Understanding OCD
OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted thoughts that are often intrusive and cause distress. Obsessive thoughts often revolve around certain themes that cause you anxiety. Common themes of obsessions include:
It’s important to understand that in cases of OCD, obsessive thoughts do not come from secret desires. For example, if you have obsessive thoughts about harming your family members, it does not mean that you secretly want to harm your family members. In fact, it is because the thought causes so much fear that the obsession occurs; you become obsessed with avoiding the situation. This is why common obsession themes often revolve around subjects that are considered taboo in our society, such as religion, sex, and violence.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that are brought on by obsessive thoughts. They may be rules or rituals, and they can be acted out mentally or physically. Sometimes, compulsions are related to the obsession, but sometimes, they aren’t. You may act out the compulsion to try to stop obsessive thoughts, to help control your anxiety, or to avoid the situation presented by the obsession.
An example of a common compulsion is excessive hand-washing. Someone who has obsessive thoughts about germs might wash their hands dozens of times a day to “get rid of the germs” or even just to appease the compulsive feeling. With OCD, you may or may not be aware that your anxiety and actions are irrational.
The Connection Between OCD and Addiction
If you have OCD, you may often feel out of control. This is a scary feeling that causes a lot of anxiety and can be overwhelming. Substances such as alcohol and drugs can, for some people, numb these feelings and provide temporary relief. This is how OCD and substance use disorder (SUD) are intertwined.
Unfortunately, you may also find that substances exacerbate symptoms of OCD. For some, drinking or using drugs can intensify feelings of anxiety and encourage irrational thinking. On the other hand, you may feel better while inebriated, but withdrawal from substances can trigger OCD and anxiety. This can lead to a cycle of mental illness and substance use, which can turn into addiction.
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The Importance of Comprehensive OCD Treatment
If left untreated, OCD can get worse over time. When paired with SUD, the two conditions can aggravate each other endlessly, leading to a cycle that is difficult to break out of. Professional intervention is often necessary to stop the downward spiral and begin healing. If you’re struggling with OCD and addiction, know that help is available. Comprehensive OCD treatment can improve your quality of life and help you take back control. OCD can convince you that appeasing your obsessions and compulsions is the only way to feel better, but like substance use, that only provides temporary relief. The problem is much bigger, but sustained recovery is possible and can be life-changing.
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Evidence-Based Addiction and OCD Treatment at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab™
Our dual-diagnosis program uses evidence-based therapy modalities to treat OCD and addiction simultaneously. We believe that this approach gets to the root of the issue and promotes healing to mind, body, and spirit.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Techniques
CBT has been used in OCD treatment since the technique was invented in the 1960s. CBT encourages you to challenge your obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors and replace them with more neutral thought patterns. Over time, this can alleviate the feeling of fear and anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts, depriving them of their power over you.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Methods
ERP is a common modality for OCD treatment. It can be done mentally through imagination or physically through real-world exposure. This approach involves exposing you to feared situations and then challenging you not to perform the compulsive behavior. If you have contamination OCD, you may envision yourself being exposed to germs or dirt and then not washing your hands. Eventually, you may practice actually being exposed and refraining from the compulsive hand-washing.
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Strategies
Stress reduction and mindfulness strategies are proven effective for reducing anxiety. Practices like meditation can help you feel more grounded and may help you break the cycle of obsessive thoughts before they lead to compulsive behavior. The root of OCD is anxiety, so reducing overall anxiety can be a powerful tool in OCD treatment.
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Medication Management in OCD Treatment
In our dual-diagnosis OCD treatment, we believe that medication can be a powerful tool when used as prescribed. When treating addiction alongside a mental health condition, it’s important to be mindful of proper medication use and consider the risks before adding medication to a treatment plan.
In our dual-diagnosis OCD treatment, we believe that medication can be a powerful tool when used as prescribed. When treating addiction alongside a mental health condition, it’s important to be mindful of proper medication use and consider the risks before adding medication to a treatment plan.
Medications Commonly Used for OCD
The most commonly prescribed medications for OCD treatment are antidepressants. These include:
Antidepressants are not considered to be addictive, so they are generally compatible with SUD treatment. However, as with any medication, it’s important to talk with your prescribers and mental health professionals about proper use and possible risks.
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Taking the First Step Toward Healing at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab™
Our dual-diagnosis program can help if you are experiencing OCD and addiction. The first step toward healing is a simple phone call. You’ll be connected to one of our helpful staff members who can answer any questions you have.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Call Exclusive Hawaii Rehab™ at (808) 725-2368.