Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Alcohol use disorder (AUD) (commonly called alcoholism) is an unhealthy pattern of drinking characterized by a preoccupation with alcohol and difficulty controlling alcohol consumption despite negative effects on health and other aspects of your life.
There is a complex, bidirectional relationship between these two mental health disorders−obsessive compulsive disorder and alcoholism. Researchers have found that people living with OCD are more likely to develop alcohol use disorder (AUD) and that drinking alcohol can make OCD symptoms worse.
Please continue reading to understand the connection between OCD and alcoholism. We will also give you information on how to find help for these mental health conditions from a health care professional specializing in dual diagnosis.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Definition and Symptoms of OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are unwanted, uncontrollable, recurring, intrusive thoughts. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors, specific actions, or rituals that occur in response to obsessions. These compulsive behaviors are consistent and rigid and create anxiety if they are not followed correctly.
However, all repetitive thoughts are not obsessions and all repetitive behaviors are not compulsions. OCD is characterized by:
- Being unable to control obsessions and compulsions even when you know they are excessive or abnormal.
- Spending more than an hour every day on your obsessions or compulsions.
- Experiencing temporary relief from the anxiety associated with your obsessions by performing your compulsions.
- Having problems functioning in daily life due to uncontrollable thoughts and behaviors.
The Impact of OCD on Daily Life
Examples of Common Obsessions and Compulsions
Examples of Common Obsessions:
- An excessive fear of germs or contamination.
- Fears of misplacing things or forgetting something.
- Fears of losing control or behaving inappropriately.
- A desire to have things in perfect order.
- Aggressive thoughts toward oneself or others.
- Forbidden thoughts involving religion, sex, or causing harm.
Examples of Common Compulsions:
- Excessive handwashing or cleaning.
- Arranging things in a precise or particular manner.
- Checking things repeated, such as if the gas burner is switched off or the door is locked.
- Counting things repeatedly.
- Repeating words or praying silently.
Impact of OCD on Daily Functioning and Quality of Life
Obsessions and compulsions can take up several hours of your day. They can interfere with your ability to function as well as affect your relationships. OCD can also have a negative impact on your education or employment. Untreated OCD can cause distress and disruption for the affected person as well as their loved ones due to uncontrollable fears and rituals.
With worsening OCD, symptoms such as avoidance can become problematic. For example, you may start avoiding things that trigger obsessive fears. This can make it difficult to perform daily activities such as eating, drinking, going out with friends, or shopping. In severe cases, people with OCD can develop severe anxiety and/or embarrassment and become housebound to hide or mask their OCD symptoms.
Risk Factors for OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is generally diagnosed during adolescence or early adulthood. The exact causes are unknown, but risk factors for this mental health condition include:
- Genetics: If someone in your family has been diagnosed with OCD, you may be at an increased risk of developing this mental illness.
- Biological changes in the brain: People with OCD have both structural changes in the frontal cortex and subcortical regions as well as chemical changes in serotonin levels. The frontal cortex and subcortical region control emotions and behavior. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in regulating mood.
- Temperament: Studies have found that people who are more reserved, prone to negative thinking, and experience anxiety and depression during childhood are more likely to develop obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Environmental factors: Research suggests that the development of OCD is linked to childhood stressors and trauma such as physical or sexual abuse.
Common Misconceptions About OCD
Myth: Fussing over neatness or cleanliness is OCD.
Fact: Keeping your home tidy or wanting things organized is a personality trait and not OCD, which is a mental illness. OCD involves persistent uncontrollable thoughts that cause anxiety and repetitive behaviors that interfere with daily life.
Myth: OCD is not a big deal. You just need to relax a little bit.
Fact: Simply relaxing a little bit cannot fix OCD. It is a serious mental health disorder that usually requires treatment from a mental health professional.
Myth: People with OCD are neurotic or crazy and can never be normal.
