Millions of people in the United States live with a mental health condition or substance use disorder (SUD). Many people live with SUD and mental illness, requiring specialized treatment to address both conditions.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that may impact treatment for substance use disorder. Understanding OCD can help you manage it and seek the right treatment to overcome addiction.

This article will explore obsessive-compulsive disorder and addiction treatment. You will learn:

• The symptoms of OCD
• The link between OCD and addiction
• How to treat OCD and substance use disorder (SUD)
• Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support

If you or a loved one needs treatment for mental health conditions or SUD, you are not alone. Take the first step of your recovery journey by contacting the First Step Behavioral Health specialists. Learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment by reaching out today.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. It is a mental health condition that can impact daily functioning and quality of life.

While TV and movies sometimes feature people with OCD, these representations do not always show what it is like to live with this condition. Here is an overview of common OCD symptoms.

Obsessions

Obsessions are one of the primary symptoms of OCD. Obsessions are repeating or unwanted thoughts. Examples of common OCD obsessions include:

• Intrusive thoughts about harming themself or someone else
• A chronic, intense fear of illness, germs, or contamination
• Unwanted sexual thoughts
• Thoughts focused on religious ideas
• Thinking about “good” and “bad” numbers
• Intense anxiety about other people getting sick, injured, or dying

People with OCD may have these or other obsessive thoughts that may cause repetitive or compulsive behaviors. These thoughts can cause intense distress and may affect a person’s ability to function.

Compulsions

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or actions that people with OCD feel compelled to do. Some common compulsions include:

• Tapping
• Counting
• Repeating words
• Doing repetitive actions
• Excessive hand-washing or clearing
• Hoarding items
• “Double-checking” to ensure lights are off, doors are locked, appliances are off, etc. 
• Excessive or repetitive prayer

These behaviors can be time-consuming. In some cases, they may interfere with a person’s ability to work, socialize, or function in other ways.

Individuals with OCD may live with high levels of stress, anxiety, and disruption. Comprehensive treatment programs can help patients with OCD understand and address their obsessions and compulsions.

What is the Connection Between OCD and Addiction?

Research shows that there is a strong link between OCD and substance use disorder (SUD). About a quarter of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder also meet the criteria for SUD.

The symptoms of OCD can be physically and emotionally exhausting. People may spend hours engaging in repetitive actions or performing rituals. If something prevents them from completing these actions, they may have increased anxiety or stress as a response.

Over time, the stress and disruption OCD symptoms cause can become intolerable. Without mental health treatment, people may look for anything that may provide relief. In some cases, people may start using drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. Mental health experts call this “self-medication.”

Long-term drug or alcohol abuse can change how a person’s brain and body work. Over time, people may develop tolerance (needing more of a substance to get the effects) or physical dependence.

People with co-occurring disorders (a mental health condition and SUD) typically require specialized treatment programs to address both conditions.

What to Expect in Treatment OCD and Addiction

People with OCD and other anxiety disorders have an increased risk of developing substance use disorder. People with dual diagnoses (co-occurring mental health conditions and SUD) need tailored, comprehensive treatment and ongoing support to address these conditions.

Here is an overview of what to expect in OCD and addiction treatment.

Assessments

People may undergo substance abuse and mental health evaluations. These assessments ensure an accurate diagnosis. They can also help determine which levels of care and therapies are appropriate.

Detox

Many people begin a dual diagnosis treatment program with medical detox services. Medical detox treatment plans may include:

• Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
• Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment
• Emotional support
• Holistic therapies like acupuncture, mindfulness, yoga, and nutrition support

After detox, people can begin a comprehensive treatment program.

Treatment

Co-occurring disorder treatment provides comprehensive mental health and SUD treatment. Each person follows a tailored treatment plan that may include:

• Medications to manage withdrawal and mental health symptoms
• Education about mental health and addiction
• Relapse prevention education
• Coping skills
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other behavioral therapies
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy
• Group counseling
• Holistic therapies like creative expression, mindfulness, exercise, and nature therapy
• Aftercare planning

Treatment will also include specialized OCD therapy, including:

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): A highly effective, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals gradually face their fears while resisting compulsive behaviors.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and challenge obsessive thought patterns, reducing anxiety and the urge to engage in compulsions.
• Medication Management: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other medications may be prescribed to help manage OCD symptoms.
• Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques: Practices like meditation, breathing exercises, and grounding techniques to help manage intrusive thoughts.

People may attend inpatient or outpatient levels of care, depending on their needs. Many people start treatment in an inpatient setting before moving on to outpatient care.

Aftercare

Aftercare and relapse prevention programs can help people continue making progress after leaving treatment. An aftercare plan might include:

• Ongoing mental health care
• 12-step programs
• SUD and mental health support groups
• Sober living communities
• Medical treatment
• Other forms of treatment

Contact the First Step Behavioral Health team to learn more about what to expect in dual-diagnosis treatment.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love lives with a mental health condition or SUD, you are not alone. Find the comprehensive, compassionate treatment you need at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our treatment specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
2. Sage Journals: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: The Underlying Role of Diminished Access to Internal States
3. NIH: Substance Use Disorders in an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Clinical Sample
4. MDPI: A Systematic Review on the Prevalence of Comorbid Substance Use Disorder in Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder Among the General Population