| A very common phenomenon in mental health circles | | | | anxiety disorders in a large percentage of cases. It is |
| is to see patients with a dual diagnosis. These are | | | | likely that you will be able to benefit from such a |
| patients both with a substance abuse problem as well | | | | course of therapy. |
| as an existing mental illness. One of the most common | | | | If your symptoms do not disappear, your next step is |
| instances of dual diagnosis is a person with alcoholism | | | | to consult with a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can |
| and an anxiety disorder. | | | | prescribe medication to treat your anxiety. It is |
| Following this advice can help alleviate your anxiety | | | | important to inform your doctor that you have a |
| symptoms which in many cases can decrease | | | | drinking problem as this will play a role in what |
| cravings for alcohol. | | | | medications that he prescribes. |
| The first step in addressing your alcoholism is seeing a | | | | The next step is to find a sponsor at a 12-step |
| specialist who can make a diagnosis. In many cases a | | | | fellowship such as Alcoholics Anonymous and let him |
| personal or family doctor can do this but it is | | | | know that you are getting treatment for your anxiety |
| preferable to have an individual trained in identifying | | | | disorder. Most people find that they can easily relate |
| anxiety disorders. Therefore a therapist or psychiatrist | | | | with other people in AA because anxiety disorders are |
| is ideal. With just a short questionnaire they will be able | | | | very common among the membership. |
| to identify whether or not you are suffering from an | | | | If you take steps to treat your anxiety you will find that |
| anxiety disorder. | | | | your cravings for alcohol will decrease. By following a |
| Your next step is to begin counseling with a therapist | | | | proper treatment regimen you will be able to eliminate |
| trained in cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT. CBT | | | | both alcoholism and anxiety from your life. |
| has been shown to be quite effective in dealing with | | | | |