Panic Disorder Treatment in Mississippi

Recognizing the Roots of Panic Disorder and Addiction

Panic disorder often begins quietly, sometimes with a single overwhelming panic attack that seems to come out of nowhere. For many, it starts in early adulthood, during periods of heightened stress, trauma, or major life transitions. What may initially feel like an isolated episode of anxiety can quickly escalate into recurring panic attacks that disrupt daily life, relationships, and emotional well-being.

According to research from EBSCO, panic disorder affects approximately 2 to 3 percent of the U.S. population each year, with women being affected more often than men. The condition most commonly emerges in early adulthood, a time when many people are facing significant emotional and environmental stressors for the first time.

Often, individuals don’t recognize the early signs, or they mistake their symptoms for something physical, like a heart issue. Because the fear of having another attack becomes so consuming, many people begin to avoid certain places, situations, or activities. And when the anxiety becomes too intense to manage, some turn to substances in an attempt to dull the fear or regain a sense of control.

At Extra Mile Recovery, we understand how panic can take root and grow into something life-altering, and how quickly substance use can become part of the equation. That’s why our panic disorder treatment in Mississippi is designed to meet people exactly where they are, providing dual diagnosis support for both panic disorder and substance abuse.

Panic Attacks vs Panic Disorder

Many people experience a panic attack at some point, but that doesn’t always mean they have panic disorder. A panic attack is a sudden, intense episode of fear or discomfort that usually passes within minutes. While frightening, occasional panic attacks are common and often triggered by stress or trauma.

Panic disorder, however, involves repeated, unexpected panic attacks along with ongoing fear about when the next one will happen. This constant anxiety can interfere with daily life and often leads people to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Understanding the difference between panic attacks vs panic disorder is key to getting the right treatment. At Extra Mile Recovery, we’re here to help you navigate both.

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How Panic Disorder and Substance Abuse Are Diagnosed as a Dual Diagnosis

When someone is living with both panic disorder and substance use issues, these conditions often overlap in complex ways, making it difficult to tell where one ends and the other begins. That’s exactly why dual diagnosis exists: to identify and treat both the mental health disorder and the addiction together, in a way that fully supports lasting recovery.

In our panic disorder treatment in Mississippi, our clinical team uses a comprehensive assessment process to determine whether a dual diagnosis is present. This process includes:

• A full mental health evaluation to identify symptoms of panic disorder, including the frequency, severity, and triggers of panic attacks
• A substance use history to explore patterns, frequency, and types of substances used
• A medical evaluation to rule out physical health issues that may mimic panic symptoms
• Discussions about personal history, trauma, life stressors, and past treatment experiences
• Input from family or loved ones (when appropriate) to understand the broader picture

To receive a dual diagnosis involving panic disorder and substance abuse, both conditions must meet clinical criteria. That means the panic symptoms are not simply caused by drug use, and the substance use is not just a reaction to occasional anxiety. Both are persistent, diagnosable conditions that affect a person’s ability to function.

Importantly, dual diagnosis is not a label; it’s a starting point for more effective treatment for panic disorder in Mississippi. It enables us to create a care plan that encompasses the full scope of what someone is facing, without judgment, and with a focus on genuine healing.

If you’re unsure whether you or a loved one may be dealing with panic disorder and substance abuse, know that you’re not alone, and you’re not expected to figure it out by yourself. Our admissions and clinical team are here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you take that first brave step toward recovery.

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