Between two to three million adults in America suffer from OCD. This makes OCD a fairly common mental health disorder. A study by SAMHSA has also determined that 90% of individuals with OCD also meet the criteria for another behavioral health disorder. This includes other mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and process addictions.
In 2019 a study was conducted on veterans who suffered from OCD to determine how many also suffered from addiction. Roughly 37% had stated that they had a co-occurring addiction. In 2022, a study was conducted regarding OCD and behavioral addictions. This study determined that roughly 70% of those suffering from OCD also had a behavioral addiction. It’s clear that there is a correlation between addiction and OCD.
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Addiction and OCD: A Common Dual Diagnosis
Addiction commonly co-occurs with individuals having OCD as they try to self-medicate many of the unwanted symptoms associated with the illness. Suffering from OCD is an exhausting, disruptive experience. Individuals feel trapped by their thoughts, obsessions, and compulsions. These are experiences that affect how they live each and every day.
Self-medicating or engaging in substance abuse will only provide a short time frame of relief. However, when individuals become frustrated enough they may feel that is the only solution. Substance abuse then leads to addiction and it becomes a destructive cycle.
There are ways to find long-term relief from this mental illness, and dual diagnosis treatment has shown to be very effective in minimizing if not eliminating symptoms altogether.
People with addiction and OCD often find that their compulsions and obsessions become worse when they are using substances or engaging in addictive behaviors. This is because addiction can intensify the underlying anxiety and fear that drives OCD. In addition, addiction can make it difficult for people to stick to their OCD treatment plan, which can lead to a decline in their overall mental health.
There are several reasons why people with OCD might be more likely to develop an addiction. First, people with OCD often turn to alcohol or drugs as a way of self-medicating their symptoms. Second, the compulsion and ritualization associated with OCD can lead to addiction-like behaviors. Finally, people with OCD may be drawn to substances or activities that they believe will help them cope with their fears and anxiety.
It is also possible for addiction to cause OCD to develop. This can happen in a few different ways. First, addiction can lead to changes in the brain that can trigger OCD symptoms. Second, addiction can increase stress and anxiety levels, which can worsen existing OCD symptoms or trigger new ones. Finally, addiction can lead to financial problems, relationship problems, and other difficulties that can contribute to the development of OCD.
Individuals suffering from OCD are typically very self-conscience regarding their condition and try to avoid social interaction. This can also lead to substance abuse as people try to manage their time alone. Unfortunately, developing addiction leads to more shame and guilt and creates more reasons for the person to avoid social settings.
In the most extreme cases, addiction and OCD can cause a person to become entirely isolated from society. The person may feel it’s important to keep their OCD and addiction hidden from the rest of the world.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that causes people to suffer from intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions). OCD can be a very debilitating disorder, making it difficult for sufferers to lead normal, productive lives.
One of the most common obsessions experienced by people with OCD is a fear of contamination. This can lead to compulsions such as excessive hand-washing, avoidant behaviors (such as not touching doorknobs), and compulsive cleaning. Other common obsessions include fears of harm coming to oneself or others, symmetry and orderliness, and unwanted sexual thoughts.
Obsessions are persistent, intrusive thoughts, urges, or images experienced as unwanted and difficult to control. People with OCD may have obsessions about germs or contamination; they may fear that they will harm themselves or others; they may be preoccupied with order and symmetry, or they may have sexually intrusive or violent thoughts. These obsessions can lead to anxiety and distress.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels compelled to perform in order to reduce the anxiety and distress caused by the obsessions. Common compulsions include handwashing, counting, checking, and cleaning. Some people with OCD also engage in what is called “mental compulsions,” such as repeating.
