Living with anxiety can feel exhausting. Your mind may race, your body may stay tense, and it can feel hard to relax, even when you want to. When anxiety exists alongside substance use, depression, or trauma, it can feel even more overwhelming. You may feel stuck in a cycle where nothing truly brings relief.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Anxiety and addiction often go hand in hand, and there is a way forward. It’s very common (around 17% of people in one study had both), and it’s not a sign of weakness or a personal failing.
At Hickory Grove Recovery, you receive anxiety treatment for co-occurring disorders, meaning your anxiety and substance use are treated together, in one place, by one integrated team, so you don’t have to choose which part of your health matters more. Reach out to us at 501.509.5143 or connect with us online to learn how we can start supporting you.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is more than everyday stress or worry. It’s a mental health condition that can affect how you think, feel, and function throughout the day. When anxiety becomes persistent, intense, or hard to manage on your own, it can interfere with relationships, work, sleep, and recovery.
If you’re also using alcohol or drugs to cope, anxiety often becomes part of a co-occurring disorder, also called dual diagnosis. In these cases, treating anxiety or addiction alone is rarely enough. You deserve care that looks at the full picture of what you’re experiencing.
Types of anxiety disorders
You may experience anxiety in different ways, including:
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Ongoing worry, tension, or fear that feels difficult to control
Panic disorder: Sudden panic attacks with physical symptoms like chest tightness, dizziness, or shortness of breath
Social anxiety disorder: Fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations
Specific phobias: Intense fear linked to certain places, objects, or situations
Understanding how anxiety shows up for you helps guide the right treatment approach.
Signs and symptoms of anxiety
Anxiety affects both your mind and your body. You may notice symptoms that feel confusing or overwhelming, especially when substance use is involved.
Physical, emotional, and behavioral signs
You may experience:
- Constant worry or racing thoughts
- Feeling restless, tense, or “on edge”
- Trouble sleeping or focusing
- Rapid heartbeat, sweating, or shortness of breath
- Avoiding people, places, or responsibilities
- Using alcohol or drugs to calm your anxiety
When anxiety and substance use overlap, symptoms often intensify, making it harder to manage either condition without support.
Anxiety and substance use: why they co-occur
Many people begin using substances as a way to cope with anxiety. Alcohol or drugs may seem to quiet your thoughts or ease discomfort at first. This is often called self-medication.
Over time, though, substances usually make anxiety worse. As the effects wear off, anxiety can return stronger than before. You may feel driven to use more just to feel “okay,” creating a cycle that leads to dependence while your anxiety continues to grow.
Breaking this cycle requires treating both anxiety and substance use at the same time, not one after the other.
Our integrated, evidence-based treatment approach
At Hickory Grove Recovery, you receive care that treats you as a whole person. Your anxiety, substance use, and emotional health are addressed together by one coordinated team. This integrated approach is considered the gold standard for treating co-occurring disorders. Research clearly shows that an integrated approach leads to better adherence to treatment. When you receive coordinated care for both anxiety and addiction, you also have a greater chance of reducing substance use, improving your mental health, and building a strong foundation for long-term recovery. It’s about healing the whole person, not just treating separate symptoms.
Comprehensive assessment and dual diagnosis
Your treatment begins with a thoughtful, compassionate assessment. We take time to understand:
- Your anxiety symptoms and history
- Your substance use patterns
- Any trauma you’ve experienced
- Your physical health and medications
- Your goals for healing
This helps us understand whether your anxiety is substance-induced, long-standing, or both—so your care plan is accurate and personalized.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure strategies
Through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), you learn how to recognize and change thought patterns that fuel anxiety and substance use. When appropriate, exposure-based strategies help you face fears gradually and safely, reducing avoidance over time.
Trauma-informed care for anxiety and PTSD
If trauma is part of your story, your care is grounded in safety and respect. Trauma-informed treatment ensures you’re never pushed beyond what feels manageable, and that your experiences are honored—not minimized.
