Specific Phobias & Addiction
Specific phobia is a type of anxiety where you react strongly and fearfully to a specific situation or object. You probably also feel that you shouldn’t be so afraid, but for some reason you seem unable control that fear or anxiety.
The specific phobia may be worse with the use of drugs or alcohol, or substance abuse may have been caused by trying to control the problem. This dual diagnosis of addiction and a specific phobia may seem overwhelming. You can recover!
Types of specific phobia
- Fear of animals or insects (animal phobias)
- Fear of flying, closed spaces, crowded places (situational phobias)
- Fear of heights, swimming pools, thunder (natural environmental phobias)
- Fear of seeing blood, going to the dentist, sharp objects (blood-injection-injury phobias)
- Unusual fears that don’t fit into the above categories, such as fear of germs or choking
Symptoms of specific phobias
- pounding heartbeat, nausea or diarrhea
- feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- trembling, shaking, and sweating
- sensation of overwhelming anxiety
You may also experience these symptoms in anticipation of an event. For example, you know you will be taking a walk with your family in the park later, and you know there will be dogs there.
The one thing phobias have in common is that they are usually debilitating and seem unreasonable to other people.
Recovery is possible, and we can help you. Our inpatient and outpatient services can provide rehabilitation for drugs and alcohol, while at the same time treating your specific phobia. There are many kinds of treatment, and we’ll help you find exactly the right combination to treat your dual diagnosis.
Co-occurring problems (those that are happening at the same time) are most successfully treated when addressed together. Only focusing on the addiction may lead to failure later, because the specific phobia is still overwhelming. Recovery is much more likely with dual diagnosis treatment.
Don’t wait. Call us. Recovery is a reality, not impossibility.
Common Disorders Co-occurring with Addiction
Other Resources on Co-occurring & Dual Diagnosed Disorders