Can alcoholism contribute to an anxiety disorder?

Absolutely: Although alcohol usually relieves anxiety in the short term, heavy or chronic use often increases anxiety. This is especially true during alcohol withdrawal, with anxiety, racing heart, sweating, etc. In addition to alcohol's physical effects, many alcoholics are anxious about losing jobs and friends, getting into legal or financial trouble, etc. Alcoholism is not a calm existence at all.

First things first: Anxiety is not diagnosable while the alcoholic is still drinking. The first step is recovery from alcoholism. Attendance at alcoholics anonymous will provide contact with others who have learned to use their anxiety productively rather than suppress it with alcohol.