Dealing with mental health challenges and addiction can be isolating and feel overwhelming. However, seeking help is a critical first step toward recovery and regaining control over your life.
In Florida, there are treatment centers providing care if you’re struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and addiction. Reach out to The Best Treatment today to learn about our individualized, holistic approaches.
OCD and the Link to Addiction
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental condition. It’s characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts, known as obsessions. Additionally, there are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that someone feels compelled to perform. These are known as compulsions.[1]
Obsessions and compulsions negatively interfere with daily life significantly. They can cause distress and impairment in many important areas of functioning.
Examples of common obsessions seen in OCD include:
- Fear of germs or contamination.
- Unwanted or taboo thoughts regarding things like religion, sex or harm.
- Aggressive thoughts.
- Need for exactness or symmetry.
Common compulsions that may occur when someone has OCD include:
- Excessive hand washing or cleaning.
- Checking things repeatedly, like appliances or door locks.
- Counting, tapping or repeating certain words.
- Arranging things in particular ways.
The co-occurrence of OCD and addiction is relatively common. Some of the factors contributing to the overlapping diagnosis of these diseases can include:
- Self-medication: Someone with OCD could turn to substances to self-medicate and alleviate stress or anxiety caused by obsessions and compulsions. The temporary relief is short-lived and can lead to addiction and dependence.
- Shared brain pathways: Both OCD and addiction involve similar brain pathways, including those related to anxiety, reward and impulse control. Dysfunctions in these pathways can predispose you to develop both conditions.
- Hereditary factors: There’s some evidence that suggests genetics play a role in the development of both OCD and addiction.
An estimated 1.2% of adults suffer from OCD.[2]
Co-Occurring Conditions: Understanding the Link
Co-occurring conditions, also known as dual diagnoses, are when someone has two or more disorders occurring simultaneously.
Mental health and addiction disorders interact with each other in complicated ways. They influence the onset and progression and the treatment outcomes of each other.
Having one disorder can make the symptoms of the other worse as well.
Treatment for OCD and Addiction
Integrated treatment is required when someone has co-occurring conditions. This means that treatment for OCD and addiction should treat both disorders at the same time ideally.[3]
An integrated approach is needed to ensure that all aspects of a person’s health are considered for more effective, holistic treatment.
When someone receives integrated treatment, they’re more likely to achieve better long-term outcomes, including reduced symptoms and sustained recovery.
When the underlying mental health disorder and addiction are treated at the same time, a person is less likely to relapse because the root causes are being managed.
Dual diagnosis treatment is the term for a comprehensive and integrated approach to treating a mental health condition like OCD along with a drug or alcohol addiction.
The first step of a treatment plan is a thorough assessment to accurately diagnose both OCD and substance use disorder, along with any other co-occurring conditions.
Based on the assessment, a personalized treatment plan is developed.
Specific treatment approaches for OCD and addiction might include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy to help with recognizing and challenging obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. CBT can also address thought patterns and behaviors contributing to substance use.
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specialized type of CBT for OCD. It involves gradual exposure to fears or obsessions without engaging in behaviors that are compulsive. The goal is to reduce anxiety over time.
- Motivational interviewing is a therapy technique that helps people find the motivation to change addictive behaviors. It encourages goal-setting and self-reflection.
- Medication management can be part of a treatment plan. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are sometimes used for OCD. There are also certain medicines for addiction, depending on the substance. These can help with managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Holistic therapies like mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises can help manage stress and anxiety. Both tend to be triggers for OCD and substance use.
- Peer support groups and group therapy reduce isolation and reinforce a sense of community and shared understanding.
- Family therapy can be part of a dual diagnosis treatment approach. This helps repair relationships, educates families about the disorders and gives them strategies to support their loved one’s recovery.
The Best Treatment for OCD in Florida
The Best Treatment is a center offering treatment for OCD and addiction. We offer a unique approach to treating co-occurring OCD and addiction, and we’re the optimal choice for anyone seeking recovery.
We specialize in treating dual diagnoses to ensure OCD and addiction are treated at the same time and effectively.
We offer levels of care to meet each patient’s diverse needs. Our programs include:
- Residential inpatient programs for 24/7 care in a structured, supportive environment. Patients live at our facility while receiving intensive treatment, which includes individual, group, and holistic therapies. This is a focused, immersive experience, ideal when someone has a severe or complex co-occurring disorder.
- Partial hospitalization programs or PHPs offer a high care level but the ability to return home in the evenings. These programs provide intensive support and treatment with some flexibility.
- Intensive outpatient programs provide significant support but not around-the-clock supervision. You can expect therapy sessions and activities several times a week and keep up with work or family obligations while receiving treatment.
- Outpatient programs are the least intensive care level and are well-suited for people who have progressed in their recovery and need ongoing support.
The Best Treatment Center is committed to providing treatment for OCD in Florida along with co-occurring addictions. Our range of programs ensures you receive the appropriate level of care at each stage in your recovery journey for your long-term success and well-being.
References:
- American Psychiatric Association (APA): What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions
