Alcohol Addiction & Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Understanding the Connection

Alcohol addiction can lead to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a mental health condition causing obsessive worrying and difficulties functioning in the classroom or workplace.

Alcohol Addiction

• Alcohol addicts are more vulnerable to GAD than others. According to WebMD, alcohol withdrawal may also cause GAD.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of GAD include worries and fears that disrupt your life---leading to sleeping difficulties, exhaustion and body aches, reports HelpGuide.org.

Diagnosis

• Patients must demonstrate symptoms of GAD for six months before doctors diagnose the condition, according to WebMD.

Treatment

• Psychiatrists and psychologists treat GAD with a combination of prescription medications, including relaxants such as benzodiazepines and anti-depressants, and behavioral therapy.

Other Causes

• Other environmental factors can trigger GAD, including traumatic events, such as divorces and change in location, reports WebMD. Additionally, genetics and brain chemistry play a role.