Alt. text: White scrabble letters merge to form OCD in the shape of a cross on a black background.
Let’s say you were exploring the complex relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and substance abuse. In that case, you’d immediately notice a common denominator: the fierce and absorbing compulsion to engage in actions and behaviors that disturb life’s natural rhythm.
OCD, a widespread mental health condition in the US (or just about anywhere else), manifests in repeating, intrusive, and obsessive thoughts or actions. It eats away your time and energy and might cause you to feel anxious and depressed. While OCD often involves anxiety, the two are not the same—anxiety is a broad emotional response to stress, whereas OCD is characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts and ritualistic behaviors aimed at reducing distress. On the other hand, both anxiety and depression can lead you to develop substance abuse issues, and many people use drugs and alcohol to cope with their condition(s). In the article you’re about to read, our main goal is to highlight the curious interplay between OCD and substance abuse and how you or your loved one can seek treatment.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) isn’t just about being overly neat or particular. It’s a legitimate mental health condition that can greatly disrupt your daily life. Therefore, it’s important not to trivialize or misinterpret the term (pop culture has already done enough harm; it seems that nowadays, everyone has OCD). People dealing with OCD (quite often) experience intrusive thoughts (also known as obsessions), which lead to repetitive behaviors or rituals (also known as compulsions).
As mentioned in the introduction, obsessions and compulsions consume a lot of time and often bring distress. Thus, suffering from OCD, you’d have a tough time carrying out even the most mundane tasks or engaging in ordinary daily activities.
OCD affects people across all age groups, and symptoms can manifest differently, from germophobia to the somewhat stereotyped need for symmetry or orderliness. While it usually emerges during late childhood or young adulthood, OCD can continue into adulthood if left (professionally) untreated.
Does OCD increase the likelihood of substance abuse and addiction?
Numerous research studies, such as this one first published in Psychiatric Times, have suggested that individuals grappling with substance use disorders frequently experience a co-occurring mental health condition. Specifically, about 20% of people diagnosed with anxiety disorders (and OCD is one of them) also struggle with substance use and abuse disorders. In the context of OCD, this correlation is especially notable among men.
Even though they might recognize the irrationality of their actions, folks with OCD may struggle to refrain from their compulsive rituals. It’s common for people with mental health disorders to consider substance use as a means of alleviating their symptoms, and folks with OCD are no exception. Of course, that’s not the way to treat any mental health issue. Let’s face it; reliance on alcohol and drugs offers only a temporary retreat and may worsen the symptoms in the long run. Addiction doesn’t just mask mental health struggles—it fuels them, creating a cycle that’s harder to break. Treating addiction is crucial, not just to quit the substance but to address its root causes and regain control over your life.
Wait, will substance abuse worsen my OCD?
The answer is YES. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can enhance OCD symptoms. Plus, continuous substance abuse and addiction will only perpetuate your struggles, with some unpleasant effects going strong even after the use of drugs or alcohol. Recent studies indicate that higher rates of comorbidity (i.e., existing simultaneously) of OCD and SUD (substance use disorder) correlate with the appearance of various mental health issues.
What are the signs of co-occurring OCD and substance use?
Recognizing the signs of OCD and substance use disorders is crucial for early intervention and mental health support. Here are some common indicators to look for in yourself or people in your surroundings.
Avoidance behavior and social isolation
That’s right; social isolation is a common behavior among individuals with OCD. They see withdrawing from society as a means of coping with anxiety. Similarly, individuals who have substance use issues may also retreat from social interactions due to unpleasant feelings of shame or guilt. This isolation worsens both conditions simultaneously and raises the risk of depression (even though it mightn’t appear as such).
Loss of interest in hobbies they once loved
OCD’s preoccupations and the time-absorbing nature of substance use leave little room for other activities that the affected person used to love. As addiction takes hold, focusing on anything beyond substance use becomes increasingly difficult. Eventually, this leads to a complete disengagement from once-beloved hobbies.
Changes in mood and temperament
Mood swings are very common in both OCD and substance use. Those with OCD might get easily irritated due to anxiety from their compulsive thoughts. Needless to say, substance withdrawal or drug effects can also cause you to feel agitated and moody.
Neglecting responsibilities
Both substance use and OCD can lead to neglecting duties at home, work, or in relationships. Once you isolate yourself to manage OCD symptoms, you may find it challenging to fulfil your responsibilities, mirroring the behavior of those with substance use disorders.
Ways to treat OCD and substance abuse
Treating OCD and substance abuse usually requires an approach that can address both conditions at the same time.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is probably the most popular therapeutic method out there. It teaches you the various coping mechanisms to manage intrusive thoughts and emotions that may trigger substance abuse. Additionally, medications such as Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, Fluoxetine, Sertraline, and Clomipramine are commonly prescribed to help deal with symptoms of OCD. The latter is called MAT (medication-assisted therapy).
What about sobriety? You need to recognize addiction as a chronic condition that demands ongoing management for relapse prevention. While medications can help alleviate OCD symptoms, being sober requires continuous dedication and support. Both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs offer a range of services. These include medically assisted detox, therapy for OCD symptoms, and support groups for you to endorse a sober lifestyle.
Conclusion
In our society (or anywhere else), people battling both OCD and substance abuse face a set of unique challenges. Still, you can achieve successful recovery with the right support and intervention. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to both OCD and addiction at the same time, through therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication-assisted therapy (MAT), you can gain control over the symptoms and achieve long-term sobriety. It’s highly important to raise societal awareness, eliminate social stigma and false interpretations, and provide accessible resources to support people finding their way through the maze of mental health and substance use.
