Common Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders and Drug Abuse
Obsessive-compulsive disorders arise when an individual develops obsessions over certain aspects of their life. The thoughts, feelings and worries encountered, as a result, cause them to adopt compulsions in a bid to minimise the obsessions encountered. According to The Journal of Anxiety Disorders, over a quarter of people who have OCD also have a drug abuse problem. This is often a way to cope with the anxiety and effects of obsessive compulsive disorder. To fully overcome the mental disorder, drug rehab treatment is needed in a dual diagnosis programme.
Although compulsions can help reduce anxiety for a short period, obsessive-compulsive disorders are very much a behavioural cycle. Sadly, this means that obsessions will once again arise upon obtaining a temporary relief from compulsions from drugs or alcohol.
Across the United Kingdom, there are many forms of obsessive-compulsive disorders. However, the national obsessive-compulsive disorder charity, OCD UK, states that all disorders will follow one of five themes. The themes are as followed;
- Checking
- Contamination
- Symmetry and ordering
- Intrusive thoughts
- Hoarding
An individual who has developed an obsessive-compulsive disorder that falls into the checking theme will likely repeatedly check that they have locked their door multiple times. Although they will know that the door is locked, they will continue to check until they are certain that the door is secure.
In contrast, an individual who has an obsessive-compulsive disorder who falls into the theme of symmetry will obsess over the appearance of objects. For example, clothes will need to be organised in a certain way to ensure that an individual can relax.
Drug use can be a way in which those suffering with OCD relieve their anxiety. This is why a dual diagnosis may be needed to tackle both the addiction and mental health disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
The signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorders are similar to the signs and symptoms of other mental health disorders, such as anxiety.
Although a number of the signs and symptoms associated with obsessive-compulsive disorders will be visible, the majority of signs and symptoms will be psychological. This means that only the individual struggling with the disorder will know that an obsessive-compulsive disorder is impairing their life.
Below, we have outlined some of the most common physical and psychological signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Physical Symptoms
- Consistently checking, counting, ordering and arranging items
- Repeatedly asking for reassurance
- Avoiding certain locations
- Avoiding specific people
- Hoarding items
Psychological Symptoms
- Feeling anxious
- Becoming increasingly agitated
- Mood swings
- Feeling restless
- Insomnia
- Feeling paranoid
- Experiencing pessimistic thoughts
- Feeling scared or worried
If you experience any of the above symptoms and believe that you have developed a drug addiction alongside an obsessive-compulsive disorder, please contact us today. We can provide you with the treatment you need to overcome your addiction and disorder.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment At Asana Lodge
As touched on above, many individuals struggle with addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorders in silence. However, as a disorder amplifies, various signs and symptoms will arise and ultimately reduce the quality of your life.
Although you may not believe that drug use and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) treatment is needed, it is highly recommended. Not only can treatment ensure that you are able to overcome your obsessive-compulsive disorder and use of drugs to ‘self medicate’, but it can assist you in alleviating any worries that have caused you to adopt compulsive mannerisms.
At Asana Lodge, we provide dual diagnosis treatment to a number of individuals at our residential rehab.
Although the treatment provided entirely depends on the severity of your drug and obsessive-compulsive disorder, if you attend our rehab for dual diagnosis treatment, you will likely encounter a number of psychological, well-being and holistic therapies. Combined, the therapies we provide will ensure that you can overcome the obsessions you have developed and the compulsions you have adopted.
We have provided more information regarding our therapies and how they are effective to treat dual diagnosis clients below.
Psychological Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy, stress management and neuro-linguistic programming are just some of the psychological therapies provided to individuals struggling with obsessive-compulsive and substance abuse disorders.
Typically conducted in one-to-one and group settings, if you encounter psychological therapy during your time in our residential rehab, you will be encouraged to discuss the obsessions and drug abuse patterns that you have developed. While this may cause you to feel uncomfortable, doing so will help you recognise the thoughts and feelings that you encounter at the height of your addictions. In turn, with the support of our psychologists, you will be able to determine how you can manage your obsessions and drug addiction.
Well-being Therapy
In addition to providing psychological therapy, at Asana Lodge, we have found that well-being therapy is highly beneficial when considering dual diagnosis treatment. Typically, well-being therapy consists of activities such as meditation.
In addition to encouraging you to relax, well-being therapies will act as an additional outlet for you to channel how you feel when your disorder and drug dependence causes you to encounter unwelcome thoughts.
Medication Prescribed for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
For greater results, the prescribed medication should be combined with therapeutic treatment, such as CBT. Non-addictive anti-depressants may be prescribed in order to control the negative symptoms of mental health and substance addiction issues. This will help to subsidise negative train of thoughts linked to OCD and drug dependence.
Outpatient Support
Once you’ve completed residential dual diagnosis treatment, our team will further support you through outpatient treatment. We will guide you through your long-term recovery while ensuring that your thought processes have been diminished and replaced with positive steps.
We will recommend regular support groups and contact to increase motivation and remind clients of how far they have come with their OCD and drug addiction journey. If you require any form of aftercare support, feel free to contact our team today.
If you are suffering from drug addiction as a result of obsessive-compulsive disorder, we understand how difficult this can be. We understand how exhausting attempting to maintain your daily responsibilities can be while dealing with mental and physical health issues.
By seeking specialised support now, we will help you transform your life, helping you focus on motivating positivity, rather than falling into your old habits.
Self-help Tips for OCD
Alongside our specialised dual diagnosis treatment, there are some steps you can take to decrease your OCD symptoms. We promote working on your mental health daily by providing opportunities for self-care. For some individuals this may be completed through physical activity, for others, this may be some quiet time alone.
Whatever works for you, we recommend consistent time. Additionally, increasing your knowledge and understanding of OCD and drug addiction will help you differentiate which areas of your life are being controlled by obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The greatest self-help tip to follow is by seeking expert support by taking the first step to a positive future. Consider opening up today by recognising that recovery is possible.
Regardless of the obsessive-compulsive disorder, you find yourself victim to, at Asana Lodge, we can provide you with the dual diagnosis treatment you need to make a long-term recovery.
If you are ready to overcome your drug and obsessive-compulsive disorder, please contact us today.
Our admissions team is on hand to provide you with support and guidance and ensure that you can commence treatment at our centre within a relatively short time frame.
Get In Touch
Are you suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and need help? If so, Asana Lodge is a leading UK based expert in mental health treatment. Find out how we can help by getting in touch with our friendly team today. You can either call our confidential helpline or request a callback by clicking on the below form.
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