Alcoholism and Anxiety Treatment in Spokane, Washington

By We Level Up WA | Author Leslie Lugo, MS, RPh, BCPP | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

Living with both alcohol use disorder and anxiety can feel like being caught in a relentless cycle. One condition feeds the other, making it increasingly difficult to break free without proper support. At We Level Up Washington, we understand this complex relationship and offer specialized treatment designed to address both conditions simultaneously.

Our integrated approach combines evidence-based therapies, medical expertise, and compassionate care to help you reclaim control of your life. Whether alcohol use developed as a way to manage anxiety symptoms, or anxiety emerged during alcohol use or withdrawal, our team is equipped to guide you through recovery.

Understanding Alcohol and Anxiety

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse consequences. It ranges from mild to severe, affecting approximately 28.9 million Americans aged 12 and older in 2023, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry that interferes with daily activities. They are the most common mental health condition in the U.S., affecting roughly 40 million adults, or about 19.1% of the population each year.

These conditions often develop a troubling relationship with each other:

• Many people with anxiety initially turn to alcohol for its temporary calming effects, not realizing they’re setting the stage for dependency
• Regular alcohol use alters brain chemistry, potentially worsening anxiety over time
• Alcohol withdrawal can trigger intense anxiety symptoms, creating a vicious cycle

When left untreated, this combination can lead to deteriorating physical health, strained relationships, employment difficulties, and financial problems. The good news? With proper treatment addressing both conditions simultaneously, recovery is possible.

End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.

Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.

Hotline: (509) 348-4077

Types of Anxiety Disorders Treated

At We Level Up Washington, we treat various anxiety disorders that commonly co-occur with alcohol use disorder:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves persistent, excessive worry about numerous aspects of life. People with GAD who use alcohol may find temporary relief, but alcohol ultimately worsens their baseline anxiety.

Social Anxiety Disorder causes intense fear of social situations and scrutiny. Many people with this condition use alcohol as “liquid courage,” potentially leading to dependency in social settings.

Panic Disorder features recurring panic attacks and fear of future attacks. Alcohol might temporarily dampen these feelings but can trigger panic attacks during withdrawal.

Specific Phobias involve intense fear of particular objects or situations. Alcohol might be used to face these fears, creating an unhealthy coping mechanism.

Our treatment programs address the unique challenges each anxiety disorder presents when combined with alcohol use, providing targeted interventions for lasting recovery.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Approach

Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a substance use disorder and a mental health condition, like alcohol use disorder and anxiety. Integrated treatment that addresses both issues results in better outcomes and an increased chance of success.

At We Level Up Washington, our dual diagnosis approach begins with comprehensive assessments conducted by our multidisciplinary team. These evaluations help us understand:

• The severity and specific characteristics of both conditions
• Which condition may have developed first
• How the conditions interact and influence each other
• Any additional health concerns or complications
• Your personal history, strengths, and support systems

Based on this thorough assessment, we develop an integrated treatment plan that addresses both conditions simultaneously. This is more than combining two separate treatment protocols. It’s a carefully coordinated approach where each intervention considers both conditions.

Our treatment team includes addiction specialists, psychiatrists, therapists, and medical professionals who collaborate closely on your care. This ensures that medication management, therapeutic approaches, and support services work together cohesively.

What makes our approach particularly effective is its personalization. We recognize that everyone’s experience with alcohol and anxiety is unique, requiring individualized care that adapts as you progress through recovery.

Evidence-Based Therapies for Alcohol and Anxiety

Our treatment programs incorporate proven therapeutic approaches that effectively address both alcohol use disorder and anxiety:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) stands as a cornerstone of our treatment approach. This structured therapy helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to both anxiety and alcohol use. Through CBT, you’ll develop healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies to manage triggers and cravings.

For example, you might learn to recognize catastrophic thinking (“I’ll never be able to handle social situations without drinking”) and replace it with a more balanced perspective (“I can learn new skills to manage social anxiety”).

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) builds emotional regulation skills particularly valuable for those who use alcohol to cope with overwhelming feelings. DBT teaches mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation—all critical skills for managing anxiety without alcohol.

Exposure Therapy helps reduce anxiety by gradually and safely exposing you to feared situations or triggers. For someone with social anxiety who drinks before social events, this might involve practicing social interactions without alcohol, with therapist support.

Group Therapy provides peer support and reduces isolation, common experiences with both conditions. In groups, you’ll connect with others facing similar challenges, share coping strategies, and build a recovery community.

