Obsessive-compulsive disorder and drug addiction are often co-occurring disorders, and treatment for each condition usually depends on the other. Rehabilitation centers must resolve both issues through a customized treatment program that helps individuals manage symptoms of drug abuse and OCD.
Northpoint Seattle offers drug rehab programs that use a variety of evidence-based interventions, including mental health therapy, to help individuals recover from OCD and addiction. Call 888.483.6031 to learn more about how OCD and drug abuse go together and what we can do to help you recover long-term.
Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
As the name implies, obsessive-compulsive disorder includes both obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety. Common obsessions include:
- Fear of germs or contamination
- Unwanted or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, and violence
- Aggressive thoughts toward others or self
- Keeping things symmetrical or in perfect order
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors in which a person with OCD may engage in response to obsessive thoughts. Common compulsions include:
- Excessive cleaning or handwashing
- Ordering and arranging things in a precise way
- Repeatedly checking on things, such as whether the door is locked or the oven is off
- Compulsive counting
Repetitive or distressing obsessions and compulsions tend to increase in severity the longer the condition goes untreated.
What’s the OCD and Drug Abuse Correlation?
You might wonder: how are OCD and drug abuse related? Due to the mental and emotional (and sometimes physical) distress caused by obsessive-compulsive disorder, those diagnosed can turn to drugs or alcohol to cope.
It can be extremely draining to deal with the symptoms of OCD. Although some medications exist for symptoms, they are not always easy to obtain and may cause side effects. These medications include serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
The rehabilitation center you choose should focus on the dual treatment of addiction and OCD. That means not just depending on medication to reduce the obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The goal is to find a treatment center that addresses the complexity of your condition.
How Northpoint Seattle Can Help
Dealing with drug abuse and OCD is one of the hardest things a person can endure. However, at Northpoint Seattle, we view these obstacles as opportunities to become better, happier members of society.
Besides typical detox and therapies that help transform negative drug habits, we help patients learn and adopt habits that increase their well-being. These include:
- Eating healthy – Eating a healthy diet is an essential aspect of recovery. We serve food that helps individuals become stronger and feel well. We also have resources that help people make good food choices once they return home.
- Exercising – Enjoying everything your body can do for you begins with exercise. Under medical supervision, you will participate in exercises that get you moving. When you return home, we will encourage you to manage your health through regular exercise.
- Socializing – Socializing can be a trigger for both substance abuse and OCD. We provide group support to help you learn that social interactions don’t need to rely on drug use or obsessive behaviors.
Learning to have fun without drugs or alcohol is another way to promote recovery success. There are many things to do that don’t involve drug or alcohol use. We work with you to identify situations that don’t trigger your addiction or OCD and find fun activities you can do without worry of relapse.
Call Northpoint Seattle Today to Start Treatment for Drug Abuse and OCD
Learn more about what Northpoint Seattle can do to get you sober and healthy again by calling 888.483.6031. You can also complete our online form to get started. We’re here to help you get the holistic treatment you need for long-term recovery success.