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OCD obsessive hand washing

OCD and Addiction: Risks, Symptoms, and Treatment

Written by Lexington Center on . Posted in Anxiety, Co-Occurring Disorders, Dual Diagnosis, Mental Health, Recovery, Rehab.

OCD and addiction can have severe impacts on a person’s social, economic, and personal well-being. Maintaining a healthy routine can be complicated by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) making it difficult to focus on anything other than the recurrent and unwanted thoughts and actions associated with the condition.

Properly addressing the condition and its symptoms helps to alleviate these symptoms, providing relief. However, self-medicating with substances can lead to dependence and addiction.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States. It is characterized by persistent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive mental or behavioral acts (compulsions). Individuals struggling with this condition feel compelled to act on their thoughts and behaviors to avoid feelings of discomfort and anxiety.

Common fears associated with the obsessions include fear of contamination, doubts about safety and potential harm, and a need for order or symmetry. In response to these obsessions, an individual may overwash their hands, or continuously and repetitively organize things to reduce anxiety and stress.

OCD and Addiction: A Dual Diagnosis

OCD and addiction can coexist in an individual, this is known as dual diagnosis. Both are individual conditions with their own symptoms and treatment protocols. However, these conditions can exist simultaneously within an individual and share overlapping features.

Oftentimes, people turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of coping with the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. With continued use, they could begin to develop tolerance and dependence, resulting in addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

On the other hand, struggling with substance abuse and addiction can result in symptoms of OCD manifesting or becoming more prevalent. Either way, professional care and properly addressing both conditions are vital to overcoming them.

Risk Factors for OCD and Addiction

Different factors play a role in someone’s susceptibility to developing OCD and addiction. These can include a family history of either condition or chemical imbalances in the brain. Traumatic experiences or stressful events can also be contributing factors.

Early exposure to substance abuse, family history, underlying mental health conditions, as well as social influences can play a role in developing an addiction. Genetic and environmental factors can play a role in both conditions developing. 

Short and Long-Term Effects of Untreated OCD

Untreated OCD can lead to an array of impacts on an individual and their daily life. It can cause anxiety, stress, and inability to perform daily functions, as well as loss of time due to the obsessions and compulsions associated with the condition. This condition can interfere with school or work, as well as personal relationships. Thus, getting professional, quality OCD treatment can be a transformative experience. 

Long-term, leaving the condition untreated can lead to self-medicating with drugs or alcohol in an attempt to alleviate the symptoms. OCD and addiction can occur without warning, resulting in worsening effects of the conditions. Insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, as well as cardiovascular issues can occur as a result of not seeking proper care to manage the condition and its symptoms.

Types of OCD Treatment

Treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder can make a huge difference in how the condition impacts the person’s daily life. Having the right doctors and specialists, as well as therapeutic approaches can make the process of healing and growth easier. 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, can be beneficial for those who struggle with the condition to learn and implement healthier coping skills. CBT works by helping the individual to identify negative or unhealthy thoughts and behavioral patterns and changing the unhealthy patterns into more positive and productive ones. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, helps the individual to accept the feelings and emotions surrounding OCD. This helps someone to accept them for what they are, as well as make it through distressing situations without self-destructive behaviors. 

Holistic Therapy

Holistic therapy involves treating the whole person. It focuses on how each part of the individual affects the person as a whole, meaning that treating a single aspect will eventually cause conditions to relapse due to the whole person being affected by the condition. This therapy type uses gentle and more natural healing methods like meditation, nutrition, and yoga for recovery. 

Drug and Alcohol Detox

Having the right care is crucial to overcoming the conditions that can impact an individual’s ability to function daily. Drug and alcohol treatment is a crucial part of overcoming OCD and addiction. Without addressing the addiction portion of the dual diagnosis, OCD can continue to be exacerbated.

Detox is the first step. Removing the substances from the system allows for the person to be able to address obsessive-compulsive disorder, with a clear mind, and begin learning healthy coping skills. Addressing both conditions, simultaneously, is vital to being able to achieve a healthier, more productive lifestyle.

Help for OCD and Addiction

Dual diagnosis affects the lives of many people in the United States. Addiction or mental health issues on their own can have major impacts on daily life for those who are struggling. However, when the 2 conditions coexist simultaneously, it can complicate things.

This requires the right care and support to overcome. If you or a loved one are struggling, we can help. At Lexington Addiction Center we offer care that can address both sides of the coin, and help set a path to recovery.

