OCD and Addiction Treatment in Idaho
It is not uncommon for substance abuse and addiction and mental health issues to coincide. A prime example of this is OCD and addiction. OCD and substance use disorders often co-occur and are considered co-occurring conditions, requiring integrated treatment approaches for effective recovery.
Luckily, effective treatments for both conditions are available at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery in Nampa, Idaho. Dual diagnosis treatment helps people break free of addiction while learning to live healthily with OCD.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly referred to as OCD, is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions can significantly interfere with an individual’s daily life, causing distress and impairment. Compulsions are often unwanted repetitive behaviors that individuals feel driven to perform in response to their obsessive thoughts.
Some common examples of obsessive or intrusive thoughts include:
- Fear of germs or contamination
- Needing things to be in a certain order or arranged a certain way
- Obsessive thoughts that are unwanted, aggressive, or sexual in nature
- Fear of making a mistake
- Constant feelings of doubt or uncertainty
OCD falls under the category of anxiety disorders, as obsessions often generate intense anxiety, and compulsive behaviors are performed to alleviate that anxiety. OCD symptoms can also show up in other anxiety disorders, such as persistent worry and heightened anxiety responses. Many individuals benefit from anxiety disorder treatment to manage these overlapping symptoms. But obsessive-compulsive symptoms persist in this condition, and may even escalate with drug abuse.
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. They engage in excessive washing, cleaning, or avoidance behaviors to soothe this anxiety. They may wash or clean themselves to the point where it can cause damage to their health.
- Hoarding: Those with hoarding-based OCD may 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 or unsanitary living conditions. Life stress and drug addiction can exacerbate the hoarding behavior.
- Checking: People with this type are plagued by fears of harm or danger. OCD symptoms may present as repeatedly checking things like locks, appliances, or switches. This obsession can prevent people from being able to go about their daily lives 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” in some ways. This can lead to repetitive arranging or counting rituals.
- Intrusive Thoughts: Individuals experience distressing, obsessive thoughts. This can lead to mental rituals or avoidance behaviors to provide relief or “purge” the thoughts. These thoughts are unwanted and can be sexual, involve self-harm, or feature taboo topics.
- Doubt or Uncertainty: This type of OCD comes with constant, recurring 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 OCD symptoms that can also inform addiction:
- Intrusive and unwanted thoughts or images
- Repetitive and ritualistic behaviors
- Fear of losing control
- Intense anxiety or distress
- Avoidance of triggers
It is important to note that addiction (or even basic substance use) can lead to more severe symptoms in individuals with OCD. This can make treatment for both conditions more challenging.
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. In some cases, these compulsive behaviors can lead to repeated abuse of substances as individuals attempt to manage their symptoms.
People with OCD often recognize their obsessions and compulsions as separate from their typical thoughts, even if they don’t necessarily seek help. 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 (The rush of dopamine leading to feelings of pleasure and euphoria).
On the other hand, addiction involves a complex relationship with a substance or behavior, characterized by the inability to control its use. This leads to negative consequences in the person’s life. Despite this, those suffering from an addiction often deny that their substance use is a problem.
How are OCD and Addiction Connected?
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. They may turn 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. The co-occurrence of OCD and substance use is common, with individuals struggling to cope with both sets of symptoms simultaneously.
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 for people who were already inclined to have obsessive-compulsive disorder. For individuals with co-occurring OCD and substance use disorder, integrated treatment that addresses both conditions at the same time is essential for effective recovery.
Young adults with OCD are particularly at risk for developing drug or alcohol addiction, due to early exposure and increased vulnerability during this stage of life. They also may not recognize compulsive symptoms or signs of substance abuse early on in the process. If conditions like substance abuse or OCD run in the family, parents leading discussions with their children about these topics can prevent potential harm.
Does OCD Cause Addiction?
While having OCD doesn’t directly correlate with addiction, the distress caused by OCD can contribute to the development of a substance use disorder. Someone suffering from OCD may turn to an activity or substance to calm their emotions or feel a sense of mastery over their compulsions. In some cases, this can specifically lead to drug abuse or alcohol abuse, as individuals attempt to self-medicate their symptoms instead of learning healthier coping mechanisms.
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Treatments for OCD and Addiction
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 at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors. By being able to properly identify the thought patterns and triggers of their OCD, the person can learn healthier and more effective ways of coping without the use of drugs or alcohol. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a specific form of CBT, can be particularly effective for treating OCD.
Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are effective in treating both OCD and certain types of addiction. Examples of these medications include:
- Prozac
- Zoloft
- Paxil
- Anafranil
Certain FDA-approved medications may also be administered to address some of the symptoms associated with substance addiction, particularly during medically-assisted detox.
Taking classes on mindfulness techniques, meditation practices, and stress management skills can help individuals learn how to cope with triggers and cravings. These practices can help teach the person how drugs and alcohol can negatively impact their body and brain.
Many people who develop an addiction as a result of self-medication for OCD do so because they may not fully understand what they are going through. They may feel alone, or they may even feel too ashamed or embarrassed to talk to someone about their struggles. Support groups provide a safe and supportive space for people to share what they are going through, surrounded by a room full of people who can understand and relate to what they are dealing with.
The Benefits of Dual Diagnosis Treatment for OCD and Addiction
It is important to treat symptoms of both OCD and addiction concurrently, a process known as 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 ineffective but can often lead to relapse. Seeking care at a specialized residential treatment center ensures that both conditions are addressed in a structured, supportive environment.
Below are some of the benefits of treating both OCD and addiction at the same time:
- Comprehensive Approach: Dual diagnosis treatment addresses both the components of mental health and addiction conditions, leading to more effective recovery efforts.
- Root Cause Exploration: Treating both conditions simultaneously allows for a deeper exploration of underlying factors contributing to both the OCD and addiction.
- Integrated Therapies: The integration of targeted therapy treatments (like CBT) helps to ensure well-rounded and holistic treatment.
- Relapse Prevention: Learning coping strategies for both OCD and addiction reduces the risk of relapse into addiction.
Receive Treatment for OCD and Addiction at Eagle Creek
At Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, we understand that addiction often accompanies a mental health condition. Co-occurring disorders can complicate recovery, and many people need to learn (or re-learn how to healthfully manage their conditions without drug use. This is why we offer several different dual diagnosis treatment programs (including OCD and addiction) to 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.
Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has held multiple leadership roles before settling here at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. Kendall received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. Her career in mental and behavioral health began in 2014 when she took up internships in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California. Kendall is a natural leader. She has an incredible ability to problem solve and stay calm in any situation. Kendall never fails to show up when she is needed, and her calm demeanor makes her team and clients feel at ease. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery is proud to have Kendall as our clinical director.
