Many times with mental health, it is the “loudest” problem that gets the focus of friends and family–many times, substance abuse. Interventions may be held, literature read, boundaries put in place, all with the goal of getting a loved one to stop using alcohol or drugs.
But the truth is often more complicated, especially for those with co-occurring disorders. For those with a dual diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder and addiction, recovery may be impossible if the interconnectedness between the two diagnoses is not acknowledged and treated. At Sana at Stowe, we take an integrated, dual-diagnosis approach that addresses both mental health and substance use simultaneously, recognizing that treating one without the other often leads to relapse or stalled healing.
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
As defined by the National Institute of Mental Health, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is “a long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both.”
Some examples of obsessions include:
- Fear of losing something, i.e., car keys
- Fear of germs or contamination
- Forbidden or taboo thoughts about sex, religion, or harming others
- Aggressive thoughts towards oneself or others
- Fear of having an aggressive outburst or saying something obscene
- Excessive concern with symmetry or exactness
- Fear of making a mistake or being imperfect
Compulsions might look like:
- Excessive cleaning or hand-washing
- Arranging items in a precise way
- Repeatedly checking things
- Compulsive counting
- Praying or repeating words silently
- Grooming oneself, sometimes leading to excessive skin picking or hair pulling
- Seeking constant reassurances, such as repeatedly asking a partner if they still love them
Often–but not always–compulsive behaviors are a response to obsessions. A person with OCD may have repeated intrusive thoughts, for example, of germs covering every doorknob they touch. To “keep the germs away”–or perhaps more accurately, to quiet the obsession–they have to find a sink and wash their hands every time they touch a doorknob.
Once this repeated behavior begins to interfere with normal living and functioning–perhaps the person is late to appointments and work repeatedly an OCD diagnosis becomes possible, and evidence-based treatment options can help manage the condition.
Unfortunately, however, some people may turn to unhealthy options to “control” unwanted thoughts or behaviors. This may lead to a dual diagnosis of OCD and substance abuse.
How Are OCD and Substance Abuse Similar?
One reason that OCD and substance abuse co-occur is that they are functionally similar: they both involve unwanted repetitive behaviors meant to bring relief but instead bring negative consequences. Some studies indicate that up to 25 percent of those with OCD also have substance use disorder.
The two disorders also seem to affect the same neurotransmitters in the brain, though more study is needed to determine if these divergences are the cause of OCD and addiction, or rather a consequence of them.
The same area of the brain does seem to be involved in the unwanted behaviors of OCD and substance abuse. The pre-frontal cortex is involved in decision-making and cognitive and behavior control. Changes in this area of the brain have been observed in those with both OCD and substance abuse, perhaps explaining why people with either of these diagnoses find themselves seemingly powerless to stop the behaviors they can see devastating their own lives.
Treating OCD and Substance Abuse
It is because of this powerlessness that some common methods for addressing either OCD or addiction fail–urges to commit more fully to healing, to work harder, to “snap out of it” are unsuccessful for those who feel they cannot control their own actions. Unfortunately, substance use often intensifies OCD symptoms over time, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without comprehensive support.
Successful dual diagnosis treatment involves both OCD and alcoholism treatment or drug addiction treatment simultaneously. Integrated care is especially important because the two conditions interact in complex ways. For example, substances like alcohol may offer temporary relief from obsessive thoughts, but they ultimately impair coping skills and can worsen compulsions. Likewise, the stress and shame associated with addiction can heighten OCD symptoms, reinforcing the need for treatment that targets both issues together.
An effective dual diagnosis treatment center will use a combination of evidence-based therapies. Cognitive behavioral therapy—particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP)—helps individuals confront obsessive thoughts and resist compulsive behaviors. At the same time, dialectical behavior therapy and others like it help address cravings, triggers, and the underlying emotional drivers of addiction. Talk therapy sessions work on helping individuals develop healthy coping skills for life’s stresses so they can resist the urge to return to destructive habits.
Some individuals may also benefit from medication for addiction, such as certain medicines to help restore brain chemistry or mitigate the effects of withdrawal, under the care of a qualified clinician.
Strong support networks are another cornerstone of successful recovery. Many treatment centers offer group therapy, family counseling, and peer support communities that reinforce skills learned in therapy and reduce isolation.
Treating OCD in Recovery in Vermont
If you or a loved one are ready to experience evidence-based treatment for OCD and substance abuse, explore the premium residential inpatient treatment options at Sana at Stowe in beautiful rural Vermont. Our treatment programs are tailored to meet your individual needs, whether you be suffering from anxiety and addiction dual diagnosis, OCD and substance use, or any other combination of mental health diagnoses, all while having your every physical need met in breathtaking natural scenery.
Issues like anxiety and addiction can feel overwhelming, but with our unique combination of scientifically proven therapies and holistic experiential treatments, the needs of the whole person are addressed at our residential treatment facility. Our specialized dual diagnosis care incorporates exposure and response prevention therapy alongside addiction treatment and medication management considerations.
Sana at Stowe also offers medically-supervised detox and accepts insurance through in-network providers.
So if you want lasting recovery from OCD and substance abuse, reach out to Sana at Stowe today at 866-575-9958 to begin your healing journey.
