When you have anxiety, drugs and alcohol can feel like simple escapes from the stress you face. But, once they wear off, substances can make anxiety worse—and they can quickly lead to addiction. There's a different way forward. Treatment for addiction and co-occurring anxiety at Sheridan Grove Recovery can help you stop using substances and manage your mental health without using substances to cope. We accept Colorado Medicaid at our center in Aurora so you can get the help you need.
Understanding co-occurring anxiety and addiction
Having both an anxiety disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time is called co-occurring disorders or a dual diagnosis. It's probably more common than you think. Most people with addiction have a mental health condition, and according to one study, around 18% had an anxiety disorder. A dual diagnosis requires specialized, compassionate care.
How anxiety and substance use are connected
For many people with anxiety, using alcohol or drugs starts as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings. The intense discomfort they face—racing thoughts, a pounding heart, persistent dread, or even just emotional numbness—can lead someone to self-medicate for temporary relief. While a substance might briefly quiet anxiety symptoms, it often makes it worse over the long term.
When drugs or alcohol wear off, people can experience "rebound anxiety," which is often more intense than before. This creates a difficult cycle where a higher dose is needed to find relief again. Over time, the brain can become dependent on the substance, leading to addiction.
Signs of co-occurring anxiety and addiction
Symptoms of anxiety and the effects of substance use overlap, which can make it hard to recognize when someone is struggling with a co-occurring disorder. These are some common signs that you or a loved one might be struggling with both:
- Using alcohol or drugs to manage feelings of worry, panic, or fear
- Relying on substances to feel comfortable in social situations
- Feeling a surge of anxiety, irritability, or panic as the effects of a substance wear off
- Struggling with work, school, or family obligations due to anxiety and substance use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms that include heightened anxiety, restlessness, or even panic attacks
- Needing more of a substance to achieve the same anxiety-relieving effect
You're not alone. Our team in Aurora is ready to help.
Why integrated anxiety treatment is essential for a dual diagnosis
Integrated treatment is now the gold-standard approach when it comes to treating addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. Addressing both conditions at the same time, in the same place, and by the same clinical team leads to better outcomes. That means you have a better chance of reducing substance use, improving your mental health, and building a strong foundation for lifelong recovery.
Separate care, where you might get sober first or try to manage anxiety on its own is likely less effective. Getting sober without learning to manage anxiety raises your risk of relapse the next time you face a distressing challenge. Just trying to ease your stress without getting sober can make your substance use worse, which can make your anxiety harder to handle.
Our approach to co-occurring anxiety treatment
At Sheridan Grove Recovery, our entire program is based on integrated, person-centered care. We'll take time to get to know and respect your unique story so we can support you with dignity and respect. Here's how it works:
Comprehensive evaluation:
Your journey starts with a thorough and compassionate assessment. We take the time to listen and understand your history, symptoms, and personal goals for recovery.
Personalized care planning:
We'll partner with you to create a tailored treatment plan. This plan is your roadmap, and you are an active partner in creating and evolving it.
Medication management:
If appropriate, our on-site psychiatric team can prescribe and manage non-addictive medications to help stabilize your anxiety symptoms, allowing you to engage more fully in the therapeutic process.
Individual and group therapy:
You will participate in evidence-based therapies that address the thoughts and behaviors behind both anxiety and addiction.
Stress management skills:
We teach you practical, real-world skills for managing stress, regulating your emotions, and building resilience for the challenges of daily life.
Integrated relapse prevention and aftercare:
Our strategies equip you to handle triggers for both anxiety and substance use, helping you move forward with confidence.
Therapies and skills for lasting change
Our co-occurring anxiety treatment program uses evidence-based therapies to teach you skills so you can manage your anxiety and maintain your recovery long after you leave our care.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Learn to identify, challenge, and reframe the unhelpful thinking patterns that fuel both anxiety and the urge to use substances.
- Motivational interviewing (MI): Connect with your own internal motivation for change so you can take ownership of your recovery.
- Distress tolerance skills: Build your ability to navigate overwhelming emotions and intense cravings without turning to substances for relief.
- Interpersonal skills: Practice healthier communication habits to build and repair relationships that may have been affected by addiction and anxiety.
- Relapse prevention planning: Develop a specific, actionable plan to identify and cope with triggers for both conditions, preparing you for success outside of treatment.
What to expect on your healing journey
Seeking treatment can feel overwhelming. When you come to Sheridan Grove Recovery, you'll find a team that's by your side every step of the way, offering compassionate guidance and support.
A clear path to care
Your journey begins with a simple, confidential phone call to our admissions team. We'll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you verify your insurance benefits—including Colorado Medicaid plans. You may start with medically supervised detox, where our team will help you manage withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably. From there, you'll likely transition to our residential program, which provides an immersive, therapeutic environment where you can focus completely on your healing.
Your multidisciplinary team
During your stay, you'll be supported by a dedicated team of professionals who collaborate on your care. This includes your primary therapist, psychiatric providers, registered nurses, and case managers, all working together to support you. From your first day, we focus on your future success. We'll create an aftercare plan with you to make sure you have a smooth transition back to your life, so you know what steps you need to take next.
Find your path to peace with anxiety treatment in Aurora
Lasting recovery from addiction is possible, even when complicated by ADHD. It begins with compassionate, expert care that treats you as a whole person. Your healing journey deserves care you can count on. Whether you’re ready to begin treatment or just have a few questions, our team is here to help 24/7. Contact Sheridan Grove Recovery today and take the first step toward a clearer, more stable future.
Frequently asked questions
Integrated treatment addresses both your addiction and anxiety in a coordinated way. Instead of treating them as separate issues, your therapy, medication, and wellness activities are all designed to support whole-person healing.
Yes. Our on-site psychiatric team can conduct a full evaluation and, if appropriate, prescribe and manage non-addictive medications to help control your anxiety symptoms as part of your comprehensive treatment plan.
The length of your stay is not a one-size-fits-all timeline. It is personalized based on your unique clinical needs and the progress you make toward your recovery goals. Many people spend around 28 days in our residential program.
