Substance-Induced Anxiety: Signs and Treatment Options

Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions in which people experience prolonged anxiety that interferes with their ability to function in daily life.¹ Normative levels of worry or anxiety are a part of life as people encounter stressful situations, but are not usually crippling or constant.

Unlike anxiety disorders, substance-induced anxiety is a phenomenon that can result from certain types of substance use or withdrawal.^2,3 While the symptoms of substance-induced anxiety closely resemble an independent anxiety disorder, but do not constitute a disorder itself.² However, symptoms can be quite debilitating and may even benefit from medical attention when severe enough.³

Recognizing the difference between an independent anxiety disorder and substance-induced anxiety, as well as the connection between substance use and anxiety, is important for clinicians to make an accurate diagnosis and, ultimately, for those experiencing these issues to get the help they need.

What Is Substance-Induced Anxiety?

Substance-induced anxiety is a condition that can develop as a result of substance intoxication or substance withdrawal. In instances of substance-induced anxiety, symptoms such as anxiety and panic may be seen to develop after the initiation of substance use, or in association with specific types of substance withdrawal, and such symptoms are not better explained by another, independent anxiety disorder or other mental health disorder.² With substance-induced anxiety, symptoms typically resolve once the substance is out of the system or the withdrawal period ends.²

Sometimes, substance use can coincide with the onset of mental disorders, such as general anxiety disorder.⁴ However, unlike substance-induced anxiety, when someone has an anxiety disorder it is not the result of using or withdrawing from a substance, but rather from other underlying factors. It is a persistent condition that requires ongoing management and treatment.²

Causes of Substance-Induced Anxiety

Substance-induced anxiety is caused by the use of or withdrawal from drugs, alcohol, or medications. Certain substances can cause anxiety from use or during intoxication. These include:²

• Alcohol.
• Caffeine.
• Cannabis.
• Phencyclidine (PCP) and other hallucinogens.
• Inhalants.
• Stimulants (including cocaine).

Panic or anxiety symptoms can occur when withdrawing from certain substances, including:²

• Alcohol.
• Opioids.
• Sedative, hypnotics, or anxiolytics.
• Stimulants (including cocaine).

Signs and Symptoms of Substance-Induced Anxiety

Substance-induced anxiety disorder exhibits similar symptoms as general anxiety or panic disorders, but they are only experienced during or around substance use or withdrawal.² Anxiety symptoms can include:²

• Restless or feeling on edge.
• Being easily fatigued.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Irritability.
• Muscle tension.
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Panic symptoms can include:²

• Heart palpitations; racing or pounding heart.
• Sweating.
• Trembling or shaking.
• Shortness of breath.
• Choking or smothered feelings.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Nausea or abdominal distress.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Chills or heat sensations.
• Numbness or tingling sensations.
• Derealization or depersonalization.
• Fear or losing control.
• Fear of dying.

How Long Does Substance-Induced Anxiety Last?

Substance-induced anxiety tends to be transient, and should resolve with time and abstinence from substances.⁵ Symptoms of a substance-induced panic or anxiety may improve over the course of several days to weeks after substance use has stopped and/or withdrawal from the substance has resolved. Should symptoms persist longer than a month, other non-substance related causes should be explored.^2,5 Factors that could influence the amount of time experiencing symptoms and whether substance-induced anxiety is the correct diagnosis include:⁵

• The type of substance used.
• The frequency and amount of use.
• Individual environmental or biological factors.
• Underlying mental disorders, including anxiety disorders.

As mentioned, if symptoms of panic or anxiety do not resolve after a reasonable period of abstinence or after the withdrawal period has ended, another anxiety disorder (or other, non-substance related mental health condition) may be involved.⁵

Treatment for Addiction at AAC

If you or a loved one is struggling with health issues related to substance use or addiction or co-occurring anxiety and addiction, American Addiction Centers has the help you need. Throughout our nationwide network of treatment centers, AAC uses evidence-based addiction-focused healthcare to help people get on the road to recovery and back to living the life they deserve.

To learn more about your treatment options, to verify your insurance, or to start admissions, give our compassionate and knowledgeable admissions navigators a call at . Recovery is possible, so don’t wait. Reach out today.