There are many paths taken by anxiety disorders to diversify and in turn generate infinite health problems. One of the possible consequences of untreated anxiety is alcoholism. And it is that more and more people are trying to drown their nerves in a glass of alcohol. Unfortunately, anxiety does not disappear after drinks, but rather takes on a new dimension: alcoholism.
From anxiety to alcoholism
The normalization of alcohol consumption is one of the most dangerous aspects of this habit that should be maintained as a pleasant activity without the risk of becoming a problem that destroys your entire life. But the danger of alcoholism is there, hovering over a society that sees it as normal to abuse alcohol in leisure time or in moments of emotional downturn.
Let’s not fool ourselves. Many people resort to one drink, or a few more drinks, or even a real binge in an unsuccessful attempt to forget their problems. An anxiety disorder is one of the steps prior to alcoholism if we do not radically transform the vision we have of alcohol as a tool to help with any problem.
Because alcohol is never the solution, because it can never help anyone find a solution, not even to calm the nerves, much less prevent an anxiety attack . However, the data is there and more than 80% of alcoholics accompany this condition with an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression.
The relationship between anxiety and alcohol
And we wonder what came first, anxiety or alcohol? The relationship between anxiety disorders and alcohol problems is bidirectional, two monsters that feed on each other and it doesn’t matter if it was anxiety that gave rise to alcoholism or vice versa. Because once these two problems meet, they go hand in hand.
We keep asking ourselves things when we find ourselves together with anxiety and alcohol. Obviously we are facing a delicate situation that requires medical treatment. But, is alcoholism or anxiety treated first? And more importantly, are these two issues dealt with together or separately? We cannot forget the difficulty involved in rehabilitating anyone from an addiction, as well as the long process that is needed to learn to manage anxiety.
These questions do not have a definite answer, but it will depend on each specific case. If there is a common denominator that can answer the questions about the treatment of anxiety and alcoholism, it is that they must be answered by medical professionals.
