Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDiagnosisTimelineCausesGetting Help

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Diagnosis

Timeline

Causes

Getting Help

Unfortunately, the same drugs that many people use to boost their confidence, help them relax, or lower their inhibitions are the ones most prone to causing substance-induced anxiety disorder. In some cases, people don’t realize that it is the substances that are causing anxiety because they only associate them with feeling good.

The Most Important Thing to Know About Substance-Induced Anxiety DisorderSeveral substances can increase anxiety levels, including illicit drugs, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and other substances.It is possible to develop substance-induced anxiety disorder after using a drug just one time.

The Most Important Thing to Know About Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder

Several substances can increase anxiety levels, including illicit drugs, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and other substances.It is possible to develop substance-induced anxiety disorder after using a drug just one time.

Diagnosis of Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder

To be diagnosed with substance-induced anxiety disorder, the symptoms experienced must be causing a great deal of emotional upset or significantly affecting the person’s life.This could include having a major impact on their work or social life, or another part of their life that is important.

A healthcare provider will also check whether the anxiety was there prior to the use of alcohol, drugs, or medications. This is because there are severaltypes of anxiety disordersand if the symptoms were there before the substance use, it suggests that another mental health disorder may be present.

If anxiety symptoms continue for more than a month after the person abstains from alcohol, drugs, or medication, this also suggests an independent mental health issue.

Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder Timeline

In some cases, anxiety or panic can occur immediately after taking the drug, alcohol, or medication. Some people have even developed substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder after using a drug just one time.

There is also a category of substance-induced anxiety disorder “with onset during intoxication.“This means that the anxiety starts when the individual is drunk or high on the drug.

Substance-induced anxiety can also occur during drug, alcohol, or medication withdrawal. During this time,symptoms of anxietyare common.

When anxiety is a typicalwithdrawal symptom, feelings of anxiousness will generally resolve within a few days of discontinuing alcohol or drug use. But with substance-induced anxiety disorder, the panic and anxiety are sufficiently severe to warrant independent clinical attention.

Causes of Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder

Substances that can increase anxiety levels fall into three basic categories: drugs, medications, and other substances.

Drugs

A wide variety of drugs, both legal and illegal, can cause substance-induced anxiety, including:

Medications

Several prescription and over-the-counter medications can also cause an increase in anxiety, including:

Other Substances

Heavy metals and toxins can also cause clinically significant panic or anxiety symptoms. Some known offenders include carbon dioxide and volatile substances such as gasoline and paint.

This list is not all-inclusive as other substances may cause a person to feel increased levels of anxiety. In some cases, the exact substance may be unknown.

Getting Help for Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder

If you feel like your anxiety is increasing and it could be due to a drug, medication, or other substance, contact your healthcare provider. They can help identify the cause of your anxiousness, either confirming or ruling out specific substances.

If substance-induced anxiety disorder is diagnosed, creating a plan is the next step. The first step is typically to remove the substance that is causing the anxiety.Treatment may also includebehavioral therapyand/or the taking of certain medications.

Being honest with your healthcare provider about using drugs or alcohol, even on a single occasion, can provide them the information they need to identify what’s behind your anxiety, then create a plan to help resolve it.

Your provider can also devise a plan to help you deal with problematic substance use. If you have anaddiction to drugs, alcohol, or another substance—or this substance is negatively impacting your life in any way—talk to your physician or a mental health professional. Help is available and they can connect you to the resources you need for a successful recovery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

8 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Kmiec J.Substance induced disorders. The American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).

Mchugh RK.Treatment of co-occurring anxiety disorders and substance use disorders.Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2015;23(2):99-111. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000058

Kaplan K, Kurtz F, Serafini K.Substance-induced anxiety disorder after one dose of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine: a case report.J Med Case Rep. 2018;12(1):142. doi:10.1186/s13256-018-1670-7

Koychev I, Ebmeier KP.Anxiety in older adults often goes undiagnosed.Practitioner. 2016;260(1789):17-20,2-3.

American Psychological Association.Substance-induced anxiety disorder.

Koh KB.Approach to anxiety in the medically ill. In:Stress and Somatic Symptoms. 2018:195-205. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-02783-4_17

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