Recovery is living a life where anxiety and addiction no longer have a strong, negative impact in your world. It is a huge commitment because Co-Occurring Disorders are pervasive and chronic. Recovery will encompass emotional, psychological, and behavioral changes.

If you are to have any chance of managing your symptoms for these disorders you will need to determine your level of preparedness. If you are just thinking about getting well then you may not be ready to enter into this process. Where you are in the stages of change has a great deal to do with your success. Decide where you are then determine where treatment should begin.

If you are homicidal, suicidal, or active in your addiction, then inpatient care may be required. For most Anxiety Disorders, outpatient treatment is the place to begin. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the primary modality used to treat anxiety though there are many options available. This form of therapy will address your thinking and the feelings generated by cognitive distortions.

Example: A. I am going on a first date. B. I feel terribly afraid. C. I think they will see me as strange. I might sweat or choke on my food. D. Maybe I'll take a Xanax. E. Challenge the thought: I am a nice person. I am interested in other people. I can dress lightly. I'll eat slowly. I can talk this over with my best friend and practice easy conversation. I'll do okay without the Xanax.

Therapy and practicing your coping skills ahead of time will help you manage your anxiety and addiction. It really is a process of learning what works for you and taking action. It helps to see your disorder as an issue to be resolved rather than signs that you are helpless, hopeless, and losing your mind.