When most people think of OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder, they think of an excessively clean environment, someone who counts their steps, or people who can’t stop washings their hands. While these can all be symptoms of OCD, the disorder is far more complicated than quirky behaviors. OCD is an anxiety disorder and many people who suffer from OCD cope by abusing alcohol. If you’re stuck in the spiral of OCD and alcoholism, you must seek treatment. Our women’s alcohol rehab offers dual diagnosis treatment to get you the help that you need.
What Is OCD?
OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, typically has two different facets: obsession and compulsion. Obsession often takes the form of intrusive thoughts. Compulsions are repetitive, disruptive behaviors that a person with OCD feels compelled to do. Compulsions can help to ease obsessive, intrusive thoughts. OCD is an anxiety disorder and may develop after trauma.
How Alcoholism and OCD Relate
While many medications can help to ease the symptoms of OCD, people who have the disease may choose to self-medicate. This can result in the abuse of drugs and alcohol. People with OCD may struggle with a large amount of “noise,” or intrusive thoughts, in their minds. The use of drugs and/ or alcohol may give them a break from these intrusive thoughts. The feelings of relaxation associated with drinking can become addictive and quickly lead to a hard-to-overcome combination of OCD and alcoholism.
When a person with OCD drinks, they may drink to excess, as their brain finally gets a breather from the nonstop obsessive thoughts they deal with in everyday life. This can lead to binge drinking and blackouts. The next day, the person may feel intense anxiety and begin to obsess over how they acted, what others thought, how much money they spent, if someone is mad at them, etc. While this can result in turning to alcohol once again for anxiety relief, it can also cause other issues. This cycle can quickly spiral into alcoholism and OCD.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
For people who suffer from OCD and alcoholism, it’s important to get dual diagnosis treatment. Dual diagnosis clients are people who suffer from both a mental health issue and addiction. The two go hand in hand, and a treatment center needs to understand how the two issues work together. At Crestview Recovery, we understand the unique needs of dual diagnosis clients. We utilize several different therapies to help our clients, including:
- Trauma therapy
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- 12-step recovery
- Mindfulness meditation therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
No two dual diagnosis clients are alike. When you enroll in treatment at Crestview Recovery, your therapist will work with you to understand how your alcoholism and OCD intertwine. We’ll use your experiences and struggles to inform your treatment, creating a plan that will get you to recover as efficiently as possible. Throughout your treatment, we’ll check-in and make adjustments to your therapy as necessary.
Call Crestview Recovery
If you have OCD and alcoholism, you face a unique set of challenges in starting your path to recovery. At Crestview Recovery, we understand the difficulties you may face in getting sober, and we’re here to help. As a person with a mental health issue, it’s key that you seek a rehabilitation center that specializes in dual diagnosis treatment. Our counselors understand how obsessive-compulsive disorder can contribute to alcoholism, and we’re here to help you through the anxiety and stress that can come with the start of your recovery. Call us today at 866.262.0531 to learn more about how we can help you get your life back, one day at a time. Recovery is possible, and we’re here to make it a reality for you.
