Social phobia is an anxiety disorder that causes severe anxiety and nervousness in everyday social situations. Also called social anxiety disorder, this fear can be limited to a very specific type of social situation, such as being afraid to speak in front of a group, or it can cause anxiousness within any situation that occurs around other people.
Most people can feel nervous or anxious in some social situations. Those with social phobia have a persistent and chronic fear that they will be judged or watched by others. They worry they will do something or say something embarrassing and can feel anxious about an upcoming social event for weeks before the date. Social phobia can become so severe it affects work, family and the ability to maintain relationships. Although many people with social phobia realize their fears are escalated, they cannot overcome them.
Those with social phobia are two to three times more likely to develop a substance or alcohol abuse problem than those without a social phobia if people with social phobia drink or take drugs because they believe it lessens their anxiety. In fact, alcohol abuse can cause a heightened sense of anxiety, and some cases, a substance abuse problem can cause those with social phobia to feel anxious all or most of the time.
At Lakeview Health Systems, we understand the distinct circumstances that are involved with social phobia, and how social phobia can contribute to problems with drugs and alcohol. Call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-657-4357 for help with your social phobia.
Lakeview Health Systems offers a successful, state-of-the-art dual diagnosis program at our nationally-recognized Jacksonville, Florida rehab facility. Treatment for a co-occurring social phobia and substance abuse problems are customized for each individual client with therapy, medication, and family support programs to provide comprehensive care.
For more information on how to treat social phobia and a substance abuse problem, call us at 1-800-657-4357. All calls are toll-free and completely confidential.