Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition that often accompanies addiction. When people suffer from both disorders, seeking an OCD treatment center isn’t enough. They have to seek a facility that offers dual diagnosis treatment and mental health treatment programs. Only then can they deal with both issues. Northpoint Seattle offers an OCD treatment program that is aligned with our addiction treatment approach. Contact our team online or call 888.483.6031 to learn more.
What Is OCD?
OCD is a type of anxiety disorder. People struggling with OCD typically experience recurring thoughts. These recurring thoughts usually cause anxiety and irrational fear. People struggling with OCD also engage in compulsive, almost ritual, activities. An OCD treatment center is the best course of action when this happens.
For example, someone struggling with OCD might be obsessed with washing their hands or organizing items. Others feel that they must perform certain actions or count objects a specific number of times. When they don’t perform these actions, they start to feel anxiety. If they aren’t careful or don’t surround themselves with the proper support, the disorder can take over their lives.
Most of the time, people need to visit an OCD treatment center at a young age. The reason is that the symptoms typically appear during childhood or early adolescence. Getting treatment early can usually help them live normal lives.
Why Does OCD Co-Occur with Addiction?
When people suffer from OCD, they don’t feel like themselves. Some might turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the symptoms. Unfortunately, this is only a temporary fix and can lead to addiction. For some individuals, their addiction may even intensify their OCD behaviors.
This vicious cycle between OCD and addiction requires a specialized approach. A treatment center that offers both addiction treatment and OCD treatment is the best option. The right center will be able to identify and address both issues simultaneously.
Unfortunately, not everyone gets the help that they need to manage OCD. Experts estimate that only around 25% of people receive treatment. This number is so low because some parents never get help for their children. Even in adulthood, few people seek out an OCD treatment center. Instead, they attempt to cover up the symptoms of substance abuse. In some cases, the drugs take the edge off the anxiety and fear they feel. However, this relief only lasts as long as they abuse drugs.
What Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment?
What does dual diagnosis mean? This term refers to the occurrence of two mental health conditions simultaneously or when someone is struggling with a substance use disorder—an addiction to drugs or alcohol—and another mental health issue. Because of that, people need to choose an OCD therapy program that is part of a dual diagnosis program.
In short, dual diagnosis treatment helps people deal with substance use and other co-occurring disorders. In general, it can address more than just OCD. For example, a dual diagnosis program can also offer treatment for:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- PTSD
- Other anxiety disorders
This level of care is essential because these conditions often occur alongside addiction. In dual diagnosis treatment, both conditions are treated simultaneously to reduce the impact each has on the other condition. This lowers the risk of relapse while increasing the manageability of a condition and healing.
Get a Dual Diagnosis and Enroll in OCD Treatment at Northpoint Seattle in Washington
Do you need a mental health treatment program and struggle with addiction? If so, look no further than the friendly faces at Northpoint Seattle. We pride ourselves on offering treatment for both addiction and mental health problems.
At Northpoint Seattle, we create custom treatment plans. This approach allows us to help various clients regardless of their mental health issues. Contact Northpoint Seattle online or call 888.483.6031 today to learn more.