Anxiety disorders are some of the most common co-occurring mental health disorders which accompany substance use disorders. Anxiety attacks can happen to those with anxiety disorders, as well as to those who are not diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. We all experience anxiety on certain levels. Anxiety attacks can be more common in early recovery as you learn to cope without drugs and alcohol.
Length Of Anxiety Attack
Anxiety attacks are not short and quick like a panic attack. A panic attack will rarely last more than 20-25 minutes. An anxiety attack, on the other hand, can last a few hours. One of the symptoms of anxiety is being unable to calm down. Meditation, breathing, or any exercise might full short during an intense anxiety attack. How long it takes for an anxiety attack to wear down depends on how attached to the fear of the moment the person becomes.
Can An Anxiety Attack Cause Harm?
Anxiety symptoms can feel overwhelming and even like they might kill you, but the probability is that they will not. Despite raised heart rate and stress, anxiety is more mental than it is physical.
What Exactly Is An Anxiety Attack?
Anxiety is a miscalculation of the fight or flight response. When emotions like fear and feelings of stress get too high it can cause anxiety. Once the anxious thoughts start cycling, it is hard to get them back under control.
Feeling Symptoms
- Overwhelming fear
- Loss of control
- Derealization/depersonalization
- Distress
- Very upset
- Not understanding what is going on
- Confusion
- Inconsolable
- Panic or terror
Physical Symptoms
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- About to pass out
- Shaking, trembling, sweating
- SHortness of breath
- Chest pains
- Hotness on the skin
- Pins and needles
- Numbness or tingling
- Closing of the throat
- Choking or being unable to breath
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- High heart rate