Fact: With proper treatment, people with OCD can live happy, productive lives.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
Definition of Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is commonly called alcoholism, alcohol addiction, or alcohol dependence. It is a mental health condition involving unhealthy patterns of drinking. People with AUD are preoccupied with drinking alcohol and continue to consume alcohol despite negative effects on their health, relationships, career, finances, and other aspects of life.
Social Drinking vs AUD: How to Tell the Difference?
Tolerance and withdrawal are the hallmarks of alcoholism or alcohol use disorder. Tolerance refers to getting a reduced effect from a typically consumed amount of alcohol over time or needing more and more alcohol over time to get the same intoxicating effects. Withdrawal refers to experiencing uncomfortable symptoms such as sweating, nausea, and shakiness when alcohol use is reduced greatly or stopped after heavy or prolonged drinking.
Symptoms of AUD
- Inability to control drinking.
- Wanting to cut down but being unable to.
- Multiple attempts at cutting down or quitting drinking but being unsuccessful.
Spending a lot of time drinking and recovering from the effects of alcohol.
- Experiencing strong urges or cravings for alcohol.
- Failing to fulfil work and family responsibilities due to alcohol use.
- Continuing to consume alcohol despite negative effects on health, family life, social life, and work.
- Reducing or stopping hobbies and social interactions and choosing to consume alcohol instead.
- Putting yourself in unsafe situations, for example, driving under the influence, swimming while intoxicated, or having unprotected sex with strangers.
- Developing a tolerance to alcohol and needing more of it to feel the same effects.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms and drinking repeatedly to treat these symptoms.
Risk Factors for Alcohol Misuse or Alcoholism
People of all ages, genders, and ethnicities can develop alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, some people are at higher risk than others. Risk factors for AUD include:
- Genetics: People with a family history of alcohol use disorder are at a higher risk of developing this mental health condition themselves.
- Drinking patterns: Starting drinking at an early age (before age 15) is linked to a 5 times higher risk of developing alcohol addiction later in life. In addition, drinking patterns such as heavy drinking and binge drinking are risk factors for alcoholism.
- Mental health problems: Anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and other mental health conditions are linked to a higher risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
- Environmental factors: People who have experienced emotional trauma or other stressful life events are at a higher risk of AUD.
- Social and cultural factors: Easy access to alcohol and peer pressure in young people can play a role in developing alcohol dependence. Hanging out with people who drink excessively or having a partner to drinks regularly can increase the risk of developing alcohol addiction.
The Connection Between OCD and Alcohol: Does Alcohol Make OCD Symptoms Worse?
Research suggests that obsessive compulsive disorder and alcoholism can influence each other. Having one of these mental health conditions increases the risk of developing the other. In addition, AUD can worsen OCD symptoms and OCD can worsen AUD symptoms.
Scientists believe the links between OCD and alcoholism can be explained in part by the fact that alcohol addiction and OCD share certain similarities and have overlapping effects. Both alcohol addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder are characterized by unwanted thoughts or preoccupations and impulsivity. OCD and substance use disorders (SUD) are also characterized by repetitive behaviors and compulsivity and a lack of control over urges. Additionally, people with both SUD and OCD have neurological dysregulation (structural and functional changes in their brains).
Why Individuals with OCD May Turn to Alcohol
Researchers have suggested a self-medication hypothesis to explain the connection between OCD and alcoholism, where someone with OCD might drink to obtain temporary relief from the anxiety and obsessive thoughts caused by their OCD.
Alcohol dulls the mind and lowers inhibitions, which can make it easier for an OCD sufferer to deal with their obsessions and ignore their compulsions that they typically experience while sober. However, this is not always true, and some people have worsening OCD symptoms even during alcohol consumption.
Even when alcohol provides relief from OCD symptoms, the effects of alcohol intoxication are temporary. As a result, OCD sufferers report even worse symptoms after alcohol consumption, once the alcohol leaves their system and they starting sobering up.
This can become a vicious cycle−worsening OCD symptoms during recovery from a bout of drinking can cause you to drink again to avoid intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
As with everyone, continued use of alcohol can eventually turn into a dependency. In fact, research suggests that alcohol use disorder develops faster in people who are using alcohol to self-medicate for mental health conditions such as OCD. That’s why it’s vital to seek care for OCD symptoms from a mental health professional rather than using alcohol to self-medicate. This can cause further problems and spiral into alcoholism.
What Comes First: OCD or AUD?
The onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) generally precedes the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) or other substance use disorders (SUDs). This fits with the self-medication hypothesis and the assumption that many people with mental health conditions such as OCD use alcohol to cope with their OCD symptoms.
However, a contrasting theory proposes that OCD and substance abuse are entangled with each other and it’s impossible to say which occurs first. Both OCD and alcoholism can worsen the symptoms of the other disorder. In support of this theory, researchers have found a strong relationship between the severity of alcohol use and the severity of OC symptoms.
The Cycle of OCD and Alcohol Use
As noted, people with OCD might use alcohol for its symptom-relieving effects. Alcohol leads to an increase of serotonin activity in the brain, but these effects of alcohol are short-lived. As a result, there can be temporary relief in OCD symptoms after alcohol consumption, but the OCD symptoms return, and are often worse, when the effects of alcohol wear off.
Over time, repeated alcohol use can lead to worsened OCD symptoms even when you are not drinking. Additionally, some people with OCD can develop anxiety related to their behaviors and actions while under the influence of alcohol. This can lead to the development of additional obsessions and compulsions related to alcohol consumption.
How Alcohol Affects OCD Symptoms
Short-Term Effects of Alcohol on OCD Symptoms
As mentioned above, alcohol use can provide an initial, temporary relief in OCD symptoms by dulling the mind, reducing inhibitions, and lowering anxiety levels. These effects of alcohol can provide a quick but temporary fix for the symptoms of OCD.
However, when alcohol intoxication wears off, certain symptoms, such as anxiety, can be markedly worse. As a result, alcohol withdrawal can cause OCD symptoms to surge.
The connection between OCD and alcoholism can be explained by the fact that alcohol affects almost every system in the body, including the brain. It is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, meaning alcohol changes the levels of chemical messengers in the CNS and reduces brain activity.
Impairment in thinking and decision-making abilities can start after just one alcoholic drink. Research has shown that alcohol consumption also affects mood, behavior, impulse control, and judgment.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on OCD
Drinking alcohol repeatedly to obtain relief from OCD symptoms can lead to worsening obsessions and compulsions over time. When alcohol leaves the system, it causes the central nervous system (CNS) to go into overdrive. This can make mood symptoms more intense and worsen OCD symptoms during alcohol withdrawal. Frequent, heavy, or prolonged drinking can cause structural changes and damage to the brain, which may be permanent.
Another long-term effect of regular alcohol use for OCD relief is that it can increase your risk of developing alcohol addiction or AUD. In some people, alcohol itself can become an obsession, and drinking can become a compulsion.
For example, a person may find that drinking three beers was helpful in calming intrusive or obsessive thoughts. This can compel the person to drink three beers every time they feel overwhelmed by their obsessions. Over time, drinking three beers every day can become a compulsion, with escalating anxiety if the person doesn’t drink exactly three beers. This can put the person at serious health risks, including a risk of alcohol use disorder and worsening OCD.
Co-Occurring Disorders OCD and AUD: Is There a Link Between OCD and Alcohol Abuse?
Prevalence of Co-Occurring OCD and AUD
Researchers have found strong links between obsessive compulsive disorder and alcoholism. For example, people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) have an approximately five times higher risk of developing alcohol use disorders (AUD) compared to the general population.
Various studies have shown that 24-40% of people with OCD have clinically significant substance use disorders, with alcohol being the most commonly abused substance.
Studies have also found that among people seeking treatment for OCD, those who also have alcohol use disorder tend to have more severe symptoms of OCD, increased suicidal risk, and poorer treatment outcomes.
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+18442884672 Additionally, studies have shown that people living with OCD are at a nearly four times higher risk of poor substance abuse outcomes, such as addiction, criminal convictions, and even death.
