Quick links for Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder
- What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
- A Common Theme Between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Alcohol Misuse
- How Does Alcohol Influence Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
- Can You Be Treated for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Alcohol Misuse?
- Support for a Person Living With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Alcohol Misuse
- Final Thoughts on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- References for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
A dual diagnosis is where a mental health condition, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, co-exists alongside an addiction.
For people living with these issues, this can be very distressing.
With so many aspects of mental and physical health at play, it is essential that treatment is sought out in order for the most effective healing to begin.
Recovery from both alcoholism and OCD is always possible.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Man holding his head struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) [1] is where a person’s fears take over and begin to control their lives.
The fears create obsessive thoughts that instigate compulsive habits.
In general society, people often say they have OCD around certain behaviours, such as washing hands or checking a door is locked. This type of habit is far from what a real diagnosis of OCD looks like.
OCD exists where a person is unable to do anything else before the compulsive behaviour is carried out.
The reason for this is linked to the fears and intrusive thoughts which lead to obsessions, which go on to cause impulses.
This is a serious mental health condition that comes with high levels of anxiety. Sufferers will know that their thoughts are irrational but be unable to control their compulsive reactions.
These behaviours usually become ritualistic. OCD seriously impacts a person’s relationships, living situation, and their ability to achieve goals. [2]
Common forms of OCD often focus on the following: [3]
- Viruses
- Counting numbers
- Praying
- Checking pockets
- Intrusive sexual thoughts
- Intrusive thoughts of causing harm (to self or others)
OCD can develop after an extremely upsetting event such as the unexpected loss of a loved one.
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Two men having a serious discussion about obsessive-compulsive disorder
Addiction to alcohol is where a person compulsively drinks. It’s different to alcohol dependency, which is where a person needs alcohol in order to function normally.
Often addiction and dependency occur at the same time, however both can exist without the other.
Alcohol is a toxic substance that with prolonged and regular use can physically change the structure of the brain.
Not only this, it changes how the brain and thyroid work, meaning that all the natural chemicals and hormones needed to regulate mood are upset.
Regular use, as well as binge drinking, can cause mental health issues, especially those linked to mood and anxiety. Drinking problems also severely damage vital organs, especially the liver.
A Common Theme Between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Alcohol Misuse
Patient and therapist taking notes and discussing obsessive-compulsive disorder
It’s clear that there is some similarity between OCD and alcoholism, both come with a compulsive urge and associated behaviours that are linked to how the brain functions.
Neurological pathways are formed when a thought or behaviour is repeated. This means that when a triggering event occurs, a person will instinctively follow the familiar path of behaviour connected to it.
When a person sees a particular friend who they associate with drinking, this can be a trigger that leads to the two people drinking together.
For a person with OCD, they might experience an intrusive thought about germs which triggers the compulsion to avoid touching things and the urge to wash their hands a particular amount of times.
For either condition, it can be extremely difficult and for many, near impossible to change these neurological pathways when they try to do so alone.
There is also an increased risk of suicide in people who have both conditions.
It’s only natural, then, that there are psychological treatments designed especially to address these types of mental health problems both separately and together.
Where alcoholism and OCD exist together, it’s better for a person to be treated for both at the same time as this improves outcomes.
How Does Alcohol Influence Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Therapist and patient talking about obsessive-compulsive disorder
Alcohol is a hugely powerful substance. As such it will have a serious impact on anyone who drinks a lot.
For those who have pre-existing mental health conditions, alcohol creates especially negative consequences.
Alcohol exacerbates OCD. [4] In the first instance, alcohol might be seen to reduce the impact of OCD by dulling the senses.
Drinking can be misleading to the person living with OCD as it makes the usual obsessive thought less powerful. It can distract a person from uncontrolled thoughts.
For this reason, alcohol is commonly used in order to self-medicate around the symptoms of OCD
In the long run, however, alcohol makes OCD worse. Hangovers often bring feelings of guilt and shame.
The fluctuations of natural chemicals in the body that help regulate mood become depleted and this can go on to make intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours worse.
Along with this, alcohol addiction can develop.
Can You Be Treated for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Alcohol Misuse?
Medical professional takes notes whilst a patient discusses their obsessive-compulsive disorder
There are private rehab options throughout Britain for people living with a dual diagnosis of OCD and alcohol disorder.
With so many options it can be confusing knowing which is the most suitable option. A call to OK Rehab can support you towards the most appropriate programme for your specific needs.
For those with OCD, entering a clinic for a residential stay might feel overwhelming. With new external stimuli, this can become difficult to manage and process. This can make it hard to be open to therapy.
Also, when a person’s routine is changed it can prevent them from being able to carry out OCD-related rituals. These factors can make approaching rehab very challenging to navigate.
This is why it’s essential that a programme is designed especially to treat both OCD and alcoholism simultaneously.
It’s worth noting that private clinics have a medical team in-house. There are medications that can be prescribed [5] by doctors to treat symptoms of anxiety and OCD, as well as alcohol dependency.
When the physical aspect of treatment is completed, then the psychological aspect can begin.
A wide range of therapies ensures that thought processes are considered and techniques are introduced to provide patients with tools to begin to take back control of their lives.
Support for a Person Living With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Alcohol Misuse
Peer support group for obsessive-compulsive disorder in progress
There are particular factors that support a person with OCD and alcohol misuse to have healthier outcomes.
Both conditions can commonly result in a person becoming isolated and cut off from others.
Suicidal ideation is more likely to occur. This is why the social aspect of a person’s life is incredibly important for recovery.
A social support network might seem difficult to build up, especially when the illnesses have existed for a long time, but they have very positive effects.
Attending 12 Step groups can be especially helpful in this regard as the emphasis is on connecting to people and developing a web of support around each other.
Alongside this, it’s healthy for the family and friends of the person who is mentally unwell to also access support. This is beneficial for them in being able to cope, as well as to help recreate healthy relationships with the person they love.
Final Thoughts on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Person typing on a phone
It can be extremely challenging for people living with OCD and alcohol use disorder. Both conditions come with their own set of uncontrolled thoughts and compulsive behaviours.
Although alcohol might be used to combat the symptoms of OCD, actually it results in making OCD symptoms more difficult to face and manage in the long run.
Treatment for the two is most successful where a programme for dual diagnosis is implemented. It’s beneficial for both illnesses to be addressed alongside each other in order to achieve sustainable outcomes.
There are rehab clinics throughout the UK that treat both conditions. You can find out all about these local centres and their programmes by contacting OK Rehab on 0800 326 5559.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards recovery, our advisors will be happy to lead you through a pre-assessment and then handle your referral to the most suitable recovery programme.
References for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/overview/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8650188/
- https://www.outsmartingocd.com/blog/ocdthemes
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/497548
- https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/treatment/
- https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1989-36828-001
