When a person enters an addiction recovery center, it is not unusual for them to receive a dual diagnosis of addiction and another disorder. Many mental health issues can lead to addiction or are a result of an addiction. Thankfully, when you enter into a good rehabilitation program, you can receive help for both issues.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a common mental health issue seen in people with addictions. For many, the struggles associated with OCD lead to abusing drugs or alcohol to diminish the anxiety this disorder causes. Many people also struggle with loneliness when they have OCD because their compulsions keep them from associating with people. This can also lead to addiction.
OCD Is A Powerful Anxiety Condition
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be either a person who is obsessed with something, has uncontrolled compulsions, or suffers from both issues. The obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions create a high state of anxiety unless these needs are met. For many, this is a debilitating disorder without therapy or medical assistance.
More common obsessive thought patterns
– Paralyzing fear of germs and getting sick
– Religious fears of the end of the world or of blasphemous thoughts or actions
– Intrusive thoughts of self-harm or harming others
– Fear of loved ones being injured or dying
– Obsession over “good” and “bad” numbers
– Stuck on one idea or thought that enters into every action of their day
Compulsive symptoms
– Compulsively cleaning, washing hands, and changing clothes during the day because of fear of germs, viruses, or bacteria
– Checking things like light switches, appliances, and door locks over and over.
– Hoarding
– Continually checking in on the safety and well-being of loved ones (More than twice a day without reason)
– Repeating words or actions as a way to soothe themselves
It should be understood that for these actions to be considered a mental disorder, the person doing these things must significantly disrupt the person’s ability to function daily. The obsession or compulsion must be time-consuming and must prevent the person from doing other things.
For example, a person with OCD may find themselves unable to go to work each day unless they go back in the house and check that the coffee maker is turned off. They find it impossible to just go back in the house once; they must repeat the action several times until they believe it is off. This can consume 30 minutes or more each day. Some may even drive a block away and turn around to come home to check again. This often disrupts their work schedule and leads to loss of job.
OCD is a very disruptive anxiety disorder, and many people who suffer from it find themselves turning to drugs to try to ease the symptoms.
Addiction and OCD Therapy
When you enter a drug rehabilitation center, you will work closely with a substance abuse counselor. Part of their job is to help you uncover the root causes of your addiction. Breaking an addiction is more than just detoxing your body from the substance. Recovery from addiction happens when you find the cause and overcome the problem so that you can stay sober in the future.
For many people, this means addressing mental health issues that they may not understand or realize that they have. Many people believe that the anxiety or depression that they feel is just common for everyone. Learning that there is a problem and that there is a solution can help you manage recovery so much easier.
Receiving a dual diagnosis is not a bad thing at all. It is a good thing because now you know what has been contributing to your unhappiness and your addiction. Knowing the root problem can help you overcome that problem and move on to a much brighter future.
Final Thoughts
There are many benefits to entering into drug rehab. You learn how to overcome your addiction, discover the causes of addiction, solve those issues, improve your physical health, and become empowered over your life. Addiction recovery is a wonderful thing. If you are suffering from an addiction, seeking help can help you change your life forever.