Call us today and begin on a path to recovery.

a black cut out of a brain with a red sad safe and a green smiley face indicating bipolar diorder

The Connection Between Bipolar Disorder and Alcoholism

Written by Lexington Center on . Posted in alcohol, Co-Occurring Disorders, Dual Diagnosis, Mental Health, Trauma.

Bipolar disorder and alcoholism can go hand in hand. Oftentimes, individuals with undiagnosed, or even diagnosed bipolar disorder turn to alcohol as a means of coping with and self-medicating the symptoms of the condition.

They are more likely than not unaware of the risks of this practice. Leading to severe impacts in all aspects of their life, these individuals end up with more complications had alcohol not been a factor. 

Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2

Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 are both considered to be mood disorders. Both are characterized by mood instability, with depressive states that consist of extreme sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep and/or appetite. However, it is crucial to note that Bipolar 1 and 2 are very different conditions, despite the similarities.

Bipolar 1 consists of manic episodes lasting 7 days or requiring hospitalization. The manic episodes are often accompanied by depressive episodes. Bipolar 2, on the other hand, is characterized by hypomanic episodes and depressive states; however, there are no full-blown manic episodes.

Overall, bipolar 1 has more severe and impairing manic episodes, while Bipolar 2 has hypomanic episodes that are less severe and can be perceived as being positive. Both conditions are treatable under professional care, and medications and therapy can help manage them.

Bipolar 2 and Alcohol Abuse

Bipolar 2 is a treatable condition when under the care of mental health professionals. However, individuals often struggle with this condition and are unaware of its existence. This can lead to unsettling symptoms, and turning to substances to cope with depressive states. The practice of drinking, in itself, can be dangerous.

When Bipolar 2 is left undiagnosed, and individuals begin drinking to cope, it can lead to them struggling with bipolar disorder and alcoholism, together. These conditions often co-occur with one another, complicating both conditions. While alcohol can seemingly provide relief from mania and depression, it can exacerbate the symptoms. As a result, this can lead to heavier drinking. 

Signs of Undiagnosed Bipolar Disorders

Many different signs could be indicative of undiagnosed bipolar disorders. These symptoms could be more obvious, or more subtle. However, those who exhibit symptoms should be seen by a mental health professional to prevent complications of the condition. Some symptoms can include extreme mood swings consisting of high highs (mania) and low lows (depression).

There may be periods of racing thoughts, high energy, and impulsivity during manic episodes that are followed by a sense of sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue during depressive episodes. Those exhibiting symptoms should seek professional help as soon as possible to prevent struggling with bipolar disorder and alcoholism. 

Can Drug and Alcohol Abuse Cause Bipolar Disorders?

There is no evidence to suggest that drugs and alcohol cause bipolar disorder. However, there is plenty of evidence suggesting that these substances can lead to the onset of bipolar that may not have manifested itself fully yet. There is also evidence that these drugs and alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms of bipolar.

Additionally, there is evidence that substances can increase the risk of developing addictions in those who are predisposed and struggling with bipolar. Bipolar disorder and alcoholism can go hand in hand, and it is fairly common for someone who is struggling with alcohol to suffer from mental health conditions like bipolar disorder. 

Which Comes First—Alcohol Abuse or Bipolar Disorders?

There is a complex relationship between bipolar disorder and alcoholism. Some cases show that alcohol abuse occurs as a means of self-medication and coping with the highs and lows of bipolar disorders, and in other cases, alcohol abuse can cause the symptoms of bipolar disorders to become more prevalent.

It can trigger the mood changes that characterize bipolar, and lead to severe challenges in the individual’s life. Having an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can make a difference in the outcome of struggling with these conditions. 

Treatment

Treatment for bipolar disorder and alcoholism can be helpful in the individual being able to maintain their life, with minimal impact. Both alcoholism and bipolar can make life extremely difficult, and without proper treatment, the impacts can only become greater. Dual diagnosis treatment can make a world of difference in the trajectory of an individual’s life who is struggling with substances and mental health. 

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder

Lithium is a mood stabilizer that is a cornerstone in bipolar treatment. It is highly effective for managing mood swings and helping to prevent relapses in bipolar disorder. The drug helps reduce the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes that make up bipolar disorders. It is vital to monitor lithium levels in the blood while on this medication to gauge its effectiveness and prevent side effects. 

Trauma Therapy

Many individuals who have struggled with mental health and substance abuse have experienced some kind of trauma in their lifetime. These may play a role in these conditions. Trauma therapy has the goal of helping these individuals to begin facing and healing from these traumas. As a result, they can gain control of their lives again.

Trauma has a profound impact on the human brain, and responses to trauma can be devastating. Having proper care can help to reduce its impact, making life easier.  

