What Are Some Effective Ways of Managing OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that causes individuals to experience recurring thoughts and perform repetitive behaviors. Initially, this may not sound like such a bad thing, but OCD can be debilitating and prevent people from functioning day-to-day. Further, some may use drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism, which often leads to dependency. For that reason, individuals struggling must seek professional help to learn healthy coping mechanisms to start healthily managing OCD long-term. 

West Coast Recovery Centers is a San Diego facility that provides individuals with comprehensive treatment tailored to each client's needs. This includes individuals with mental health needs, such as those struggling with OCD. Seeking treatment for addiction and OCD is critical if you've turned to substance use to manage your OCD. Learning to manage your OCD effectively will be paramount to preventing relapse and staying sober long-term. We encourage you to contact us or visit our website to learn more about our programs and dual diagnosis treatment today.

What Is OCD?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes OCD as a “long-lasting disorder” where someone “experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both.” They indicate that these individuals have time-consuming symptoms that may cause “significant distress or interfere with daily life.” These struggles with obsessions and compulsions are typically at the forefront of OCD. Thankfully, treatment is available, but many may not know where to turn. 

Like other mental health disorders, there is no one direct cause of OCD. Instead, several factors may increase one's chances of developing it. This may include: 

• Genetics: Such as having a close blood relative who also struggles with OCD 
• Structural vulnerabilities in the brain: Specifically with the front cortex and subcortical structures 
• Early childhood exposure to trauma: Including abuse, loss, neglect, and other stressful events 

Additionally, a person's hormone levels and even their personality traits – like perfectionism, worry, or a strong sense of responsibility – may also contribute to an increased risk of OCD throughout their life.

Signs and Symptoms of OCD

Of course, the first step in seeking treatment for OCD is being able to identify warning signs. These signs are generally broken into between obsessions and compulsions. Some common signs and symptoms of OCD obsessions, according to the NIMH, may include: 

• Fears of germs or contamination 
• Worry about forgetting, losing, or misplacing things 
• Being afraid of losing control over one's behaviors  
• Aggressive thoughts toward oneself or others 
• Taboo thoughts about sex, harm, or religion 
• Desires to have things in symmetrical or perfect orders 

What Problems Does OCD Cause?

At first glance, it may not seem like OCD causes significant problems. However, when left untreated, it can severely impact the quality of one's life, leading to: 

• Hours spent focused on obsessions and compulsions 
• Interferences with day-to-day responsibilities and obligations 
• Family distress from becoming involved in OCD-related rituals
• Interpersonal conflict
• Health complications, trouble sleeping, digestive problems, or skin conditions 

Managing OCD With Treatment

Like other mental health conditions, there is, unfortunately, no one-size-fits-all treatment for OCD. However, some treatments are effective for symptom management. The most common treatments for OCD include psychotherapy and medications. 

Medications can help reduce symptoms while therapies can help teach healthy coping skills. In any case, most people find success from a combination of these two treatment methods. 

What Other Conditions Might Someone With OCD Experience?

People struggling with OCD may also experience other mental health conditions. Some of those include: 

• Eating disorders
• Body dysmorphic disorder 
• Depression or other mood disorders 
• Body-focused behaviors like hair-pulling or skin-picking 
• Anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorders, and social anxiety 

How Are OCD and Addiction Connected?

The most significant link between OCD and addiction or substance use disorder (SUD) is that people struggling with OCD may turn to other behaviors or substances to cope. Self-medicating like this can quickly lead to dependency. Further, OCD compulsions and rituals can coincide with compulsion to engage in addictive behaviors, causing further complications.  

If you're using substances to manage OCD, then you might be doing other unhealthy things to cope. Avoiding triggers, relying on reassurance-seeking, and avoiding therapy are all ineffective ways of managing OCD. Some may not always see that their management methods aren't working. Learning healthier ways to manage your OCD can help. 

Managing OCD: Skills and Techniques You Can Use Today

Again, the most effective treatment for OCD usually consists of combining medications with therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) can be invaluable therapeutic tools. However, there are things you can start doing today to manage your OCD more effectively. That includes: 

• Practicing mindfulness 
• Utilizing relaxation techniques 
• Prioritizing healthy dieting and exercise 
• Getting enough quality sleep 
• Managing your stress 
• Prioritizing self-care 
• Learning to lean into the anxiety 
• Identifying a good support network 
• Monitoring your therapy progress 
• Challenging perfectionism

Lastly, you must give yourself some grace. Managing OCD effectively takes time, but it is possible. With the proper treatment, a support network, and healthy coping tools, you can successfully manage your OCD. Call West Coast Recovery Centers for help beginning that journey today. 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that causes someone to experience recurring thoughts and perform repetitive behaviors. These obsessions or compulsions can range from excessive hand washing or cleaning to obsession with arranging things in extremely specific ways. Initially, it may not seem like a big deal. However, if left untreated, OCD can wreak havoc on a person's life, making it nearly impossible for them to function day-to-day, impacting their relationships, and leading to the development of further mental or physical health complications. Thankfully, treatment is available. We at West Coast Recovery Centers provide clients with a holistic, comprehensive treatment plan focused on treating substance use and mental health conditions simultaneously. Call (760) 492-6509 to learn more today.