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Anxiety & Addiction: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment in Maryland
Struggling with anxiety and addiction at the same time can feel like being stuck in a loop that a person can’t break. Maybe the anxiety came first, and substances became a way to cope. Or maybe drug or alcohol use made someone’s anxiety worse over time.
However it started, anxiety and substance use often go hand in hand, and treating one without the other rarely works.
The Freedom Center specializes in anxiety and addiction treatment in Maryland, offering compassionate, dual-diagnosis care designed to help people heal both mentally and physically.
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Key Points
- Anxiety and addiction frequently co-occur, making dual-diagnosis treatment essential for long-term recovery.
- Untreated anxiety can fuel substance abuse, while drug and alcohol use can worsen anxiety symptoms.
- The Freedom Center provides integrated anxiety and addiction treatment in Maryland through evidence-based care.
- Treatment options include CBT, DBT, trauma-informed therapy, and psychiatric support for anxiety disorders.
- The programs offer flexible outpatient and residential care in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety isn’t just about feeling nervous before a big event—it’s a constant, sometimes crushing sense of worry that can shape how a person thinks, feels, and shows up in daily life. For many, it’s not just mental—it’s physical too: racing heart, trouble sleeping, tight chest, or that pit-in-the-stomach feeling that never quite fades. [1]
When anxiety and substance use collide, things can get even more complicated. People may turn to alcohol or drugs to take the edge off, only to find that the relief is temporary, and the fallout is worse. That’s where anxiety and addiction treatment in Maryland becomes so important.
The Freedom Center doesn’t treat anxiety or addiction in isolation. The dual diagnosis program includes mental health services and is built for people who feel like they’ve been carrying both for too long and are ready for real, sustainable change.
Addiction and Anxiety: A Complicated, Cyclical Relationship
Anxiety and addiction don’t just happen to coexist—they often feed off each other in a frustrating cycle. For many people, anxiety is the first thing that shows up: maybe it’s persistent worry, panic attacks, or constant overthinking. Drugs or alcohol might start as a way to take the edge off. Over time, what felt like relief becomes a crutch—and then a cage.
That’s why anxiety and substance abuse treatment needs to do more than address symptoms. It has to dig into what’s underneath.
Substance use may briefly numb anxiety, but it also rewires the brain’s natural stress responses and makes it harder to self-regulate without a substance in hand. This cycle—numbing, withdrawal, panic, using again—can make anxiety feel even worse in the long run.[2] The longer it goes untreated, the more difficult it becomes to separate one from the other.
At The Freedom Center, dual diagnosis anxiety and addiction treatment is built to break that cycle. The Freedom Center offers integrated care for mental health disorders that targets both the emotional overwhelm and the addiction it’s tied to, so a person can start to feel like themselves again, calmer, clearer, and actually in control.
Why an Integrated Anxiety Treatment Program Matters
When someone struggles with both anxiety and addiction, treating just one issue won’t lead to lasting recovery. That’s where dual diagnosis care comes in.
The Freedom Center’s team recognizes that anxiety and substance abuse treatment must be approached together because these challenges feed into each other.
While treating anxiety only after substance use is addressed was once the norm, this is no longer recognized as the best approach.[3] If only the addiction is treated, the underlying anxiety can worsen, pushing someone back toward substance use. That’s why integrated anxiety, mental health treatment, and addiction treatment in Maryland lead to better outcomes—it targets the whole picture, not just isolated symptoms.
Studies show that individuals in dual diagnosis programs have higher success rates than those getting treatment for addiction or anxiety alone.[4]
At The Freedom Center, a Maryland rehab for anxiety and substance use, clients receive personalized care that supports both mental health and recovery goals.
Whether it’s therapy treatment services, medication support, or community-based healing, the goal is the same: whole-person recovery that lasts and deals with mental health issues and drug addiction.
How Anxiety and Addiction Are Linked
Anxiety and addiction can go hand-in-hand, creating a cycle that’s hard to break without support. Many people with anxiety turn to substances—alcohol, marijuana, benzodiazepines, stimulants—to calm their nerves, quiet racing thoughts, or feel in control.
While these substances might offer short-term relief, they often make anxiety worse in the long run. This is the trap of self-medication: the more someone uses, the more dependent they become on the drug and the illusion of peace it provides.
