When it comes to addiction, there are a lot of misconceptions out there. One of the most common is that addiction is simply a matter of willpower. If you’re addicted to something, you can just stop doing it, right?
Wrong. Addiction is a complex condition that often has its roots in other mental health conditions, such as anxiety. In fact, anxiety and addiction often go hand-in-hand.
Anxiety and Addiction by William Schantz
According to William Schantz, people who suffer from anxiety are constantly on edge. They’re worried about everything and anything that could happen, no matter how unlikely it may be. This constant state of worry can lead to physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, and difficulty breathing.
It’s no wonder that people who suffer from anxiety might turn to substances like alcohol or drugs to help them relax. After all, if you’re constantly worried about something bad happening, wouldn’t it be nice to just have a drink or take a pill and make all your worries go away?
Sadly, this is not how addiction works. Instead of providing relief, substances only serve to increase anxiety levels in the long run. That’s because they provide a temporary fix that doesn’t address the underlying causes of anxiety. As a result, people who use substances to cope with anxiety find that they need to use more and more of the substance to get the same effect.
The moment you begin to feel anxious, you will reach for the substance or activity that provides the temporary fix. According to William Schantz, the cycle of addiction starts here. The need to keep using the substance or engaging in the activity to avoid feeling anxious becomes more and more compulsive. It can quickly take over your life, leading to job loss, financial problems, relationship difficulties, and even legal trouble.
Acceptance is Your First Step To Recovery, As Per William Schantz
According to William Schantz, you cannot treat a condition if you don’t know you have it. To get over anxiety and addiction, it’s important to accept that you have a problem. This can be a difficult thing to do, but it’s an essential first step on the road to recovery. Once you’ve acknowledged that you have a problem, you can start to seek out the help you need to get better.
There are many treatment options available for anxiety and addiction. The most important thing is to find a treatment plan that works for you. Everyone is different, so what works for one person may not work for another.
Some people find that therapy is helpful in managing their anxiety and addiction. Others find that medication is necessary to control their symptoms. There is no wrong answer when it comes to treatment. The important thing is to find what works for you and stick with it.
William Schantz’s Final Thoughts
According to William Schantz, if you’re struggling with anxiety and addiction, it’s important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. They can help you understand the link between anxiety and addiction and develop a treatment plan that will address both conditions. With the right help, you can start on the road to recovery and finally put your anxiety and addiction behind you.