling can help you better understand why a difficult childhood may be affecting you. Counseling can teach you relaxation and stress management techniques and how to deal with urges. It can also teach you about self-compassion and how to accept yourself without relying on drugs or alcohol.