Understanding High-Functioning Anxiety and Addiction Among Students
It’s true that anxiety disorders are prevalent among students – not just in Houston, Texas, but around the United States of America. When coupled with addiction issues, these disorders can pose serious health challenges to our students’ well-being.
In the Greater Houston Area, the struggle with high-functioning anxiety among students with addiction problems has been a pressing concern in recent years.
This article from our team of experts at Skyward Treatment aims to shed light on this issue by exploring what high-functioning anxiety is, how it differs from general anxiety, its diagnosis, symptoms, and the link between high-functioning anxiety and addiction.
Worry not for there is hope if you feel like you or someone you love has been suffering from these disorders – read on to learn more about these concerns.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural response to stress and can manifest as feelings of fear, apprehension, and unease. It’s a common emotion experienced by people of all ages, including students.
In a moderate form, anxiety can be beneficial, motivating individuals to perform at their best. However, anxiety can negatively impact one’s life when it becomes chronic and overwhelming.
Unmasking High-Functioning Anxiety
When it comes to high-functioning anxiety, we have to understand that this is a subtype of anxiety disorder where individuals outwardly appear to be managing their lives well while secretly battling anxiety on the inside.
Students with high-functioning anxiety may excel academically, participate in extracurricular activities, and maintain social lives, all while dealing with persistent anxious thoughts and worries. This is something that we have to watch out for.
Comparing Anxiety Types
The key difference between anxiety and high-functioning anxiety lies in how it manifests.
Know that general anxiety often interferes with daily functioning and is readily apparent to those around the individual. In contrast, high-functioning anxiety is characterized by the ability to maintain high levels of productivity and performance despite internal emotional turmoil.
These conditions can be challenging to identify, as individuals suffering from these conditions often mask their symptoms effectively.
Diagnosing High-Functioning Anxiety
In Houston, diagnosing high-functioning anxiety typically requires a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
They will use various assessment tools and conduct interviews to determine if an individual meets the criteria for this particular subtype of anxiety. This process also helps with differentiating high-functioning anxiety from other anxiety disorders or co-occurring conditions, such as substance use disorder or “addiction.”
Recognizing the Symptoms
While high-functioning anxiety may not be readily apparent, there are common symptoms that you can look out for, like the following:
Perfectionism
Individuals with high-functioning anxiety often have high standards for themselves and are driven by a fear of failure.
Overthinking
They tend to obsessively analyze situations and worry about the future.
Avoidance
Individuals may avoid situations that trigger their anxiety or use substances like drugs and alcohol in order to cope.
Masking
Know that high-functioning anxiety often involves putting on a facade of confidence and composure while also feeling anxious internally.
Physical Symptoms
Anxiety can manifest physically with symptoms like tension, restlessness, insomnia, and for some, even panic attacks.
Anxiety’s Connection to Addiction
Students with high-functioning anxiety may turn to addictive substances as a way to self-medicate and manage their symptoms. Alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications can temporarily numb the overwhelming anxiety, offering a sense of “relief.”
However, over time, this can lead to a dangerous cycle of addiction, as individuals become reliant on these substances to cope with their anxiety.
We have to remember that this link between high-functioning anxiety and addiction underscores the need for comprehensive treatment like Drug Addiction Treatment, Alcohol Addiction Treatment, and even Psychiatry for Addiction Treatment at reputable luxury rehabilitation facilities like ours at Skyward Treatment near Houston, Texas.
Recovery and Support at Skyward Treatment
Here at Skyward Treatment, we offer a multidisciplinary approach to address high-functioning anxiety and addiction in students. Alongside our Drug Addiction Treatment, Alcohol Addiction Treatment, and Psychiatry for Addiction Treatment, we also offer substance-based addiction treatments that personally cater to each individual’s unique needs.
Our patients can also benefit from our customized treatment plans, therapeutic interventions, dual diagnosis expertise, and supportive community, as well as our aftercare and relapse prevention plans. These are all vital to ensure a patient’s long-term sobriety.
So remember, if you have been struggling with high-functioning anxiety and addiction, know that it’s always crucial to seek help from those who understand these complex issues.
Don’t let anxiety and addiction hold you back – call us now at Skyward Treatment to get started.