Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects millions of people. In many cases, they’ll choose to use drugs and alcohol to help instead of enrolling in a therapy program. OCD and addiction are commonly associated with each other and happen frequently. If you’re experiencing problems with OCD and addiction, a dual diagnosis treatment program can treat both conditions at the same time and help you reach your sober goals.
Recovery Ranch PA is a full-service mental health treatment center that works with those who are struggling to manage their OCD and have developed an addiction to drugs or alcohol. When you arrive at our discreet location, we’ll evaluate your condition and use this information to create a comprehensive treatment program. Your program will include behavioral and holistic therapies, along with medication to ease addiction withdrawals, cravings, and other depressive or anxious symptoms.
Understanding the Link Between OCD and Addiction
Obsessive-compulsive disorder and addiction have a close connection with each other and often coincide together.
What Are the Signs of OCD?
Some of the signs of OCD include:
- Unwanted, intrusive thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety.
- Fear of contamination from germs, dirt, or other substances.
- Fear of losing control, forgetting, or misplacing things.
- Repetitive, ritualized acts.
- Repeated hand-washing.
- Checking to see if things are locked or turned off.
- Spending extended periods touching things or counting.
OCD is a condition that affects a person’s behavior. People with OCD will feel compelled to repeat specific actions but not get any satisfaction from the behavior.
How Does Self-Medication Lead to Addiction?
Many people choose to turn to drugs and alcohol for relief instead of working with a therapist to find new ways of managing symptoms and triggers. This self-medication behavior often leads to the development of addiction.
Addiction is a mental health issue that’s described as compulsively drinking or using drugs for its intoxicating effects. These include euphoria, improved sense of well-being, being social, balance and coordination issues, and trouble concentrating.
What Is the Connection Between and Addiction?
Consider the following:
- Genetics – They play a critical role in how susceptible you are to developing OCD and addiction. If your parents struggle with either condition, you’ll be more likely to develop the same conditions or other mental health issues. It’s the same for addiction. If your parents have substance use disorders (SUDs), you’ll have a stronger reaction to drugs and alcohol and are likely to develop addiction.
- Trauma – Many times, trauma is one of the primary reasons for developing OCD and addiction. If you experience childhood trauma, you may have a more challenging time dealing with everyday stress and might turn to drugs and alcohol when triggered.
- Impulsivity – If you have OCD, you may find yourself being more impulsive compared to someone without the condition. Impulsivity is also a symptom of addiction, where you might engage in risky behavior or act more impulsively while intoxicated.
If you struggle with OCD, you’re more likely to develop an addiction to alcohol, cannabis, or your antianxiety medication. If this happens, a dual diagnosis treatment program is the best way to treat both conditions simultaneously.
What to Expect from Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Treating OCD and addiction at the same time is a complex task. If you only address the symptoms of OCD and not the addiction, it’ll worsen symptoms, and you may develop other medical conditions due to the addiction.
Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are the best methods for treating OCD and other conditions. They work on addressing the behaviors triggered by the disorder and develop healthy coping methods. DBT focuses more on changing how you look at the world around you, while CBT focuses more on behaviors and finding new ways of coping with individual triggers.
Other types of behavioral therapy that can help include:
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Motivational interviewing
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Therapists will develop a comprehensive program that includes holistic therapy to teach you about mindfulness practices, yoga and meditation, and creative self-expression.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Addiction withdrawals can be very unpleasant to deal with without the proper medication. Medical staff will administer the medications and monitor you for adverse side effects. They’ll reduce common withdrawals and cravings and give your body time to cleanse itself from the substance.
To treat the signs of OCD, they have antianxiety medications, such as clomipramine, fluoxetine, and fluvoxamine.
Family Therapy
In addition to behavioral and holistic therapy, family members are brought in to teach them about the disease and to work through any lingering issues that may hinder a full recovery. They’ll discuss their problems and learn how to participate in recovery. They’ll also learn how to create a supportive living environment when they return home.
Connect with Recovery Ranch PA and Start Dual Diagnosis Treatment Today
If you’re struggling with OCD and addiction, The Ranch PA can help. There’s no need to struggle alone. Contact our team online or call 717.969.9126 today to get started on a better, brighter future for you and your loved ones.
