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Contents Introduction Anxiety Disorders Substance Abuse One-Two Punch Chicken & Egg Diagnosis & Treatment Conclusion

The relationship between anxiety disorders and substance abuse is complex. Some people with anxiety disorders turn to drugs or alcohol to find relief from their symptoms, while others with substance dependencies develop an anxiety disorder as a result of their addiction. Regardless of how comorbidity initially develops, the result is a cyclical, self-feeding, chemically and behaviorally reinforcing combination of conditions that can be difficult to diagnose, much less effectively treat.

This Discovery Guide will explore the co-occurrence of anxiety disorders and substance abuse behaviors, exploring the symbiotic relationship between these two sets of conditions, the importance of recognizing the presence of comorbidity, and perspectives on effective treatment options in patients with a dual diagnosis.

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