When dealing with a panic disorder accompanied by substance abuse issues many challenges arise. The professionals at Northbound Treatment Services are experienced in assisting clients in the battle of overcoming their panic disorders and addiction in Orange County. The proper and effective treatment of panic disorders requires that the clinical team recognize both the severity of the disorder and the need for an individualized and advanced approach.
Scientists don’t know for sure why some people with an anxiety disorder have panic attacks while others don’t. By staying on the cutting edge of research about the areas of the brain that relate to fear and anxiety, clinicians at Northbound Treatment Services are able to create anxiety and panic disorder treatment plans with a higher chance of sustained long-term success.
For example, as new research explores the ways in which stress and environmental factors play a role in panic attacks, Northbound is always prepared to incorporate these new findings into our treatment process.
It’s important for individuals and their families to recognize that a panic attack is symptomatic of a serious medical condition. Attacks can happen anytime, anywhere and without warning. Eventually, if the attacks become more frequent or severe, the individual may dread another attack and may avoid places where they have had an attack. For some people, that fear takes over their lives and they cannot leave their homes.
A Panic Disorder Case Study
One Northbound client was a young man who became dependent upon benzodiazepines. He shared the way in which his addiction led to a panic disorder:
“I was a truck driver and hurt my back. I guess I developed PTSD, which got me started on Klonopin. Then I switched to Lorazepam. Then I graduated to taking five Xanax a day. I got sick of living like a zombie and cut down to two pills a day and then I stopped cold turkey. The panic attacks started while I was kicking benzos. Pretty soon, all I did was sit at home and drink.”
Signs and Symptoms of Panic Disorder
A panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. Panic attacks, which are sudden feelings of terror for no reason, often have physical symptoms as well, including:
- Fast heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulty
- Dizziness
Though panic attacks are both frightening and debilitating. The good news is that most people are able to get better via North bound’s panic disorder treatment center in Orange County. We specialize in treating different types of panic disorders and have successfully helped hundreds of clients who were experiencing panic attacks.
The first thing our therapists do is help the individual learn to recognize the onset of a panic attack and change thinking patterns in time to avert it. Of course, we recognize that panic attacks often strike without warning. Therefore, once past this initial recognition and coping step, our therapy goes on to explore much more than just thinking patterns.
Medication
Though we try to explore non-medication treatments whenever possible, the effective treatment of panic disorders may require a doctor to prescribe anti-anxiety medication and/or antidepressants. The numerous types of anti-anxiety medications are powerful and often begin working right away, but they should never be taken for long periods of time or when not medically necessary.
Though known as an effective treatment for depressive disorders, Antidepressants also help with treating panic disorders. They are much less likely to be abused and often take several weeks to start working. It should be warned that some antidepressants can cause side effects like headaches, nausea, or insomnia. While unpleasant, the side effects are mild and usually not a significant problem. In addition, Northbound’s focus on the strong fellowship of the 12-steps, with its proven effectiveness in providing relief from anxiety and panic attacks, is another tool that helps the individual find new strength and healing.
Turning It Over
Genuine relief comes from letting go of your worries and turning them over to a higher power. Relief also comes from putting things into perspective and living in the moment. This is at the heart of freeing yourself from worrying about the unknown.
At Northbound Treatment Services, our comprehensive approach lays the groundwork for healing the mind, body, and spirit. Each client is treated as an individual with his or her own unique and customized plan for growth and lasting recovery. In our compassionate and nurturing environment, clients are able to develop strong relationships and therapeutic alliances with our highly trained staff.
Get Treatment for Panic Disorder at Northbound
Northbound’s skilled and experienced clinical staff sets up a map for each client’s personal recovery. This client-centered approach creates the comfort and safety necessary for true healing and a full and sober life.