Potential Risks for People with OCD and Excessive Drinking
Some of the risks of excessive alcohol consumption in people living with OCD include:
- Decreased ability to resist urges to drink.
- Increased risk of engaging in compulsive drinking behaviors.
- Higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder.
- Worsening mood, behavior, and anxiety symptoms due to chemical imbalances in the brain related to concurrent OCD and alcoholism.
- Possible irreversible brain damage.
- Interactions between prescribed medications for OCD and alcohol.
- Risky behaviors due to impaired thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and reasoning abilities.
- Risk of accidents due to impairments in motor functioning, coordination, and balance.
- Challenges in diagnosis and recovery from alcohol addiction.
Challenges in Diagnosing and Treating Co-Occurring Disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and alcoholism (alcohol use disorder or AUD) are mental health conditions that often occur together. Researchers have also found that other mental health disorders can co-occur with OCD and can have a cascading effect, resulting in alcohol addiction.
For example, major depression occurs in more than half of all people with OCD. Research suggests that major depression and AUD are deeply intertwined. Many people with major depression develop AUD and many people with AUD develop major depression. In people with OCD, the presence of depression can make OCD symptoms worse.
Scientists have found that when OCD is associated with frequent or heavy drinking, treatment for depression helps to control the other two disorders, OCD and AUD.
OCD can also co-occur with other anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety, separation anxiety, and panic disorder. The co-occurrence of disorders such as OCD, AUD, major depression, and other anxiety disorders can make diagnosis and treatment challenging. Mental health professionals with expertise in dual diagnosis are best equipped to make the correct diagnoses and offer an appropriate treatment plan for the co-existing conditions.
Treatment Options for OCD and Alcohol Use Disorder
Importance of Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
The presence of co-occurring mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and alcoholism can pose additional challenges in people seeking treatment for these conditions.
If you only treat the alcohol addiction and don’t seek treatment for OCD, or vice versa, each disorder can worsen the other and prevent you from getting better. As noted above, alcohol abuse can make it more difficult to treat OCD and having OCD can make it more difficult to treat AUD.
For example, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with OCD, quitting alcohol can cause compulsions that were well controlled to come back. Coupled with the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, the increase in OCD symptomatology can put or your loved one you under immense physical and psychological stress. The combination of OCD resurgence and alcohol withdrawal can increase the risk of relapse or become a setback in your OCD treatment plan.
If you or your loved one has an OCD diagnosis and co-occurring alcohol addiction, remember, alcohol is only a coping mechanism. Leaving OCD untreated, or any other co-occurring mental health conditions untreated, can cause you or your loved one to relapse to alcohol use.
For these reasons, it is vital to obtain treatment for both obsessive-compulsive disorder and alcoholism at the same time. The combined treatment of OCD and AUD is known as an integrated approach. An integrated approach allows treatment providers to address the interactions between these mental illnesses which can worsen each other.
Integrated treatment for OCD and AUD can be obtained at a treatment facility, such as Discover Recovery Treatment Center in Washington, which specializes in dual diagnosis or comorbid disorders. This approach can ensure you not receive treatment for your symptoms but also the underlying cause of your mental health conditions.
Overview of Effective Treatments for OCD
Psychotherapy for OCD
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. This type of psychotherapy helps you identify harmful thinking patterns and their association with unhealthy behaviors. In people with OCD, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) helps to break the links between uncontrollable obsessive thoughts and compulsive or ritualistic behaviors. During therapy sessions, you learn to avoid ritualizing in response to obsessions and instead manage anxiety related in more healthy ways.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is a type of CBT. It involves gradual desensitization to things that are obsessions and a cause of anxiety. For example, slow exposure over time to dirt in people with a fear of contamination to reduce anxiety caused by exposure to dirt. The therapist will also teach you ways to prevent rituals such as compulsive hand-washing. Over time, people with OCD can enjoy an improved quality of life after undergoing ERP under the guidance of a trained therapist.
Medications for OCD
Mental health professionals most commonly prescribe antidepressant drugs as the first-line of treatment for people with a diagnosis of OCD. These psychiatric medicines help to rebalance chemicals in the brain and control obsessions and compulsions.
