Addiction Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder An Anxiety Disorder Caused by Drugs, Medications, or Other Substances By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. Learn about our editorial process Updated on June 19, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Steven Gans, MD Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print skynesher / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Diagnosis Timeline Causes Getting Help Substance-induced anxiety disorder refers to increased anxiety caused by alcohol, drugs, or medications. While it is normal to have some feelings of anxiousness or panic during intoxication or withdrawal from alcohol or drugs, substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder causes significant distress or functional impairment. Unfortunately, the same drugs that many people use to boost their confidence, help them relax, or lower their inhibitions are the ones most prone to causing substance-induced anxiety disorder. In some cases, people don't realize that it is the substances that are causing anxiety because they only associate them with feeling good. The Most Important Thing to Know About Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder Several substances can increase anxiety levels, including illicit drugs, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and other substances.It is possible to develop substance-induced anxiety disorder after using a drug just one time. Diagnosis of Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder To be diagnosed with substance-induced anxiety disorder, the symptoms experienced must be causing a great deal of emotional upset or significantly affecting the person's life. This could include having a major impact on their work or social life, or another part of their life that is important. A healthcare provider will also check whether the anxiety was there prior to the use of alcohol, drugs, or medications. This is because there are several types of anxiety disorders and if the symptoms were there before the substance use, it suggests that another mental health disorder may be present. If anxiety symptoms continue for more than a month after the person abstains from alcohol, drugs, or medication, this also suggests an independent mental health issue. Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder Timeline In some cases, anxiety or panic can occur immediately after taking the drug, alcohol, or medication. Some people have even developed substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder after using a drug just one time. There is also a category of substance-induced anxiety disorder "with onset during intoxication." This means that the anxiety starts when the individual is drunk or high on the drug. Substance-induced anxiety can also occur during drug, alcohol, or medication withdrawal. During this time, symptoms of anxiety are common. When anxiety is a typical withdrawal symptom, feelings of anxiousness will generally resolve within a few days of discontinuing alcohol or drug use. But with substance-induced anxiety disorder, the panic and anxiety are sufficiently severe to warrant independent clinical attention. Causes of Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder Substances that can increase anxiety levels fall into three basic categories: drugs, medications, and other substances. Drugs A wide variety of drugs, both legal and illegal, can cause substance-induced anxiety, including: Alcohol Caffeine Cannabis Hallucinogenic drugs (LSD, PCP, ecstasy, etc.) Hypnotics Stimulants (amphetamines, cocaine, etc.) Tobacco Medications Several prescription and over-the-counter medications can also cause an increase in anxiety, including: Antihistamines Blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers and beta blockers) Corticosteroids Hypnotics Opioids Psychiatric medications (including antidepressants and anxiety medications) Sedatives Stimulants (i.e., attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications) Steroids Respiratory medications (i.e., bronchodilators and decongestants) Thyroid medications Other Substances Heavy metals and toxins can also cause clinically significant panic or anxiety symptoms. Some known offenders include carbon dioxide and volatile substances such as gasoline and paint. This list is not all-inclusive as other substances may cause a person to feel increased levels of anxiety. In some cases, the exact substance may be unknown. Getting Help for Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder If you feel like your anxiety is increasing and it could be due to a drug, medication, or other substance, contact your healthcare provider. They can help identify the cause of your anxiousness, either confirming or ruling out specific substances. If substance-induced anxiety disorder is diagnosed, creating a plan is the next step. The first step is typically to remove the substance that is causing the anxiety. Treatment may also include behavioral therapy and/or the taking of certain medications. Being honest with your healthcare provider about using drugs or alcohol, even on a single occasion, can provide them the information they need to identify what's behind your anxiety, then create a plan to help resolve it. Your provider can also devise a plan to help you deal with problematic substance use. If you have an addiction to drugs, alcohol, or another substance—or this substance is negatively impacting your life in any way—talk to your physician or a mental health professional. Help is available and they can connect you to the resources you need for a successful recovery. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. 8 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Kmiec J. Substance induced disorders. 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In: Stress and Somatic Symptoms. 2018:195-205. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-02783-4_17 By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit