Will my anxiety get worse when I stop?

In the first weeks, usually yes — this is rebound anxiety, not your baseline. For most people it settles within 4–8 weeks. Anyone stopping benzos, pregabalin or heavy alcohol needs medical supervision because the rebound can be severe.

Are there non-addictive medications for anxiety?

Yes. SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram), SNRIs (venlafaxine), buspirone and propranolol are all standard non-addictive options. UK guidelines steer clear of long-term benzos precisely because of dependence.

Does CBT actually work for anxiety?

It's the most evidence-based talking therapy for anxiety disorders, with response rates around 60–70% when done properly. IAPT (NHS Talking Therapies) offers free CBT in every UK area, usually within 4–8 weeks of self-referral.

Anxiety and addiction

Anxiety is the single most common reason people give for daily drinking, cannabis use or benzodiazepine dependence. The substances calm the anxiety in the moment and dramatically worsen it between doses — the loop that traps most people.

Key signs

Constant background worry, or panic attacks
Using alcohol, weed, benzos or pregabalin to feel 'normal'
Rebound anxiety in the morning or between doses
Avoiding work, social events or driving
Physical symptoms — chest tightness, racing heart, nausea

The link to addiction

Benzodiazepines, pregabalin, gabapentin and alcohol all treat anxiety in the short term and worsen it long term. Stopping any of them (especially benzos and alcohol) rebounds anxiety hard — supervised detox is safer.

UK treatment pathway

Effective UK treatment usually combines a supervised taper (if benzos/alcohol/pregabalin are involved), CBT for anxiety, and — for many — a non-addictive medication such as an SSRI. Never try to detox from benzos or alcohol alone.

100% confidential

Get a dual-diagnosis rehab match

Tell us about the mental-health picture alongside substance use. We'll match you to a UK rehab with a real dual-diagnosis programme.

Your name *

Phone *

Email *

Postcode area (optional)

Who is this for?

How soon do you need help?

How would treatment be funded? (optional)

Anything you'd like the advisor to know (optional)

I agree Clearpath UK Rehab can contact me about my enquiry by phone or email.

I understand my enquiry contains health information and consent to it being shared with a suitable UK treatment provider.

You can send me occasional emails about UK addiction support (optional).

Or call 0800 000 0000 — 24/7

FAQs

Will my anxiety get worse when I stop?
In the first weeks, usually yes — this is rebound anxiety, not your baseline. For most people it settles within 4–8 weeks. Anyone stopping benzos, pregabalin or heavy alcohol needs medical supervision because the rebound can be severe.
Are there non-addictive medications for anxiety?
Yes. SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram), SNRIs (venlafaxine), buspirone and propranolol are all standard non-addictive options. UK guidelines steer clear of long-term benzos precisely because of dependence.
Does CBT actually work for anxiety?
It's the most evidence-based talking therapy for anxiety disorders, with response rates around 60–70% when done properly. IAPT (NHS Talking Therapies) offers free CBT in every UK area, usually within 4–8 weeks of self-referral.