Medication management (SSRIs, SNRIs, adjuncts)
When appropriate, our medical team may prescribe and manage medications such as SSRIs or SNRIs to help stabilize anxiety symptoms. Medication can make it easier for you to engage fully in therapy and daily healing work.
Mindfulness, stress management, and emotional regulation
You learn practical tools to calm your nervous system, manage stress, and regulate emotions without relying on substances. These skills help you feel more grounded and in control.
Relapse prevention planning and coping skills
Relapse prevention addresses triggers for both anxiety and substance use. Together, we help you build a plan for managing stress, cravings, and emotional challenges in healthier ways.
Holistic therapies (sleep, nutrition, exercise)
Your mental health is closely tied to sleep, nutrition, and movement. Holistic supports help restore balance and strengthen your overall recovery. You can learn more about our full treatment offerings on our anxiety treatment page.
Signs and symptoms of anxiety
Your care is matched to what you need, not forced into a single path.
Residential and inpatient
Residential treatment gives you a structured, supportive environment where you can focus fully on healing, away from daily triggers. We provide residential treatment here at our treatment center outside of Little Rock.
Partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP)
These levels provide intensive therapy with more flexibility, helping you gradually return to daily responsibilities while staying supported. If PHP or IOP would be right for you, we can help you connect with that care after our program.
Outpatient and continuing care
Ongoing outpatient care helps you maintain progress and stay connected after higher levels of treatment. We can help refer you to ongoing care or community resources upon completing our program.
Co-occurring conditions we treat
Anxiety rarely exists on its own. Your treatment plan addresses all connected conditions. Our program addresses anxiety that co-occurs with addiction, and we can also provide support for other conditions.
Depression and mood disorders
Anxiety and depression often overlap, and treating both together improves outcomes.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
If trauma contributes to your anxiety, trauma-informed care helps you heal safely.
Substance use disorders
Through our co-occurring disorders program, anxiety and addiction are treated together, not in isolation.
What to expect in treatment
Personalized care plans and multidisciplinary team
You receive a personalized care plan developed by a team of therapists, medical providers, nurses, and case managers who collaborate on your care.
Length of treatment and a day in care
Your length of stay depends on your needs and progress. A typical day includes therapy, skills groups, wellness activities, and time to rest and reflect. Learn more on our what to expect page.
Outcomes and measurement-based care: Tracking progress
Your progress is monitored through regular check-ins and outcome measures. When something isn’t working, your plan is adjusted—because your care should evolve with you.
Step-down planning and community resources
Recovery continues beyond treatment. You leave with an aftercare plan and connections to ongoing support so you’re not navigating next steps alone. Check out our resources for support and information. The following support groups may also be helpful:
- ADAA Support Groups Directory (Panic & Anxiety) – Searchable listings of in-person and online support groups tailored to anxiety, depression, and co-occurring disorders.
- Emotions Anonymous (EA) – A confidential peer-support fellowship focused on emotional well-being, offering support to those coping with anxiety, depression, and related mental health challenges.
We also encourage you and your loved ones to stay informed through trusted mental health resources and ongoing education:
- National Institute of Mental Health – Trusted federal mental health institute with research-backed information on types, symptoms, and treatments for anxiety disorders, plus downloadable fact sheets.
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) – A leading nonprofit offering educational resources, expert-reviewed guides, peer-to-peer support communities, and a Find Your Therapist directory for anxiety and related conditions.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Comprehensive overview of anxiety conditions, treatment options, and support resources from a well-established advocacy and support organization.
Insurance, admissions, and getting started
Our admissions team is available to listen, answer questions, and verify insurance, confidentially and without pressure.
Frequently asked questions about anxiety treatment
It means your anxiety and substance use are treated together by the same team, in the same program.
Yes, when appropriate, our psychiatric team evaluates and manages medications as part of your care.
Your length of treatment is personalized, but many people spend about 30–35 days in residential care.
Ready to start? Contact us today
You don’t have to live in the exhausting cycle of anxiety and addiction. Healing is possible, and a calmer, healthier future can begin now. When you’re ready, reach out to Hickory Grove Recovery. Our team is here to listen, support you, and help you take the next step forward with care, respect, and hope.
