Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that involves having frequent unwanted thoughts that lead to compulsive behaviors. If you struggle with OCD, you may be self-medicating with alcohol to ease the anxiety caused by the disorder. If so, thinking, “Only alcohol could calm down my OCD” may result in worse OCD symptoms – plus an alcohol problem.
Learn About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
OCD is a neurodivergent brain disorder that shares features with anxiety disorder because it is also fear based. Obsessive thought distortions cause irrational fear. The obsessions then trigger compulsive behaviors as a coping response in an effort to calm emotional distress.
Intrusive OCD thoughts drive the person to spend large amounts of time trying to calm fear and anxiety and self-soothe. As a result, OCD can be exhausting, with the coping behaviors consuming much of the individual’s time and energy.
Some examples of obsessive thoughts include:
- Irrational fears, such as fear of germs or contamination, or a fear of burning down the house
- Disturbing thoughts, such as those involving religious, or violent thoughts or fantasies about a loved one
- Rigidity, such as an extreme need for order and symmetry that leads to intense stress if items are not arranged exactly right
- Fear of harming, such as thoughts of self-harm or harming others
Some examples of the coping behaviors include:
- Washing hands over and over until raw, fear of touching surfaces, obsessive cleaning rituals
- Checking behaviors, like repeatedly checking that the lights are turned off, the stove is off, or the doors are locked
- Arranging items to be perfectly spaced, placed in certain patterns, or turned in a certain direction
- Counting in patterns
- Mentally repeating a phrase, word, or prayer in attempt to self-soothe
Why Self-Medicate OCD with Alcohol?
If you struggle with OCD you might have tried to relieve the anxious symptoms with alcohol. In fact, you may come to believe that, “Only alcohol could calm my OCD.” The problem with using alcohol to calm the OCD symptoms is that alcohol itself can become an added problem. Not only is alcohol is addictive, but it can end up making the OCD symptoms worse once the alcohol wears off.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that has a warm, calming effect. It is common for people to turn to alcohol to manage stress or anxiety and induce a relaxed state. Continued use of alcohol as a coping method for OCD, increases the risk of becoming alcoholic.
How Alcohol Makes OCD Worse
The effects of alcohol may have a temporary calming effect on the OCD. However, the symptoms come roaring back as soon as the effects of the alcohol wear off. When using alcohol to self-medicate becomes a daily habit, it can lead to a worsening of the obsessions and compulsions. Alcohol causes sedating effects in the central nervous system while intoxicated, yet speeds up again when alcohol leaves the system.
Risk of Developing Alcohol Use Disorder
Studies confirm that there is a significant link between OCD and alcohol use disorder. The rate of alcoholism among individuals with OCD is five times higher than the general population. While the relationship between OCD and alcohol use disorder is complex, it is clear that people drink to relieve anxiety.
Alcohol use disorder develops over time as the body becomes more tolerant to the effects of alcohol. This results in higher levels of consumption to experience the initial relaxing effects, which can lead to dependence and addiction.
If you have OCD and wonder if you have developed alcohol use disorder, see if you have any of these symptoms:
- Drinking alone
- Drinking much more than you originally intended
- Mood swings
- Lying about how much you drink
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed in favor of drinking
- Looking for reasons to drink, such as to aid symptoms of anxiety
- Continue to drink even though it is causing negative consequences in life
- Experiencing blackouts
- Irritability
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Isolating from family and friends
- Engaging in high risk behaviors
- Alcohol cravings
- Frequent hangovers or “hangxiety”
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for OCD and Alcohol Use Disorder
If you felt that only alcohol could calm down the OCD, a co-occurring alcohol use disorder might have resulted. If this is the case, the best action to take is to enroll in a dual diagnosis treatment program. These are specialty residential rehabs that provide both mental health treatment and addiction recovery support.
The residential program provides 24-hour support and a menu of daily therapies and classes. The activities you engage in are all designed to help you to overcome the alcohol problem plus provide psychiatric support for managing OCD.
These are the primary treatment elements at a dual diagnosis program:
- Detox and Withdrawal. Prior to engaging in treatment, an alcohol detox is often needed. Medically monitored withdrawal management will provide the interventions to help relieve any discomfort.
- Psychotherapy. Evidence-based psychotherapies are selected for the specific dual diagnosis. For example, therapies to help OCD and co-occurring alcoholism may include CBT, ERPT, and habit reversing therapy.
- Group Therapy. Group therapy allows peers in recovery to form close bonds through sharing and encouragement.
- Medication. An antidepressant may help manage the symptoms of OCD. There are also medications to help reduce alcohol cravings.
- Recovery Meetings. 12-step or SMART Recovery provide frameworks for overcoming alcohol use disorder.
- Psychosocial. Treatment for a dual diagnosis includes relapse prevention planning, recovery skills, and working on improving social skills.
- Holistic Methods. Since OCD tends to cause anxiety, holistic activities that induce a calm state of mind can be helpful.
LifeSync Malibu Dual Diagnosis Treatment for OCD and Alcoholism
LifeSync Malibu offers a luxury setting and expert psychiatric support for individuals struggling with the dual diagnosis of OCD and alcoholism. If you’ve been thinking, “only alcohol could calm down my OCD,” you may have developed alcohol use disorder. If so, you would benefit from our dual diagnosis treatment program. Please reach out to us today at (866) 491-4426.