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Relapse among alcoholics with phobic and panic symptoms
L P LaBounty1, D Hatsukami, S F Morgan
1Macalester College, University of Minnesota, Department of Psychology, St. Paul 55105.
Addictive Behaviors
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Alcoholics with anxiety symptoms, like phobias or panic, were studied. While relapse rates were similar, anxious individuals more often relapsed to cope with depression and reported increased posttreatment nervousness and anger.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Co-occurring anxiety disorders and substance use disorders are common.
- Anxiety symptoms can complicate alcohol dependence treatment.
- Understanding the impact of anxiety on recovery is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare relapse rates and emotional problems in alcoholics with and without anxiety symptoms.
- To identify specific reasons for relapse among anxious alcoholic individuals.
- To inform treatment strategies for comorbid anxiety and alcohol use disorders.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 35 alcohol-dependent individuals with anxiety symptoms (phobia, panic) was compared to matched controls without anxiety problems.
- Relapse rates, reasons for relapse, and emotional difficulties were assessed at six months posttreatment.
- Statistical comparisons were made between the anxiety problem group and the control group.
Main Results:
- Overall relapse rates did not differ significantly between the anxiety problem group and the control group.
- Alcoholics with anxiety symptoms were significantly more likely to report relapsing as a coping mechanism for depression.
- The anxiety problem group reported higher rates of posttreatment nervousness, tension, and anger.
Conclusions:
- Anxiety symptoms in alcoholics do not necessarily increase overall relapse rates but influence relapse reasons and emotional sequelae.
- Treatment for alcohol dependence should address underlying anxiety, depression, and associated emotional dysregulation.
- Further research is needed to develop targeted interventions for anxious individuals with alcohol use disorders.
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