Social anxiety, characterized by intense fear and avoidance of social interactions, can significantly impact your quality of life, leading to increased isolation and distress. When combined with addiction, this type of anxiety can make the recovery process seem daunting.

At Brooks Healing Center, we specialize in addressing these often-related issues with comprehensive treatment strategies for both social anxiety and addiction. Our expert team provides personalized care to help our patients break free from this cycle and achieve long-lasting recovery.

Key Points

  • Social anxiety disorder, affecting approximately 15 million American adults in the US, is characterized by intense fear and avoidance of social situations, often leading to significant distress and impairment.
  • The interplay between social anxiety and drug addiction is complex, with each condition potentially exacerbating the other – people with social anxiety may misuse substances to self-medicate, while addiction can worsen anxiety symptoms.
  • Common substances used by those struggling with social anxiety include alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, cannabis, and opioids, each providing temporary relief but leading to potential dependence and worsened anxiety over time.
  • Brooks Healing Center in Tennessee offers a comprehensive approach to treating co-occurring social anxiety and addiction, including detoxification, residential care, and various therapeutic modalities such as CBT, experiential therapy, trauma-informed care, brainspotting, and the 12-Step Program.

What is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety, also known as social anxiety disorder (SAD), is an intense fear of social situations where you might be scrutinized or judged.[1] People with social anxiety often experience overwhelming apprehension about interacting with others, leading to avoidance of social interactions or enduring them with significant distress. This condition can manifest in various ways, such as fear of public speaking, eating in front of others, or participating in group activities. The roots of social anxiety can be complex, involving a combination of factors.[2] It often begins in adolescence or early adulthood and can be triggered or exacerbated by stressful life events, negative past experiences, or personality traits. Symptoms of social anxiety typically include physical signs like sweating, trembling, or a rapid heartbeat, along with psychological symptoms such as excessive worry, self-consciousness, and a constant fear of embarrassment or humiliation. Social anxiety disorder affects approximately fifteen million American adults, representing about seven percent of the total adult population.[3] Those struggling with social anxiety are also at a heightened risk for developing substance use disorders and major depressive disorder, as the overwhelming fear and avoidance associated with SAD can drive people to seek relief through substances or lead to severe emotional distress.

Drug Addiction and Social Anxiety

Substance abuse and social anxiety can be related, with each condition potentially worsening the other.[4] Social anxiety can lead people to seek out substances as a form of self-medication, using drugs or alcohol to temporarily alleviate the intense discomfort and fear associated with social interactions. This reliance on substances may provide momentary relief but often leads to a pattern of abuse, where the person increasingly depends on drugs to manage their anxiety. As addiction develops, it can create additional problems, such as impaired judgment, risky behaviors, and further social withdrawal, which may intensify feelings of isolation and make underlying social anxiety worse. Conversely, drug addiction can worsen social anxiety by altering the way your brain works, making it more difficult for people to manage their fears and anxieties effectively.[5] The negative consequences of addiction, including strained relationships, financial issues, and legal troubles, can compound feelings of shame and inadequacy, deepening the experience of social anxiety.

What Are Some Common Substances People Use When Struggling with Social Anxiety?

People struggling with social anxiety may turn to various substances in an attempt to manage their overwhelming fear and discomfort in social situations. These substances can provide temporary relief but often lead to further complications and potential dependence:[6]
  • Alcohol: Often used for its calming effects, alcohol can temporarily reduce social inhibitions and anxiety. However, social anxiety and alcohol are not a healthy pairing. Regular use can lead to increased tolerance and dependence, worsening social anxiety over time.
  • Cannabis: Marijuana is often used for its relaxing effects, which may help manage social anxiety in the short term. However, high-potency forms or chronic use can lead to heightened anxiety and cognitive impairments.
  • Benzodiazepines: Prescription medications like Valium, Xanax, and Ativan are sometimes used for their sedative properties. While they can reduce anxiety in the short term, they carry a risk of addiction and can lead to dependency if used excessively.[7]

Treatment Program Options in Tennessee for Co-Occurring Social Anxiety and Addiction

Brooks Healing Center offers Tennessee residents (and patients from surrounding states) a truly comprehensive approach to treatment designed to address dual diagnosis concerns, including social anxiety and addiction. The process typically begins with detoxification, where patients safely withdraw from substances under medical supervision. Detox is crucial for managing withdrawal symptoms and preparing your body for further treatment. Following detox, many patients transition to residential care at Brooks, where they receive intensive, structured support in a supportive environment designed to promote recovery and personal growth. Brooks Healing Center employs a variety of evidence-based and holistic treatment modalities to effectively address co-occurring social anxiety and addiction as well:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This structured talk therapy helps patients identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with both social anxiety and substance use. CBT focuses on developing healthier coping strategies and improving overall emotional regulation.
  • Experiential Therapy: Using activities and experiences, this modality aids clients in processing emotions and developing new coping skills. It can be particularly beneficial for addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of social anxiety and addiction.
  • Trauma-Informed Care: This approach recognizes the impact of trauma on mental health and addiction, ensuring that all aspects of treatment are sensitive to past traumas and focused on creating a safe and supportive environment for healing.
  • Brainspotting (BSP): Brainspotting helps individuals process and resolve deep-seated trauma and emotional issues by targeting specific eye positions associated with traumatic memories.
  • 12-Step Program: 12-step programming provides a structured approach to addiction recovery while offering community support and guidance. It can be an integral part of a holistic treatment plan for those recovering from both social anxiety and addiction.