Over 2 million Americans are diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) which causes someone to perform ritualistic behaviors and have intrusive thoughts. A person who suffers from OCD experiences unreasonable conduct that is completely based off fear. The compulsions are repeated actions such as hand washing, cleaning, counting, or inspecting incompatible elements. The obsessions are consistent and unpleasant thoughts that are instrumental in creating unwarranted anxiety.
A person’s daily productivity is hindered with the apposition of compulsions and obsessions that are produced with OCD. Holding down a job, studying for school, or taking care of a family can become second nature to the symptoms of OCD. Repetitive rituals that deal with protruding cognitions can prompt someone to derail from their obligations and responsibilities through tardiness or absence.
Persons who live with OCD are also prone to having an addiction. Someone who endures OCD often will use drugs and alcohol as a way to alleviate their symptoms which only exacerbates them to a much greater degree. The compulsions and obsessions of OCD can certainly mimic the ones which will also occur with an addiction. Around one fourth of individuals who seek treatment for OCD will also be diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder.
Self-medication goes hand and hand with OCD. Someone who is feels afraid of their symptoms may experience extreme anxiety which compels them to make use of drugs and alcohol to cope. Taking the edge off the uncomfortable situation of OCD with mind-altering substances generates a cycle which temporarily ends the obsessions and compulsions and then return at once when the drugs and alcohol wear off. Many people with OCD live with both disorders without understanding the real depth of their situation.
Having both OCD and addiction constitutes treatment for a co-occurring disorder. Having more than one disorder at a time means that each condition must be treated separately to resolve them successfully for the long run. Getting control over both of them will take some work, but can be achieved with psychotherapy to help process the manifestation of the symptoms and how they affect the person. By looking at the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of the co-occurring disorder, a person can start addressing the ramifications that turn their world upside down.
Treatment and awareness may be the best solution to help someone work through the issues that have plagued them for long enough. By getting comprehensive treatment for both disorders, someone with OCD and addiction can successfully recover.
Serenity Oaks Wellness Center is a treatment program that can help you or someone you know find a way to stop using drugs and alcohol. Our well-trained staff can be instrumental in showing you how to adorn your soul in recovery.
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844-720-6847