Begin Healing Today

Bipolar disorders are a life-altering diagnosis. If left untreated, there can be devastating results including alcohol addiction. Alcohol addiction is another severe condition that can impact a person’s physical and emotional health. If you or a loved one have found yourself struggling, there is help available.

At Lexington Addiction Center we strive to provide the best care for individuals struggling with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, as well as addictions like alcoholism.

Call us today and begin your journey of healing. 

 

A group of people learn the risk factors of dual diagnosis

What Are the Risk Factors of Dual Diagnosis?

Written by Lexington Center on . Posted in Co-Occurring Disorders, Dual Diagnosis, Recovery, Uncategorized.

Treatment can be a scary thought. Suffering with mental health concerns is a difficult undertaking, but when substance abuse complicates a mental health diagnosis, it can only make things harder to treat. Understanding exactly what dual diagnosis is, and the common risk factors of dual diagnosis,  can help you to understand the full spectrum and help you to open yourself to the possibility of getting help for this. Substance abuse and mental health issues can be life altering, receiving the proper care for both diagnoses is vital to being able to overcome, and begin living a normal life again.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Suffering with substance abuse issues, such as drug or alcohol abuse, as well as mental health concerns like depression and anxiety is what is known as dual diagnosis. These two disorders coexist in the same person at the same time. While the term “dual diagnosis” seems to implicate a single diagnosis, it is actually a combination of diagnoses. Treatment addresses both disorders individually.

Your provider will help you to understand how each diagnosis is affecting the other coexisting disorder. Ending substance abuse will generally be the first step. When the drugs and alcohol are removed from the system, the true extent of the mental health disorders can be seen and then treated.

How Common is Dual Diagnosis?

The commonality of dual diagnosis in addicts and alcoholics is astronomical. Some research has shown that approximately 50% of people who suffer with substance use disorder also suffer from a mental health disorder, and vice versa. Meaning that 50% of those with a mental health condition also suffer from substance abuse disorder. That’s a huge percentage when it comes to these life threatening diagnoses.

Both mental health and substance abuse come with their own set of potentially life threatening and life altering side effects. Receiving treatment as soon as possible is the best way to avoid the dangers associated with both mental health substance abuse disorders.

Common Mental Illness in Dual Diagnosis

Dually diagnosed conditions can have a huge impact on your life. Mental health conditions alter your day to day functionality on their own, and adding a substance use problem into that mix can make it hard to live normally.

While there is no set of co-occurring disorders within dual diagnosis, some mental health disorders are more common than others. Treatment will address these mental illnesses as well as the substance abuse problems that can exacerbate and make them worse. Common mental illness seen in dual diagnosis include:

Addressing these mental health concerns is vital to successfully overcoming the coexisting conditions. Treatment for dual diagnosis will do just that. Not only will the substance abuse issues be addressed and treated, but the mental health concerns will be addressed as well, and you will have less interruption to your life.

Risk Factors of Dual Diagnosis

Treatment for dual diagnosis can be complex, being that it involves the treatment of multiple disorders simultaneously. Understanding the risk factors associated with dual diagnosis can help you to realize the need for help and treatment for the coexisting conditions. Common risk factors of dual diagnosis include:

  • Genetics: Family history of mental health or substance abuse disorders play a role in the possibility of developing these disorders yourself. Having a family history of these disorders can make it more likely to develop a dual diagnosis condition yourself.
  • Trauma: Traumatic experiences, such as physical or sexual abuse, can lead to drug or alcohol abuse as means of coping with mental health conditions that can result due to the trauma.
  • Environment: Being around frequent drug and alcohol abuse creates a risk of developing a substance abuse problem. Being a part of an environment where poverty or violence are common can also contribute to potential mental health concerns or substance abuse disorders.
  • Mental health: Suffering with mental health disorders can be a risk factor for turning to substances like drugs and alcohol as means of coping with these conditions.

Suffering with dual diagnosis can make life extremely difficult. Receiving treatment as soon as possible can help you to regain control of your life, and start to live a normal life again with minimal impact of the mental health conditions and substance abuse problems. The sooner you seek help, the better you will feel.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Lexington, KY

Suffering with dual diagnosis can complicate both of the diagnoses someone may be suffering with. Not only is a mental health diagnosis difficult to undergo, but complicating that with substance abuse can cause the mental health concerns to be exacerbated and harder to treat. We understand how challenging it can be to navigate the risk factors of dual diagnosis, but please know that support and resources are available to help you through this difficult journey.

If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues, Lexington Addiction Center can help. Our team of professionals who can help you through the process of finding help to begin regaining control of your life. Contact us today.