About Panic Disorder: Substance Abuse and Other Maladaptive Behaviors

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Panic Disorder Panic Disorder Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Katharina Star, your Guide to Panic Disorder Feelings of anxiety can be difficult to cope with. Some people with panic disorder may turn towards alcohol and other substances as a way to reduce their anxiety-related symptoms. Learn about the dangers of substance abuse and other maladaptive behaviors commonly associated with panic disorder and agoraphobia. Using Alcohol to Relieve Anxiety There are many people with anxiety disorders, including those with panic disorder and agoraphobia, who often use alcohol as a primary means of coping with their fear and worry. However, alcohol abuse can actually increase anxiety and panic symptoms in the long run. Find out about the risks associated with using alcohol to relieve anxiety and where you can reach out to get help for problem drinking. See More About:  alcohol abuse and anxiety disorders  alcohol abuse screening tests  agoraphobia Substance Abuse to Reduce Anxiety Studies have shown that people with anxiety disorders are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. Using alcohol and drugs to try to ease anxiety is considered a maladaptive behavior because such abuse only provides a temporary solution and can lead to more issues, including tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Learn more about these maladaptive behaviors and issues associated with substance abuse. See More About:  panic attacks  panic disorder symptoms  alcoholism Benzodiazepines: Abuse, Tolerance, Dependence, Addiction Benzodiazepines are a class of medication known for their sedating effect. They are commonly used to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and to treat panic attacks. Many panic disorder sufferers who are prescribed benzodiazepines fear that they will become addicted to their medication. Tolerance and physical dependence may occur with this medication, but this is not the same as addiction. Find out about the differences between abuse, tolerance, dependence, and addiction. See More About:  panic disorder treatment  drug abuse  drug tolerance Other Maladaptive Behaviors Associated with Panic Disorder Maladaptive behaviors, such as substance abuse and avoidance, are often used by people to help relieve their panic symptoms. However, these behaviors are considered dysfunctional because they never really serve to get to the root of anxiety and can often progress into worse issues. Here you will find information on common maladaptive behaviors associated with panic disorder and agoraphobia. See More About:  panic attacks  panic disorder symptoms  agoraphobia Panic Disorder Ads Substance Abuse Anxiety Anxiety and Stress Panic Disorder Anti Anxiety Drugs Featured Articles Glossary Understanding Panic Disorder Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatments   More from About.com Food and Mood Indulging a sweet tooth can cause weight gain, guilt and even worsen depression. Here are a few expert tips to help you resist. More> Carb Cravings Ever wondered why you crave carbs (or chocolate and sugar) when you're depressed? Some scientists say it may be chemical. More> This newsletter is written by: Katharina Star Panic Disorder Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Panic Disorder newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2011 About.com   Must Reads Symptoms of Panic Disorder Diagnosis of Panic Disorder Treatment of Panic Disorder Coping with Panic Attacks Info for Family/Friends Advertisement