Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment

Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, can be incredibly isolating. Everyday interactions may feel daunting, leading to avoidance and missed opportunities. But there is hope.

At The Raleigh House, we offer compassionate, personalized social anxiety disorder treatment to help you manage symptoms, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with the world around you.

We understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with social anxiety disorder and substance use disorder. Our holistic treatment approach addresses both conditions, providing the support and guidance needed for your recovery journey.

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is more than just shyness. It’s an intense fear of social situations where others might judge or scrutinize you.

While everyone feels nervous occasionally, like before a presentation or speech, SAD involves disproportionate anxiety that can lead to avoidance of social interactions, isolation, and sometimes even substance misuse as a coping mechanism. This fear can be so overwhelming that it significantly impacts daily life. In fact, approximately 15 million adults in the U.S. experience SAD each year.

At The Raleigh House, we approach anxiety treatment with deep compassion and understanding, recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals with social anxiety disorder and substance use disorder. We provide in-depth clinical support, ensuring clients receive the care and guidance necessary for their recovery journey.

Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Anxiety disorders come in various forms, each with their own distinct symptoms and challenges. Below is an overview of the most common types of anxiety disorders:

Social anxiety disorder can severely impact daily life, making it difficult to:

Attend work or school
Participate in social gatherings
Use public spaces like restrooms or public transportation
Speak in meetings or public settings
Build and maintain relationships

This overwhelming fear of judgment or embarrassment can lead to:

Isolation: Avoiding social situations can cause loneliness and disconnection.
Damaged Relationships: Struggles with communication can strain friendships and family bonds.
Career Setbacks: Fear of interacting with others can hinder professional growth and opportunities.
Low Self-Esteem: Constant self-criticism can erode confidence and self-worth.
Depression: Ongoing isolation and anxiety often contribute to feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

While physical symptoms like a racing heart, trembling, and shortness of breath are common, the emotional and social impact can often feel overwhelming.

At The Raleigh House, we offer personalized, evidence-based treatment to help you manage social anxiety, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with the world around you.

Causes and Risk Factors

Addiction and co-occurring social anxiety disorder often stem from a combination of the following factors:

Heredity: Genetic predisposition can make some individuals more susceptible to addiction and anxiety disorders.
Environment: Environmental influences, such as stress, trauma, or exposure to substance use, can also contribute to the development of symptoms.
Psychology: Psychologically, individuals with social anxiety disorder may turn to substances as a coping mechanism to alleviate their anxiety symptoms, leading to a cycle of dependence and addiction.

Addiction and Social Anxiety Disorder

Risk factors for co-occurring social anxiety and substance use disorder include having a family history of addiction, experiencing childhood trauma, and having a job or lifestyle where interactions with the public are necessary.

Diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder include several key components:

Constant Anxiety, Fear, or Dread
Individuals with social anxiety disorder experience persistent anxiety, fear, or dread related to specific social situations. This anxiety is often centered around potential negative experiences, embarrassment, or humiliation.

Intense Anxiety During Social Interactions
Individuals with social anxiety disorder experience persistent anxiety, fear, or dread related to specific social situations. This anxiety is often centered around potential negative experiences, embarrassment, or humiliation.

Avoidance of Social Situations
A hallmark of social anxiety disorder is the avoidance of social situations that trigger anxiety. This avoidance can be so severe that it significantly impairs the individual’s daily functioning and quality of life.

Disproportionate Anxiety
The anxiety experienced is disproportionate to the actual threat posed by the social situation. For example, the fear of public speaking might be overwhelming, even though the situation itself does not warrant such a high level of anxiety.

Not Related to Medical Conditions, Medications, or Substances
The anxiety and fear must not be attributable to the physiological effects of a medical condition, medication, or substance use. This ensures that the diagnosis is specific to social anxiety disorder and not a result of other factors.

These criteria help clinicians accurately diagnose social anxiety disorder and differentiate it from normal nervousness or anxiety that might arise in social situations. The DSM-5 criteria emphasize that the anxiety and avoidance behaviors must be persistent, typically lasting for six months or more, and cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Addiction and Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment Options

Fortunately, there are effective treatment protocols available that can help individuals manage their social phobia and improve their ability to engage in social situations while addressing co-occurring addiction.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized and effective treatment for both social anxiety disorder and addiction. CBT focuses on identifying and altering harmful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to anxiety and substance misuse.

Supervised Medication-Assisted Treatment

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of social anxiety disorder and co-occurring addiction.

For many individuals, a combination of CBT and medication-assisted addiction and social phobia treatment can be the most effective approach. CBT helps address the underlying cognitive and behavioral patterns contributing to anxiety and addiction. At the same time, medication can relieve acute symptoms and make it easier for individuals to engage in therapy.

Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder at The Raleigh House

Living with social anxiety can feel overwhelming and isolating, making even simple interactions seem impossible. You may avoid opportunities, relationships, and experiences out of fear of judgment or embarrassment—but you don’t have to face this alone.

At The Raleigh House, we offer compassionate, personalized care to help you overcome social anxiety.

Our holistic treatment approach blends evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and EMDR with wellness practices such as nutrition therapy, acupuncture, and our infrared sauna to support healing in the mind and body.

You deserve a life filled with confidence, connection, and purpose. Let us help you take the first step toward lasting relief.

Choose one of our locations below:

The Ranch at The Raleigh House: Nestled in a tranquil, bucolic ranch in the serene Colorado countryside, The Raleigh House provides a peaceful and supportive environment for recovery. The treatment approach is holistic, focusing on the underlying issues that contribute to substance misuse, such as social anxiety disorder.
The Center for Integrative Behavioral Health: Situated in the Denver Tech Center, our brand-new facility delivers the same clinical excellence that allows clients to heal and thrive. Our dedicated team is committed to helping clients overcome their fears and build a foundation for lasting recovery and personal growth.