Over time, this creates a loop: anxiety ➜ substance use ➜ short relief ➜ rebound anxiety ➜ more substance use. There’s also a neurological explanation. Substances can throw off the brain’s natural balance of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation.[5]
As those systems become more dysregulated, anxiety symptoms intensify, and the need to use increases. This is why co-occurring disorders require specialized care.
The Freedom Center understands the complex relationship between anxiety and addiction. This Maryland-based treatment center for anxiety and addiction focuses on untangling these issues at the root, so clients can heal, not just cope.
Who Needs Anxiety and Substance Abuse Treatment?
Not everyone with anxiety develops a substance use disorder, but when they do occur together, the need for integrated care becomes critical. Several risk factors make someone more likely to need anxiety and addiction treatment. These include a family history of mental illness or addiction, childhood trauma, chronic stress, or underlying conditions like depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.
So, how does someone know it’s time to get help at an addiction treatment center?
An individual might benefit from anxiety and substance abuse treatment if they:
- Feel constant or overwhelming worry that interferes with daily life
- Rely on alcohol, marijuana, or other substances to “take the edge off”
- Struggle with work, school, or relationships due to anxiety or substance use
- Keep relapsing when anxiety flares back up
- Feel emotionally numb, exhausted, or stuck in a pattern they can’t break[6]
The earlier someone gets support, the better. Seeking help before things spiral can lead to better outcomes, lower risk of long-term health problems, and a smoother recovery journey.
Treatment Options For Anxiety and Addiction
Compassionate, trauma-informed care for anxiety and addiction is available in Maryland through programs designed to meet individuals wherever they are in their recovery journey. The Freedom Center provides structured support that adapts to each person’s unique needs and challenges.
Residential Care in Buckeystown, MD
The residential program in Buckeystown offers a calm, structured space for those facing severe anxiety or substance use challenges. Around-the-clock care and small group sizes create a steady environment where people can feel safe, supported, and ready to begin real healing.
This type of care is especially appropriate for individuals whose anxiety or substance use has disrupted daily life or for those who may need more structure after outpatient treatment hasn’t been effective.
Residential programming includes:
- Evidence-based treatment with clinicians (CBT, DBT, trauma-informed counseling) [7]
- Medication-assisted treatment when appropriate
- Mindfulness and recreation-based activities to calm the nervous system
- A calm environment that minimizes common anxiety triggers
Whether someone’s been battling anxiety for years or it’s become unmanageable due to substance use, the residential program gives them the space and support to recover at their own pace.
Outpatient Care in Gaithersburg, MD
Not everyone requires 24/7 care to begin the healing process. At The Freedom Center, outpatient anxiety and addiction treatment offers structure and support while giving the flexibility to manage day-to-day life.
Three levels of outpatient care are available:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): A full-day program (5–6 hours per day) with intensive group therapy, individual therapy, and support while allowing clients to return home each evening.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): A step down from PHP, IOP meets several days a week for 3-hour sessions, making it ideal for individuals balancing treatment with work, school, or family life.
- General Outpatient (OP): Less frequent sessions focused on maintaining progress and managing symptoms of anxiety, ideal for those in later stages of recovery.
Outpatient behavioral health care allows individuals to continue treatment as their anxiety symptoms begin to stabilize, while staying connected to their home, support system, and responsibilities.
Whether someone is transitioning from residential treatment or starting fresh, The Freedom Center’s outpatient programs in Gaithersburg are designed to meet them where they are.
Therapy & Psychiatric Support
No two experiences with anxiety are the same, which is why personalized care matters. At The Freedom Center, a combination of evidence-based therapies and psychiatric support is used to create a treatment plan tailored to each person’s unique needs.
The center uses a range of therapeutic modalities, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe anxious thoughts and break patterns of avoidance
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Builds emotional regulation and distress tolerance
- Trauma-Focused Individual and Group Therapy: Addresses anxiety linked to past trauma or adverse experiences
Many clients also benefit from anxiety therapy focused on practical skills like deep breathing, progressive relaxation, grounding exercises, and learning how to manage panic symptoms.