Several antidepressants are FDA-approved for the treatment of OCD, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), and clomipramine (Anafranil). Your doctor will choose the best OCD medicine for you based on factors such as your age, severity of OCD symptoms, and how well you tolerate certain medicines.
Overview of Effective Treatments for AUD
Medically-Supervised Detoxification for Alcohol Addiction
Detoxification under medical supervision allows you to safely stop drinking. A team of healthcare providers can manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms and keep you safe and as comfortable as possible. Quitting alcohol cold turkey at home without medical supervision is not recommended, especially if you have a history of heavy or prolonged alcohol use. Doing so can put you at risk of serious alcohol withdrawal complications such as alcohol seizures and delirium tremens, which can be life-threatening.
Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab for Alcohol Addiction
Studies show that an inpatient alcohol rehab program is usually more successful. Inpatient rehab involves living at a treatment facility such as Discover Recovery Treatment Center in Washington State. During your stay, you will receive round-the-clock medical care and monitoring. This type of rehab program is particularly beneficial for people with a dual diagnosis of OCD and alcoholism because it provides access to comprehensive medical and mental health care, including detoxification, medication management, psychotherapy, and other necessary medical services.
However, mild to moderate alcohol use disorder and stable OCD symptoms can be treated with an outpatient program, where you continue living at home and going to school or work, while receiving treatment for your mental health conditions.
You can discuss alcohol recovery programs and OCD treatments with us at Discover Recovery to find the best way to stay safe during alcohol detox and withdrawal and increase your chances of attaining sobriety while keeping OCD under control.
Psychotherapy for Alcohol Dependence
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to helping people with alcohol addiction. It has proven benefits in helping you quit drinking for good.
CBT helps you recognize and change unhealthy thinking and behavior patterns. As mentioned, CBT is also used to treat OCD. Therefore, it can be an important and effective treatment modality in people with OCD and alcoholism (AUD).
Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder
Medical management of alcohol use disorders involves the use of medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. These medications work in different ways. For example, naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol and makes it less likely for you to drink. Acamprosate reduces alcohol cravings and increases your chances of remaining abstinent. Disulfiram produces unpleasant side effects if you drink alcohol and thereby deters you from drinking if you are a recovering alcoholic.
Support Groups for Alcohol Addiction
Mutual support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) use the 12-step program to help people in recovery from alcohol dependency. There are also non-12-step programs like SMART Recovery. People with a dual diagnosis of OCD and AUD may benefit from a support group such as Double Trouble in Recovery which is designed to help those with a dual diagnosis.
OCD and Alcoholism Risk: Can People with OCD Drink Alcohol?
If you have received a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and are receiving treatment for this mental health condition, does it mean you should not have even an occasional drink? In other words, does the link between OCD and alcohol use disorder (AUD) mean you should strictly avoid alcohol?
There is no single right answer to this question. Alcohol is not strictly off-limits for most people with OCD. Many people with OCD can safely drink alcohol occasionally and in moderation. However, the decision to consume alcohol as someone living with OCD must be made with the awareness that alcohol affects your brain differently than those who don’t have OCD. Ultimately, choosing to drink if you have an OCD diagnosis is a personal decision. It is a decision you should make together with your mental health and medical professionals.
An important first step is to learn about abnormal drinking patterns. There are common misconceptions about what is “normal” or “social” alcohol consumption. Become aware of what constitutes moderate drinking and what are the warning signs of a drinking problem. The National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism is a good resource to learn about the definitions and descriptions of moderate drinking, binge drinking, and heavy drinking.
Tips for Safe Drinking in People with OCD
As noted, people with OCD are at higher risk for developing an alcohol addiction. Therefore, you should exercise caution when consuming alcohol, especially if you have risk factors for alcoholism, such as a personal or family history of alcohol abuse.
Here are some steps for cautious and responsible alcohol use for people with OCD:
- Identify triggers for drinking and avoid them. For example, if you find you are drinking alcohol to manage OCD symptoms or anxiety, stop and talk to your mental health provider. Your provider can teach you healthier ways to cope with OCD, such as physical exercise, journaling, meditation, or reaching out to your support system.
