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Breaking the Cycle of Anxiety and Addiction in New Jersey

Written by
On August 1, 2025

Healing from Anxiety and Addiction in New Jersey

It’s completely normal to feel a little high-strung before a big test, work deadline, or in-person meeting, but chronic anxiety is much different. In New Jersey, there are countless individuals who turn to alcohol, nicotine, pain pills, and even cannabis in an attempt to shut off racing thoughts. While those methods may provide a form of short-term relief, that relief fades fast, leaving tolerance, cravings, and rebound anxiety in its place.

It’s becoming more common to see panic attacks and substance withdrawal that are severe enough to warrant a hospital visit, but treating them individually only frustrates the situation and wastes time. If you or someone you care about is struggling with anxiety and addiction, integrated care can help calm the mind, withstand cravings, and rebuild daily life from the ground up. By seeking local dual diagnosis treatment, you can establish a foundation for lasting, long-term recovery.

Anxiety Fuels Substance Use, Which Fuels Anxiety

Anxiety disorders constantly pump out stress hormones that can ramp up heart rate and push thoughts into dangerous “what if” loops that seem to last forever.[1] Whatever the substance is, a drink, a pill, a hit, the brain gets a short-lived surge of dopamine and GABA, which dulls the nerves for a moment and allows the brain to categorize it as “quick relief”.

Before you know it, short work meetings, simple social meetups or events, even bedtime, can trigger heart-racing thoughts of worry and substance craving. This is why people start drinking before presentations, pop benzodiazepines on the train, or use opioids after just a relatively minor injury. Over time, the tolerance builds up, and you have co-occurring substance use disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Warning Signs & When to Talk to Someone

While it may be challenging to spot the symptoms of anxiety and addiction in someone close to you, it’s essential to know the signs nonetheless.[2] If you happen to notice two or more of the following points sound like they could be talking about you, it’s probably time to speak to someone about getting professional help.

Persistent muscle tension, racing heart, or insomnia

Escalating substance amounts, especially earlier in the day, or engaging in risky settings, such as driving.

Missed work, canceled plans, or isolation to hide anxiety episodes or hangovers.

Panic attacks during withdrawal or between drinks or doses.

Family or coworkers expressing concern about mood swings or drug smells.

Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities in New Jersey

Every successful substance use disorder treatment plan begins with a complete medical and psychiatric intake evaluation and stabilization. At intake, clinicians will ask screening questions about the level of anxiety and if there are other substance use or mental health issues as well.

Therapies & Medication Management

Once over the hump of acute withdrawals, clients can then focus on their treatment at whatever level of care best fits their needs. The most common evidence-based therapies to include in treatment plans are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These are typically taught in small group therapy settings.

CBT helps to reframe damaging thinking, like “I can’t do anything right,” into “that didn’t work out, but I can learn from it”.[3] On the other hand, DBT is where some of the most effective strategies and coping mechanisms for emotion regulation and distress tolerance are taught.[4]

To complement a whole schedule of evidence-based modules, psychiatrists will typically lean on one or more SSRIs, SNRIs, or atypical antidepressants, titrating doses alongside cravings medications like naltrexone or buprenorphine. Coordinated med checks every two to four weeks help to fine-tune side effects and ensure progress rather than numbness.

Explore Additional Specialty Treatments

We offer extensive specialty treatments to customize your entire recovery:

Executive Program
Vivitrol Treatment
Aftercare
Trauma-Informed Care
Dual Diagnosis
Recovery Capital
Alumni Services
Sober Living

Levels of Care For Anxiety and Addiction in New Jersey

Detox Placement

During detox, clients are monitored around the clock for medical safety and patient comfort. These programs usually last between 3 and 7 days, with the first few days being the first in terms of withdrawal severity and craving intensity.

Partial Hospitalization Program

Five weekdays of therapy without overnight stays. Mornings focus on CBT groups, while afternoons add relapse‑prevention labs and mindfulness practice.

Intensive Outpatient Program

Three or four evening sessions allow clients to maintain their jobs or attend college classes. Weekly individual therapy fine‑tunes coping plans.

Outpatient Care & Telehealth

After IOP, weekly counseling plus virtual psychiatrist visits keep progress steady during real‑world stress tests.

Break the Cycle of Addiction and Anxiety at Ikon

Through customized treatment plans to address co-occurring anxiety and substance use disorders, Ikon in New Jersey stands ready to provide compassionate care you can count on. Contact us today to learn how our treatment for anxiety can help you start living a life you love.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety and Addiction

Will anti‑anxiety meds replace my addictive substance?

No, anti-anxiety meds are not replacing addictive substances. Prescribed SSRIs or buspirone are non‑addictive and aim to lower baseline anxiety, not create a new dependence.

How long before therapy reduces panic and cravings?

Many clients notice improved anxiety management and the ability to better utilize skills to manage cravings within four weeks; medication effects often appear around six weeks.

Can I do IOP while working a full‑time job?

In most cases, that is absolutely possible. Evening or early‑morning IOP tracks fit most schedules, and telehealth fills gaps on overtime days.

Sources

[1] Heart palpitations and anxiety. (2025, July 14). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21677-heart-palpitations-and-anxiety

[2] Anxiety disorders – Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961

[3] Madrigal, K. B. (2017, August). Practitioner cognitive reframing: Working More effectively in addictions. Federal practitioner : for the health care professionals of the VA, DoD, and PHS. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6370426/

[4] Peprah, K. (2017, October 20). Dialectical behavioral therapy for adults with mental illness: A review of Clinical Effectiveness and guidelines. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525629/

[5] Tracy, K., & Wallace, S. P. (2016, September 29). Benefits of peer support groups in the treatment of addiction. Substance abuse and rehabilitation. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5047716/