When appropriate, The Freedom Center’s licensed providers may also recommend medication management for anxiety, such as SSRIs or other anti-anxiety medications, as part of a broader dual diagnosis treatment plan.
Every decision is made in collaboration with the individual to support both mental health and sustained recovery.
What to Expect During Treatment for Anxiety and Addiction In Maryland
When someone begins anxiety and addiction treatment in Maryland at The Freedom Center, the first step is a comprehensive assessment. The team takes the time to understand each individual’s history, symptoms, and goals, so they can create a care plan that works for them, not just on paper, but in real life.
Treatment focuses on:
- Dual diagnosis support: Addressing both the anxiety and substance use disorder at the same time
- Personalized care: A tailored approach that adjusts as individual needs evolve
- Evidence-based practices: Therapy, medication, and holistic techniques working together
- Family involvement: Education and sessions that help loved ones become part of the support system
Throughout the process, the Freedom Center team continues to reassess care to make sure it’s helping move the person forward. As anxiety symptoms improve and recovery deepens, they will shift the focus toward relapse prevention and preparing for life after treatment.
Life After Treatment — Continuing Support
Getting treatment is just one part of the journey. Staying connected to support and structure after discharge is what helps recovery last.
The Freedom Center provides a full range of aftercare options for anxiety and substance abuse treatment, starting the moment someone completes their program.
- Alumni support groups and recovery meetings to help them stay connected
- Ongoing outpatient therapy to maintain progress with anxiety symptoms
- Referrals to anxiety treatment centers across Maryland, if someone moves or needs a new level of care
- Whether it’s 12-step groups, sober living, or family support, the center will help each person stay grounded in recovery
They also help individuals develop a personalized maintenance plan following their time at the recovery center, which may include mindfulness exercises, stress management strategies, medication follow-up, and lifestyle tools that support long-term emotional well-being.
Long after treatment ends, the goal is to help each person feel more confident managing their anxiety, less dependent on substances, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges without going backward.
If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
Get Help Right Now at The Freedom Center
No matter what disorder you might be struggling with or how many, treatment is a possibility. If you are looking for treatment for yourself or a loved one, we at The Freedom Center can help. We offer multiple options that can include a dual diagnosis plan. Our medical team will make an assessment in order to design the perfect treatment plan for your needs.
We believe in using every tool possible to help you become addiction-free. Visit our website to learn more about our center, contact us today. We can discuss all of your questions and concerns so you can be sure you are making the best choice for yourself and for your treatment.
Editorial Guidelines at The Freedom Center
All content produced by The Freedom Center undergoes a detailed evaluation process to ensure accuracy and quality. We only work with medical professionals and individuals with extensive experience in the field, and all content produced undergoes a review process to ensure accuracy. Our goal is to be a reliable resource the recovery community can turn to for information they can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety and Addiction Treatment in Maryland
Dual diagnosis treatment means addressing both a mental condition, like anxiety, and a substance use disorder at the same time. The Freedom Center specializes in this approach because treating just one issue often isn’t enough. The integrated care model helps clients break the cycle of self-medication, offering real healing for both the mind and body.
[1] National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-c). Anxiety. https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html
[2] Sinha, R. (2008, October). Chronic stress, drug use, and vulnerability to addiction. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2732004/
[3][8] Nami, & Nami. (2024, May 31). Understanding dual diagnosis. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). https://www.nami.org/advocate/understanding-dual-diagnosis/
[4] Kelly, T. M., & Daley, D. C. (2013). Integrated treatment of substance use and psychiatric disorders. Social work in public health, 28(3-4), 388–406. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3753025/
[5] Davis, S., & Zhu, J. (2022). Substance abuse and neurotransmission. Advances in pharmacology (San Diego, Calif.). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9759822/
[6] Back, S. E., & Brady, K. T. (2008b). Anxiety Disorders with Comorbid Substance Use Disorders: Diagnostic and Treatment Considerations. Psychiatric Annals, 38(11). https://journals.healio.com/doi/10.3928/00485713-20081101-01
[7] Bandelow, B., Michaelis, S., & Wedekind, D. (2017). Treatment of anxiety disorders. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 19(2), 93–107. https://doi.org/10.31887/dcns.2017.19.2/bbandelow