- Be vigilant for signs of alcohol abuse and addiction. As a person living with OCD, it’s especially important for you to monitor your drinking habits. Cut back if you notice signs of tolerance (needing more alcohol to get the same effects) or withdrawal (experiencing uncomfortable symptoms when you don’t have access to alcohol).
- Avoid unhealthy drinking patterns. Heavy drinking and binge drinking are risk factors for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other serious health risks.
- Drink within healthy limits. Do not use alcohol to self-medicate for OCD symptoms. Talk to your mental health professional about what is a safe level of drinking for you and stick to the recommendations.
- Practice controlling urges. Both OCD and AUD are linked to increased impulsivity and compulsions. Put the coping strategies you learn during psychotherapy sessions into practice. Over time, you will find it easier to allow an impulse to pass and feel more in control of your thoughts and behaviors.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about interactions. Drug-alcohol interactions can increase the risk of severe side effects and put you at risk of serious, even life-threatening health complications. If you are taking medications for OCD, talk to your healthcare provider about whether it is safe for you to drink and how much you can drink.
Strategies for Managing OCD Without Alcohol Consumption
Healthy Coping Mechanisms for People with OCD
Instead of turning to alcohol to self-medicate, here are some healthy ways to manage OCD symptoms:
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety associated with OCD triggers.
- Structured routines and healthy habits such as physical exercise and hobbies that don’t involve drinking alcohol.
- Leaning on social support from loved ones, especially if you are trying to cut back on alcohol.
- Peer support groups for people in alcohol recovery where you can share your experiences and goals and learn from others who have undergone struggles with alcohol.
- Professional help and psychotherapy to manage OCD symptoms.
Getting Help for OCD and Alcohol Use Disorder
How to Seek Professional Help for OCD and Alcoholism
If you suspect you or a loved one may have symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), make an appointment to see a mental health provider. Your primary care physician can recommend someone, or you can call a professional mental health facility such as Discover Recovery.
If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of OCD and suspect problematic drinking, it is vital that you seek timely help. If you find it difficult to stop drinking, others have told you you’re drinking excessively, or you have worsening OCD symptoms after alcohol withdrawal, reach out a mental health provider who specializes in dual diagnosis.
As mentioned above, many people with OCD also struggle with alcohol use issues. Alcohol use disorders often coexist with depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. Integrated therapy is crucial to gain a handle on these various interrelated conditions.
The first step is getting an accurate clinical assessment and diagnosis. At Discover Recovery, we have a team of highly experienced therapists who can perform a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms. If you meet the diagnostic criteria for OCD and/or alcoholism (AUD), we can develop a comprehensive treatment plan for you with an integrated approach for dual diagnosis.
If you are seeking help in managing your OCD in healthy ways, licensed therapists at Discover Recovery can offer CBT and ERP therapy, which are the gold standards for OCD treatment. You can also learn healthy ways to manage spikes in OCD symptoms related to alcohol use or relapses in alcohol addiction related to worsening OCD symptoms.
Additional Resources and Further Reading
- National Institute of Mental Health
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- International OCD Foundation
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Women for Sobriety
- SMART Recovery
Key Takeaways on the Links Between Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Alcoholism
Many people who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) turn to alcohol or other types of substance misuse as a reprieve from the fears and anxieties of OCD. However, while alcohol can provide a temporary feeling of calm, improved mood, and respite from intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, the relief is short-lived and ultimately leads to worsening OCD symptoms and alcohol use disorder.
The complicated relationship between OCD and alcohol means that seeking a proper diagnosis and integrated treatment plan for both conditions, OCD and alcoholism, is vital. At Discover Recovery, we specialize in treating dual diagnosis patients and offer evidence-based treatments for both OCD and alcoholism which are proven to be effective. Call us today to find out how you or your loved one with OCD and alcoholism can benefit from our programs and effective treatment plans.
