Alcohol and drug abuse is often associated with anxiety disorders, but which came first? A study of 34,653 adults followed for 3 years may help answer this question. Participants having anxiety disorder at the beginning of the study and self-medicated with alcohol and/or drugs, were 2.5 times as likely to develop alcohol abuse, and had a five fold risk of drug abuse problems within three years. These substances tend to weaken the ability to deal with life issues by making sound, reasonable choices–thus compounding stressful life situations.
PositiveTip: Suffering from anxiety and stress? Avoid self-medication, seek wise counsel and support from others, and choose to live a balanced, healthful lifestyle.