Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be a debilitating condition, impacting daily life and overall well-being.
At The Raleigh House, we understand the complexities of OCD and offer comprehensive treatment programs designed to help individuals manage their symptoms and regain control.
If you or someone you love is struggling with OCD, we encourage you to continue reading or contact us directly to discover how we can provide the support and guidance needed to overcome this challenging mental health disorder.
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by involuntary, pervasive, and intrusive thoughts and behaviors that individuals feel compelled to continually engage in.
While estimates about the pervasiveness of OCD differ, the National Institute of Health states that approximately 1.2 percent of adults experience OCD and that roughly 1 in 40 adults in the United States have, or will develop, OCD during their lifetime.
OCD-related compulsions can be overwhelming and often lead individuals to seek relief through various means, including the use of intoxicating substances like drugs or alcohol. This intersection of OCD and addiction presents unique challenges and considerations in the realm of mental health care.
At The Raleigh House, we offer a holistic approach to addiction and OCD treatment. Our experienced professionals work collaboratively to create a supportive and nurturing environment, fostering healing and long-term recovery.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms
Obsessions and compulsions are central features of OCD.
Obsessions
Obsessions are continual and vivid thoughts, images, or fears that cause significant anxiety. These thoughts are often intrusive and may not be based on actual experiences. Common obsessions include the following:
- Disease Avoidance: An intense fear of contamination or germs.
- Fear of Chaos: A need for order and symmetry, fearing that something terrible will happen if things are not arranged correctly.
- Fear of Harm: Worries about being hurt or causing harm to others, either accidentally or intentionally.
- Inappropriate Behaviors: Fears of acting out in socially unacceptable ways, such as violent, sexual, or offensive behaviors.
Compulsions
Compulsions are recurring behaviors that a person with OCD feels driven to perform in response to an obsession. These acts are believed to prevent perceived harmful occurrences, though they are often excessive or not realistically connected to the feared event. Common compulsions include the following behaviors:
- Hand Washing: Repeatedly washing hands to avoid contamination.
- Checking: Continuously checking locks, appliances, or other items to ensure safety and prevent intruders.
- Hoarding: Collecting and keeping items that are not needed due to a fear of discarding something important.
- Self-Examination: Constantly checking one’s body for signs of illness or injury.
Engaging in these compulsions is typically joyless and persists despite negative consequences on life’s personal, social, or professional aspects. The behaviors are often time-consuming and interfere with daily functioning, creating a cycle of anxiety and temporary relief that reinforces the compulsive behavior.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Addiction
Individuals with OCD might turn to substances as a form of self-medication to alleviate their distressing symptoms. The temporary relief provided by drugs or alcohol can lead to dependency, resulting in a co-occurring disorder where both OCD and substance use disorder (SUD) are present.
Risk Factors for Addiction in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Several factors increase the risk of developing an addiction in individuals with OCD:
Severity of OCD Symptoms
More severe OCD symptoms can lead to greater distress, increasing the likelihood of substance use as a coping mechanism.
Genetic Predisposition
A family history of addiction can predispose individuals to substance reliance.
Environmental Stressors
High levels of stress and lack of support can exacerbate both OCD and addiction.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment
Understanding the complexities of OCD and its impact on behaviors is critical to achieving successful outcomes.
Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. In the context of OCD and addiction, dual diagnosis care involves addressing both conditions simultaneously. This integrated approach is crucial because treating one condition without addressing the other can lead to incomplete recovery and return to use.
An OCD treatment program typically involves a combination of therapies:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used therapy that helps individuals understand and change their thought patterns and behaviors. For OCD, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a type of CBT, is particularly effective. It involves gradually exposing individuals to their fears and teaching them to resist the urge to engage in compulsions.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for OCD. For addiction, medications like naltrexone, methadone, or buprenorphine can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Denver: Get Help Today
The Raleigh House provides a holistic, compassionate approach to mental health and addiction treatment, empowering clients to heal both mentally and physically.
Through evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), clients gain practical skills to manage and reduce intrusive OCD symptoms. Unlike many treatment centers, we focus on uncovering and addressing the root causes of OCD for deeper, long-term healing.
Our experiential therapies—including equine therapy, spa services, and other hands-on activities—create a supportive and engaging environment that promotes self-discovery and emotional growth.
OCD can be overwhelming and disruptive, affecting every part of your life. At The Raleigh House, we help you reclaim control and build a more balanced, fulfilling future. Learn more about our locations:
- The Ranch at The Raleigh House: Nestled in the serene beauty of the Colorado countryside, The Ranch at The Raleigh House provides a tranquil sanctuary for healing. Here, clients are immersed in various experiential therapies that leverage the peaceful natural setting to foster recovery.
- The Center for Integrative Behavioral Health: Located in the Denver Tech Center, this brand-new facility is dedicated to addressing the complexities of co-occurring mental health disorders and addiction. With a broad scope of clinical services, The Center combines evidence-based treatments with compassionate care, ensuring the most effective and comprehensive support available.
Take your first step on your recovery journey. Contact us or call 720.891.4657 to learn more about our OCD treatment program.
