Anxiety Disorders Treatment in New York
Anxiety and substance use often develop together—people use alcohol or drugs to quiet the constant worry, only to find that substances make anxiety worse over time. If racing thoughts, panic attacks, or persistent worry have led you to self-medicate, New York offers specialized programs that treat both anxiety and addiction as connected issues.
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Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias. When you live with constant worry, physical tension, or fear of panic attacks, substances can seem like the only relief. Alcohol calms nerves. Benzodiazepines stop panic. Opioids create a peaceful numbness.
The problem? These substances work temporarily but create dependence and ultimately worsen anxiety. Alcohol withdrawal produces anxiety worse than before drinking. Benzodiazepine dependence leads to rebound panic. And the fear of running out of your substance of choice creates its own anxious spiral.
This is why people with anxiety disorders are at higher risk for substance use disorders—and why treating only the addiction often doesn't work. The anxiety returns, triggering relapse. Effective treatment addresses both the anxiety and the addiction together.
- Excessive worry that's hard to control
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Muscle tension
- Sleep difficulties
- Panic attacks
- Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
- Using alcohol or drugs to calm down
- Needing substances to face social situations
- Worsening anxiety during withdrawal
Treatment for anxiety with addiction focuses on giving you healthy tools to manage anxiety without substances. This typically includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is highly effective for both conditions. You'll learn to identify anxious thought patterns and develop coping strategies that don't involve substances.
Some people benefit from anti-anxiety medication that's non-addictive—options like SSRIs or buspirone can reduce anxiety without creating dependence. If you've been using benzodiazepines, medical supervision during withdrawal is essential since stopping abruptly can be dangerous.
The goal is to teach your nervous system that it can handle discomfort without chemical help. Techniques like mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, and exposure therapy build this capacity over time.
Treatment Options Available in NY:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Non-addictive anti-anxiety medications (SSRIs, buspirone)
- Medical detox for benzodiazepine dependence
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction
- Exposure therapy
- Group therapy for anxiety and addiction
New York's larger treatment centers often have specialized tracks for anxiety and addiction. NYC in particular has excellent access to dual diagnosis programs with anxiety expertise. The state's mental health parity laws ensure that anxiety treatment alongside addiction is covered by insurance.
Treatment Centers for Anxiety Disorders
OASAS-licensed facilities in New York
Hispanic Counseling Center Inc, located in Hempstead, NY, is dedicated to delivering outpatient substance use treatment along with specialized support for individuals facing both substance use issues and serious mental health conditions, including significant emotional disturbances. The center employs regular outpatient treatment methods that encompass anger management, brief intervention, and cognitive behavioral therapy. With customized programs designed for adolescents, adult men, and adult women, this facility caters to a wide variety of age groups and genders. Patients can look forward to receiving high-quality care paired with personalized treatment plans, all aimed at guiding them on their path to recovery.
Anxiety treatment with addiction care is covered by New York Medicaid and private insurance. Look for programs that offer psychiatric services and can provide appropriate medication management alongside addiction treatment.
Verify Your CoverageTell treatment programs about your anxiety symptoms and any history of benzodiazepine or alcohol use for anxiety. Ask about their experience treating anxiety disorders and whether they use evidence-based approaches like CBT.
Call for HelpEditorial Team
Healthcare Information SpecialistsMedical Training NYC
Last updated: January 9, 2026
Content Information
This content is compiled from official government sources including SAMHSA and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Our editorial team verifies facility licensing and updates information regularly.
Important: This is a directory service providing information only. We do not provide medical advice or treatment recommendations. Always consult with healthcare professionals before making treatment decisions.
If you're experiencing a medical emergency:
- ADAA - Understanding Anxiety — View source (Accessed December 2025)
- NIMH - Anxiety Disorders — View source (Accessed December 2025)
- SAMHSA — View source (Accessed December 2025)