Family Therapy recognizes that recovery happens within a social context. We work with family members to improve communication, establish healthy boundaries, and create a supportive home environment conducive to recovery.

These therapies are often enhanced with complementary approaches like mindfulness practices, stress management techniques, and lifestyle modifications that support overall mental health and sobriety.

Medical Detox and Withdrawal Management

For many individuals with alcohol use disorder, the recovery journey begins with detoxification—the process of safely clearing alcohol from the body. This critical first step requires medical supervision, as alcohol withdrawal can be not only uncomfortable but potentially dangerous.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 6-24 hours after the last drink and may include tremors, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, and sweating. More severe cases can involve hallucinations, seizures, or delirium tremens (DTs), a serious condition requiring immediate medical intervention.

For those with co-occurring anxiety disorders, withdrawal can be particularly challenging as anxiety symptoms often spike during this period. Our team is specifically trained to distinguish between withdrawal-induced anxiety and underlying anxiety disorders, providing appropriate interventions for both.

The detox process typically lasts 5-7 days, though this varies based on individual factors. Throughout this time, we begin introducing therapeutic elements that will continue through the next phase of treatment, creating a seamless transition to comprehensive care.

Inpatient Rehab for Alcohol and Anxiety

Following detox, many clients benefit from our inpatient rehabilitation program, a structured, immersive treatment experience designed to address both alcohol use disorder and anxiety comprehensively.

Inpatient treatment offers distinct advantages for those with co-occurring disorders:

• Removal from triggers and stressors that might contribute to both anxiety and drinking
• Round-the-clock support from professionals trained in dual diagnosis care
• Structured daily routines that promote stability and healthy habits
• Intensive therapy delivered in both individual and group settings
• Peer support from others who understand the challenges of recovery

At We Level Up Washington, our facility provides a calming, recovery-focused environment where you can fully concentrate on healing. Private and semi-private rooms offer comfortable spaces for rest and reflection, while communal areas foster connection and community.

Throughout your stay, our clinical team regularly assesses your progress and adjusts your treatment plan as needed. This responsive approach ensures that your care evolves as you develop new insights and skills.

Aftercare and Relapse Prevention

Recovery from co-occurring alcohol use disorder and anxiety extends well beyond initial treatment. That’s why we place significant emphasis on comprehensive aftercare planning and relapse prevention strategies.

We Level Up Washington’s alumni program provides ongoing connection to the recovery community through regular events, online forums, and volunteer opportunities. Many find that maintaining these connections significantly enhances long-term recovery success.

Family support remains crucial during this phase, and we continue to offer resources for loved ones to understand and support your recovery journey.

Why Choose We Level Up Washington?

Selecting the right treatment provider for co-occurring alcohol use disorder and anxiety is a crucial decision. We Level Up Washington stands apart through our:

Specialized Expertise: Our clinical team includes professionals specifically trained in dual diagnosis treatment, with extensive experience addressing the complex relationship between alcohol use and anxiety disorders.

Integrated Approach: Rather than treating these conditions separately, our programs seamlessly blend evidence-based interventions for both, recognizing how they influence each other.

Comprehensive Continuum of Care: From medically supervised detox through inpatient treatment and ongoing aftercare, we provide consistent, coordinated care throughout your recovery journey.

Holistic Focus: We address not just the symptoms but the whole person—including physical health, emotional well-being, social connections, and life skills development.

Modern, Comfortable Facilities: Our treatment center offers a peaceful, supportive environment conducive to healing, with amenities designed to reduce stress and promote well-being.

Individualized Treatment Plans: We recognize that everyone’s experience with alcohol and anxiety is unique, requiring personalized approaches rather than blanket solutions.

Recovery from co-occurring alcohol use disorder and anxiety is challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. With the right support and treatment approach, you can break free from this cycle and build a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Get Help Today

Taking the first step toward recovery can feel overwhelming, but our compassionate team is here to make the process as smooth as possible. When you contact We Level Up Washington, you’ll speak with an admissions coordinator who can help you take the first step.

All consultations are completely confidential, and there’s no obligation to commit to treatment. We understand that reaching out takes courage, and we honor that by providing clear information and support from your very first contact.

Don’t let alcohol and anxiety continue to control your life. Call our 24/7 helpline today at 509-348-4077 or complete our confidential online form to begin your journey toward healing.

Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up Treatment Center.

See our authentic success stories. Get inspired.
Get the help you deserve.

Hotline: (509) 348-4077