Panic Attacks Caused by Addiction

For many people living with drug or alcohol addiction, panic attacks are a regular and deeply unsettling part of daily life. They can creep in slowly or slam you without warning, leaving you panicked, scared and even worried that you’re having a stroke or a heart attack. The relationship between addiction and panic attacks is complicated, but it is very real and surprisingly common. Understanding this link and how to break it is incredibly important for protecting yourself now while working towards lasting recovery.

man-having-panic-attack

What are panic attacks?

Panic attacks are intense episodes of fear or anxiety that can hit without warning and leave you feeling completely out of control, both physically and emotionally. In fact, panic attack symptoms can be so overwhelming that many people believe they are having a heart attack or some other life-threatening emergency.

During a panic attack, your body activates its emergency system, often called the fight-or-flight response. And yet, it is very common to have no idea where the panic attack has come from. Episodes usually peak within ten to twenty minutes but the effects can last much longer with many people feeling drained, anxious or spaced out for hours afterwards.

Panic attacks can be triggered by a number of things, including stress, trauma, hormonal changes or underlying anxiety conditions. They can also be linked to substance use, withdrawal or the long-term effects of addiction, which can leave your nervous system raw and hyperreactive.

How does addiction cause panic attacks?

Substance use can have a huge impact on your mental health, and panic attacks are one of the most intense symptoms people face during or after alcohol or drug addiction. For some people, panic attacks are a side effect of the substances themselves, but for others, panic attack symptoms hit during withdrawal or continue well into recovery.

Stimulants like cocaine, meth and cannabis can overstimulate your brain and nervous system while other drugs like heroin and opioids impact the brain chemicals that regulate fear, stress and mood. When these systems and chemicals are affected, your body can go into crisis mode, resulting in a drug-induced panic attack with scary symptoms like heart palpitations, chest tightness and rapid breathing.

Alcoholism panic attacks are also common, especially in people who drink heavily to sleep or to cope with anxiety. Alcohol numbs feelings in the short term, but with long-term heavy drinking, it can dramatically alter your brain chemistry. This can cause intense alcohol mood swings and sudden panic episodes, especially late at night, first thing in the morning or during withdrawal.

Even in recovery, many people still experience panic attack symptoms as emotions can become overwhelming without the buffer of drugs and alcohol. However, this is part of the healing process, and the right support in rehab treatment can help you manage anything that comes your way.

What are some common symptoms of a panic attack to look out for?

Panic attacks don’t always look how you might expect, and you may not be able to tell what’s happening inside. Not everyone having a panic attack is visibly distressed, but here are some physical panic attack symptoms to look out for:

A racing heartbeat

This is often the first sign of a panic attack, and it can also be one of the scariest, as you might think you are about to have a heart attack. It can be caused by the chemical effects of drugs, a spike in adrenaline or some psychological reaction to substances or the stress of addiction.

Sweating

When your body thinks it’s in danger, your automatic stress responses kick in, and your body starts producing sweat. This can be because drugs have overwhelmed your systems, you are experiencing addiction-related stress or anxiety because of addiction, or you’re going through withdrawal.

Chills

Chills during alcohol or drug-induced panic attacks can feel like your whole body has gone cold. They often come straight after sweating with blood flow shifting rapidly to your limbs, which can become numb, weak and develop goosebumps.

Trembling

Trembling can be a slight tremor in your fingers or more severe shakes throughout your whole body. It is often down to adrenaline and it will usually pass once you are able to calm down.

Shortness of breath

This can be very scary, as it can feel like you are suffocating and can cause some people to hyperventilate. The fear can then make panic attacks worse and often requires support to help you through it until you can breathe normally again.

Numbness in hands

As your breathing changes, blood flow shifts and your hands or fingers might go numb, cold, tingly or feel like they’re not quite part of your body anymore. It’s unsettling but harmless and usually fades once your breathing steadies.

Chest pains

This is the symptom that sends a lot of people to the hospital. The pain can feel sharp, crushing, or like something is sitting on your chest. In many cases, it mimics heart attack symptoms, but panic attack chest pain is caused by muscle tension and shallow breathing, not a failing heart.

Nausea

When panic attacks hit, your stomach can also react negatively. You may feel like you’re going to be sick, get cramps or feel bloated and queasy. Sometimes the nausea is worse than the panic itself and can last for hours.

Can panic attacks be dangerous if left unaddressed?

Even though they feel like an emergency, drug or alcohol panic attacks themselves aren’t physically dangerous, they can mimic all the symptoms of a heart attack, stroke or respiratory emergency, but once they pass, you should be physically fine.

However, living in constant fear of panic attacks can be very tough mentally and emotionally. You might stop going out or avoid any place where you think an attack could happen. It’s exhausting to live like that and can slowly chip away at your confidence, causing a complete lack of motivation.

For people in addiction or recovery, panic attacks can be especially risky. You might increase your drug or alcohol use just to avoid feeling that way again, only for a panic attack to push you closer to relapse. Panic attacks also often point to deeper issues like trauma or chronic anxiety from long-term substance use, which need to be addressed effectively during rehab.

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What should I do if I or a loved one is experiencing panic attacks caused by addiction?

Addiction Helper knows how scary alcohol and drug-induced panic attacks can be. The symptoms can be frighteningly similar to life-threatening conditions, and the constant fear of the next attack can make daily life a struggle. Getting effective treatment and support for the underlying substance abuse issues can make all the difference. Contact us today for free expert advice and some much-needed relief and reassurance.

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Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Panic attack vs anxiety attack: What is the difference?

Panic attacks are typically sudden and intense, often with physical symptoms like a racing heart or breathlessness. Anxiety attacks tend to build slowly and are more about ongoing worry or fear. While the terms are often used interchangeably, panic attacks usually feel more extreme and come on without warning. If your symptoms feel sharp, fast and overwhelming, it is likely a panic attack.

How can I manage a panic attack if I start to have one?

Panic attacks are frightening, but there are ways to manage and even resolve an attack more quickly. First, focus on slowing your breathing and breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Remind yourself that it’s a panic attack and that you’re not in real danger. Try grounding techniques like naming things you can see or feel. If possible, sit somewhere calm and say to yourself, “This will pass”, as it is often easier to see it through than to try to fight against it.

How can I help someone if I see them having a panic attack?

It can be scary seeing someone you love having a panic attack, but it is crucial that you stay calm, speak gently and let them know they’re safe. Try to help them breathe slowly or get them to focus on one thing around them. Avoid saying something like “calm down” and instead, say simple, reassuring things like “I’m here with you.” After the panic attack passes, offer them support, but don’t push it. Remember, just you being there can make a huge difference.