The relationship between OCD and Alcohol
OCD and alcohol are common co-occurring mental health disorders. The combination of the two conditions coexisting occurs at rates almost five times higher compared to the general population. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and alcohol use disorder can be characterized by feelings of strong urges, compulsive behaviors and poor impulse control. In fact, OCD is one of the most common mental health conditions in America.
Is there a bigger correlation between these two behavioral disorders?
Some studies have found that between 24-30% of people with OCD meet the criteria for developing a strong alcohol use disorder. OCD and alcohol addiction are brain impairments linked in the same areas of the brain, which helps a person to resist urges and control impulsiveness. People with OCD are twice as likely compared to the average person to experience issues with alcohol use.
In some cases, the stresses caused by compulsions from OCD can lead a person to alcohol use. The alcohol acts as a way to self-medicate and help to cope with OCD symptoms. In other cases, excessive alcohol use can result in a person acting on impulsive behaviors, which can then develop into symptoms of OCD.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among those who have been diagnosed with OCD. In fact, some studies have found that some are more likely to develop an alcohol addiction if they are already living with OCD. Alcohol impacts every system in the body. It depresses important chemical messengers in the central nervous system.
Alcohol lowers inhibitions. It dulls the mind and can make it easier for a person to ignore their compulsions. Users with OCD often find temporary relief from nagging and stressful obsessions when they are under the influence of alcohol. Mood and behaviors are some of the many brain functions that are impacted by alcohol. Users can feel reduced inhibitions and enhanced emotions.
This feeling only causes them to continue drinking more in order to continue to block out symptoms of their OCD. However, the effects are only temporary and in the long run, symptoms of OCD can get worse and more severe over time. When the alcohol wears off, symptoms can exacerbate, including symptoms of anxiety associated with OCD.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OCD is a serious, debilitating psychiatric condition. It is defined by intrusive and unwanted thoughts accompanied by repetitive and ritualistic behaviors intended to alleviate obsessions and compulsions. Sometimes it is also referred to as having an anxiety disorder because of the intense anxiousness and negative emotions that can occur.
With OCD, compulsions and obsessions can get to the point where they begin to interfere with daily life. They complicate responsibilities and activities and can cause significant stress. Ignoring compulsions will increase stress and push a person until they finally give in and perform the acts. This turns into ritualistic behaviors that must be performed or they continue to increase feelings of stress and anxiety.
OCD can make maintaining even the simplest healthy and daily routines almost unbearable and unmanageable. It usually manifests in teens and young people in their early 20s. According to the National Library of Medicine, teens with OCD can be more vulnerable to drug and alcohol abuse.
OCD obsessions are frequent impulses, urges or thoughts that cause a great disruption to everyday life. Common obsessions include fear of germs, viruses or bacteria, fear of getting sick, an obsession over numbers, intrusive thoughts of harm towards oneself or others, obsessions with religious topics and fear of losing a loved one to injury or illness.
OCD compulsions are mental and physical rules you follow because of an obsession. They are often strict and consistent. They can include excessive hand washing and cleaning and excessive double checking of things like light switches and locks. If they are not completed and in a certain manner, it can create even more stress and anxiety. According to the DSM, obsessions and compulsions are time-consuming and can take up more than an hour a day and can significantly disrupt a daily routine.
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The relationship between OCD and Alcohol
OCD and alcohol are common co-occurring mental health disorders that should be treated at the same time for the most successful outcome. Those with OCD have a high risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. And any preexisting OCD diagnosis can complicate the alcohol recovery process because people with OCD often have a lowered ability to resist urges to engage in compulsive behaviors.
While intoxicated, a person with OCD can develop poor judgment and decision-making, which leads to risky decisions. The combination of OCD and alcohol intoxication causes a chemical imbalance in the brain, which impacts mood and anxiety levels. Ultimately, having OCD can make it much harder to quit drinking alcohol.
Oftentimes, people with OCD have comorbid conditions such as major depression, social anxiety, generalized anxiety and specific phobias. These symptoms can influence how much you drink and how often you drink. In some cases, alcohol itself can become an OCD compulsion.
Social isolation caused by OCD can lead to the development of drug abuse and alcohol addiction. People with OCD understand their obsessions and compulsions do not make any logical sense. They often feel shame and guilt for thinking and acting in a certain way. This often leads to feelings of isolation from the outside world. The person with OCD might avoid others and social settings in order to keep their compulsions and obsessions private due to shame and guilt. The physical isolation often leads to drug use as a temporary fix. Unfortunately, it only temporarily produces feelings of reduced anxiety and numbness. And many report feeling even worse when the alcohol high has ended and intrusive thoughts reemerge.
Ways to change your relationship with Alcohol
Ultimately, removing alcohol from your life can have a great impact on the quality of life for those who also suffer from OCD.
- Peer support. Seek out peer support. Connecting with others who share your goals and experiences related to alcohol use can help in your alcohol recovery. These peers often have similar experiences they can share and they help keep you accountable for your sobriety.
- Professional support. Professional support such as physicians, therapists and specialists, can have a significant positive impact on your mental and physical health. Doctors are trained on how to treat alcohol addiction and can help patients gradually recover from alcohol addiction and learn to live a healthier lifestyle, which includes effective methods in also dealing with OCD symptoms.
- Social support. Support from loved ones, family and friends can greatly improve your sobriety. The best ways in which they can support you include not offering you alcohol, limiting alcohol use around you, attending support activities with you or helping you find new, healthier hobbies or activities.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
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Research has found that most people develop a substance use disorder, which includes alcohol addiction, about a year or more after being diagnosed with OCD. This suggests alcohol is being used as a self-medicating tool for those with OCD.
Alcohol can be used as a way to dull a person’s OCD symptoms. This is because alcohol can reduce some of the anxieties and compulsions that accompany OCD. Alcohol can also be used as a way to mask overall OCD symptoms, making the person less aware of their surroundings and their mental state. Unfortunately, using alcohol in this manner leads to dependence and addiction to the substance.
OCD and alcohol are common comorbid conditions that should be treated together in behavioral treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea. We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based treatment methods such as CBT, DBT and EMDR. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals in sobriety and overcoming their addiction.
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8887883
https://www.healthline.com/health/ocd/ocd-and-alcohol
https://www.alcoholhelp.com/resources/dual-diagnosis/alcohol-obsessive-compulsive-disorder
https://www.addictioncenter.com/dual-diagnosis/obsessive-compulsive-disorder