While the symptoms of OCD can vary from person to person, some are fairly common. These include:
Obsessions that are intrusive and unwanted
Compulsions that are repetitive and ritualistic
Avoidant behaviors
Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
Excessive worry or anxiety
Depression
Irritability
Hoarding
Extreme distress
Reoccurring, unwanted thoughts
Individuals with OCD have unwanted thoughts that will have intrusive images appear in their minds that are horrific and recurring. These thoughts could be the result of a traumatic event or could be completely unrelated. People suffering from OCD may also feel the need to constantly check on items to prevent something bad from happening. For example, someone with OCD may constantly check that their stove is turned off due to a fear that their house will catch on fire otherwise.
There is no one answer to this question. Some people with OCD have a family member who also suffers from the disorder, which suggests that there may be a genetic component. However, not everyone with OCD has a family member with the disorder, so other factors must also be involved.
Most people with OCD develop the disorder in childhood or adolescence, typically between the ages of 8 and 12. And also between late teenage years and as a young adult. OCD has been known to develop in adulthood.
The exact cause of OCD is not known, but it is thought to involve a combination of biological and environmental factors, including the following:
Brain chemistry: Imbalances in certain chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) may play a role in OCD.
Genetics: OCD may be more common in people who have a family member with the disorder.
Stressful life events: A stressful event (such as the death of a loved one) may trigger OCD in people who are vulnerable to the disorder.
Substance abuse: Anyone who engages in long-term and heavy drug abuse can cause OCD to develop by changing brain chemistry or causing OCD symptoms to develop.
OCD can have a significant impact on a person’s life. The obsessions and compulsions of OCD can take up a lot of time and energy, making it difficult to focus on work, school, or other activities. OCD can also cause problems in personal relationships and social interactions.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Addiction and OCD
The good news is that there are effective treatments available for both OCD and addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with both disorders, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Treatment for co-occurring disorders typically includes a combination of medication, therapy, and support groups.
Treatment Programs
At Chapters Recovery, we offer a variety of treatment programs to help manage OCD and substance abuse. Typically individuals who suffer from this co-occurring disorder are encouraged to enter into a partial hospitalization program (PHP). A PHP offers a structured outpatient schedule that includes several hours of therapy and treatment.
We also have an intensive outpatient program and standard outpatient care as step-down programs from our PHP. Individuals can also choose to enroll in those levels instead of a PHP, but we also recommend that people follow the guidance of addiction treatment or mental health specialists in order to determine what treatment plan will work best.
What are Common OCD Medications?
A variety of medications can be used to treat OCD, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and antipsychotics. Medication is highly effective in treating OCD and medical experts recommend that individuals work with professionals to find the right combination for them. It may take several months before medication treatment starts to be effective.
Therapy for OCD
Behavioral therapies used in the treatment of OCD and substance abuse include:
Exposure and response prevention (ERP): This is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself to the thoughts, images, objects, or situations that trigger your obsessions and anxiety.
Therapy with a combination of medications can help drastically reduce OCD symptoms and help people stay in addiction recovery. At Chapters, we develop our treatment programs to provide individuals with the combination that works best for their situation.
Get Customized Treatment for OCD and Substance Abuse at Chapters Recovery!
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and OCD, it’s important to seek professional help. Addiction and OCD often occur together, which can make treatment complicated. However, there are options available that can address both disorders. If you’re not sure where to start, talking to a mental health professional can help you get the information and support you need. Contact Chapters Recovery Center today to learn more about treatment options.
Addiction commonly co-occurs with individuals having OCD as they try to self-medicate many of the unwanted symptoms associated with the illness. Suffering from OCD is an exhausting, disruptive experience. Individuals feel trapped by their thoughts, obsessions, and compulsions. These are experiences that affect how they live each and every day.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an 
At Chapters Recovery, we offer a variety of treatment programs to help manage OCD and substance abuse. Typically individuals who suffer from this co-occurring disorder are encouraged to enter into a partial hospitalization program (PHP). A 
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and OCD, it’s important to seek professional help. Addiction and OCD often occur together, which can make treatment complicated. However, there are options available that can address both disorders. If you’re not sure where to start, talking to a mental health professional can help you get the information and support you need.