OCD and Addiction Treatment in Idaho

It is not uncommon for substance abuse and addiction and mental health issues to coincide. People suffering mentally often turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of self-medicating to feel better, even if that feeling is brief. While this may appear to be effective at the moment, long-term self-medicating using drugs or alcohol can not only make the mental health condition worse, but it can also lead to a slew of other issues as well including addiction.

An example of this is OCD and addiction. We’ll explore what OCD is, its various types, signs, and symptoms, the connection between OCD and addiction, and the effective treatments available at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery in Idaho. Dual diagnosis treatment is available for those suffering from a substance use disorder and mental illness.

OCD can manifest in various ways, leading to different types of obsessions and compulsions. Some common types of OCD include:

• Contamination – Individuals with this type of OCD fear germs, dirt, or contamination and engage in excessive washing, cleaning, or avoidance behaviors. They may wash or clean themselves to the point where it can do damage to their skin.
• Hoarding – Those with hoarding OCD struggle to discard possessions, leading to clutter and difficulty functioning in their living spaces. Depending on the type of items being hoarded and the amount, this can lead to dangerous living conditions.
• Checking – People with this type are plagued by fears of harm or danger and repeatedly check things like locks, appliances, or switches. This obsession can prevent those suffering from it from being able to go about their day or even leave their house.
• Order and Symmetry – This form of OCD involves an overwhelming need for things to be in a specific order or balanced, leading to repetitive arranging or counting rituals.
• Intrusive Thoughts – Individuals experience distressing, unwanted, and often violent or taboo thoughts, leading to mental rituals or avoidance behaviors. These thoughts can be sexual or even involve self-harm and death.
• Doubt or Uncertainty – This type of OCD comes with constant, reoccurring thoughts that the person hasn’t done something either correctly or completely. This form of OCD often accompanies checking OCD and can lead to someone constantly checking and rechecking things such as appliances and locks.

While they are technically different conditions, both OCD and addiction share some common signs and symptoms. Recognizing these signs is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment.

Below are some of the signs and symptoms of both OCD and addiction:

While addiction and compulsion are related, it is important to remember that they are two very different ailments.

Compulsion refers to the repetitive behaviors or mental acts that individuals with OCD engage in to alleviate anxiety. On the other hand, addiction involves a complex relationship with a substance or behavior, characterized by the inability to control its use, leading to negative consequences.

Below are some examples of how addiction and compulsion are different:

• Acceptance and Denial – People with OCD often recognize their obsessions and compulsions even if they don’t necessarily seek help. On the flip side, those suffering from addiction often deny that they have a problem.
• Relief and Reward – Someone with OCD does not participate in their compulsive behaviors for fun or pleasure. They often hate doing them. With addiction, there is a perceived benefit or an enjoyable feeling associated with it (ie the rush of dopamine leading to feelings of pleasure and euphoria).

As we touched on earlier, many people develop a substance use disorder as a result of their OCD. They may not fully understand what they are going through or may be too embarrassed to talk to someone about it, instead turning to drugs and/or alcohol as a way to relieve their symptoms, even if the relief is only temporary. This form of substance abuse can often result in the development of an addiction.

Conversely, there are also instances where a substance use disorder can result in the development of previously undiagnosed mental health conditions, such as OCD. Addiction can lead to chemical imbalances in the brain which can lead to the development of various mental and physical ailments.

While having OCD doesn’t directly correlate with addiction, the distress caused by OCD can contribute to the development of addiction such as substance use disorder. To try and take their mind off their obsessions and compulsions, someone suffering from OCD may turn to an activity or substance that they can ultimately get addicted to.

Treating both OCD and addiction simultaneously, also known as dual diagnosis treatment, requires a comprehensive and integrated approach.

Below are some treatment options for OCD and addiction, many of which we offer here at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery:

It is important to treat both symptoms of OCD and addiction concurrently through dual diagnosis treatment. Since addiction often comes as a result of trying to cope with one’s OCD symptoms, treating one without addressing the other is not only not effective, but can often lead to relapse.

Below are some of the benefits of treating both OCD and addiction at the same time:

• Comprehensive Approach – Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both the mental health and addiction components, leading to more effective and lasting recovery.
• Root Cause Exploration – Treating both conditions simultaneously allows for a deeper exploration of the underlying factors contributing to OCD and addiction.
• Integrated Therapies – The integration of therapies like CBT and medication ensures a well-rounded and holistic treatment plan.
• Relapse Prevention – Learning coping strategies for both OCD and addiction reduces the risk of relapse in either area.

At Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, we understand that addiction often accompanies a mental health condition that is oftentimes undiagnosed. That’s why we offer several different dual-diagnosis treatment programs, including OCD and addiction so that we can provide the most comprehensive help and treatment possible.

If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD and addiction and could benefit from our dual-diagnosis treatment program, contact us today.