Exploring Phobias: How They Affect Individuals, Influence Substance Use Disorders, and May Occur Due to Environmental or Genetic Factors

Photo by Andrik Langfield

Originally Posted On: https://www.wishope.org/2020/06/20/exploring-phobias-how-they-affect-individuals-influence-substance-use-disorders-and-may-occur-due-to-environmental-or-genetic-factors/

Phobias may be a common occurrence among children. These phobias, or fears, may include being afraid of the dark or being worried that there is something under the bed. Although these phobias typically occur at an early age, some adults struggle with phobias as well. In these cases, they may experience extreme anxiety towards things that are not causing them immediate danger, creating severe and intense issues in their daily life. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) defines phobia as “an intense fear that is out of proportion to a specific object or situation.”

There are numerous phobias and research suggests that they may even run in families. Twin studies report that 44% of individuals inherit a panic disorder from parents, 39% inherit agoraphobia, and about 30% inherit specific phobias and anxiety disorders. Regarding environmental factors, children and young adults may develop a phobia after experiencing a frightening or traumatic event, such as a fear of dogs after being bitten or a fear of water after almost drowning.

Conversely, others may develop a phobia through observation of another person’s anxiety towards particular situations or objects. For example, it is common for a child to develop a fear of spiders after seeing a sibling or parent react by running or screaming when coming into contact with a spider. Thus, environmental and genetic factors may contribute to the development of phobias.

1. Arachnophobia, or the fear of spiders, affects almost one-third (30%) of the United States population. This fear, in particular, goes beyond the impulse to kill spiders that one sees in close quarters. Typically, individuals with arachnophobia get such intense anxiety at even the sight of a spider, that getting close enough to kill it feels terrifying. These people may scream, jump, or freeze at the sight of a spider, even if it is just on television, or merely a picture.
2. Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking, which affects a little over one-fourth (26.2%) of the U.S. population. This phobia may be a part of a broader social anxiety disorder, but it is more specific in that those with this phobia experience fear of talking in front of groups of people.
3. Ophidiophobia, or the fear of snakes, affects one out of five (21%) individuals in the U.S. This specific phobia causes individuals to scream, jump, or cry at the sight of a snake. It is similar to those with arachnophobia, in that these individuals will avoid places where they may encounter snakes and refuse to participate in outdoor activities.
4. Mysophobia is the fear of germs and occurs in 13.2% of Americans. An individual experiencing this phobia may be called a “germaphobe.” They may wash their hands obsessively, avoid public spaces and restrooms, and tend to be extremely clean and tidy.
5. Cynophobia, or the fear of dogs, is present in 13% of Americans and causes these individuals to freeze when they see a dog and experience intense anxiety.
6. Astraphobia is fear of thunder and lightning and occurs in 10% of the U.S. population. Individuals with astraphobia experience extreme anxiety during thunderstorms, and may not want to be alone during one.
7. Trypanophobia affects 10% of Americans and is the fear of injections or needles. These individuals exhibit severe anxiety when having to get their blood drawn or receive a shot. They may become dizzy, faint, or even avoid medical care due to this fear.
8. Social phobia, also known as a social anxiety disorder, is fear of being in social situations, particularly with individuals that the person does not know. This particular phobia affects 7.1% of Americans. Those with this fear may avoid social interactions to the point that it interferes with their daily life.
9. Aerophobia is the fear of flying, which affects 6.5% of the U.S. population. These individuals may avoid flying entirely and instead drive everywhere, even across the country.
10. Acrophobia is the fear of heights, which affects up to 5% of the U.S. population. This phobia may cause individuals to experience vertigo associated with heights and they may also exaggerate or misinterpret how high up they are.
11. Claustrophobia is the fear of small spaces, which impacts 5% of Americans. Small spaces may be considered closets, elevators, or even crowded rooms. Feeling trapped causes these individuals to experience extreme anxiety like panic attacks.
12. Agoraphobia occurs in less than 1% of the U.S. population. It may be characterized by a fear of escaping an emergency where help may not be readily available. Often, this phobia manifests in a fear of leaving home and/or a fear of crowds. Individuals with agoraphobia believe that places outside of their own homes are unsafe.

Some individuals dealing with phobias may not have the capacity to cope with anxiety, social isolation, or embarrassment due to their fears. Thus, some of those battling these phobias may begin misusing drugs and/or alcohol in order to cope. Since phobias usually last a lifetime without psychological interventions, regaining control over one’s actions and thoughts may be impossible for one to do on their own. The intensity of phobias varies significantly from person to person. However, all forms of phobias may be treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals cultivate new ways of thinking.

Avoidance of the phobia is the number one way that individuals deal with their fears. However, those suffering from phobias tend to have severe physical and emotional symptoms that are difficult to ignore. These symptoms may include intrusive and irrational thoughts, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, numbness, and increased heart rate. The emotional toll of phobias can be severe too, as they cause extreme anxiety, feelings of helplessness, sadness, anger, and even embarrassment.

Unfortunately, phobias lead to avoidance of particular things or situations, which can negatively affect one’s social life and happiness. Furthermore, phobias rarely go away on their own and may lead some individuals to self-medicate with drugs and/or alcohol as a means of coping. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, phobias, and/or associated substance use issues, there are many treatment options available. No one has to navigate recovery alone and WisHope Recovery is here to help. Our experienced professionals will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that best suits your unique goals. Call us today to learn more, at (844)947-4673