Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment at the Alpine Recovery Lodge

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often a life-long condition that can radically affect the sufferer’s impulses. A person struggling with OCD will experience involuntary, unrelenting thoughts or behaviors that they feel compelled to repeat continuously (obsessions and compulsions).

Symptoms of OCD can be disruptive and often worsen during periods of heightened stress. However, OCD is highly treatable with treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In addition to CBT, many people successfully manage their symptoms with lifestyle changes like regular exercise, restorative sleep, and plenty of brain-healthy foods (e.g., nuts, seeds, eggs, beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables).

People with substance use disorders often struggle with undiagnosed mental health disorders. This is known clinically as dual diagnosis. Many people with OCD self-medicate with illicit drugs or alcohol because consuming intoxicating substances offers temporary relief from OCD-related anxieties.

Substance use and mental health disorders must be treated simultaneously to ensure the best outcomes.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms

OCD signs and symptoms frequently manifest in mid-teens and early adulthood, though they can occur before adolescence. While OCD might involve either an obsession or a compulsion, sufferers often exhibit both types of symptoms.

Obsessions

Obsessions are recurring thoughts that trigger feelings of anxiety. Such thoughts or images might be vivid and pervasive enough to inhibit normal activities. Common obsessions include:

• Fear of uncleanliness or germs
• Fear of disorder
• Fear of causing harm or being harmed
• Repeated thoughts of socially inappropriate or offensive behaviors, like engaging in explicit sexual acts or committing violence

Obsessions can cause extreme stress and anxiety in people with OCD, causing sufferers to self-isolate and avoid situations that might trigger unwelcome thoughts. This is why obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment is so helpful in daily life.

Compulsions

Compulsions are behaviors the OCD sufferer believes will deflect potentially harmful outcomes if performed repeatedly. These behaviors are often executed to alleviate the stress triggered by obsessions, even if the sufferer recognizes that the obsessions are not reasonable. A person with OCD might engage in the following compulsive behaviors:

• Repeated or excessive handwashing
• Repeatedly checking that appliances or lights are turned off
• Repeatedly checking that doors are locked
• Repeatedly contacting friends and relatives to check on their safety
• Repeatedly inspecting skin and body for imperfections
• Hoarding

Routines or habits are not necessarily compulsions. It is perfectly normal to double-check things from time to time. However, a person with OCD might have the following characteristics:

• Lacks the ability to restrain impulses or actions, even if those impulses or actions are disproportionately harsh
• Invests at least one hour a day in these impulses or actions
• Has no pleasure in performing the actions but feels less anxiety as a result
• Suffers serious personal and professional consequences from the impulses and actions

Alpine Recovery Lodge Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment

In the past, OCD was regarded as incomprehensible, mysterious, and impossible to treat effectively. Today, mental health and addiction specialists are better acquainted with this complex condition.

The addiction treatment specialists at Alpine Recovery Lodge are skilled and experienced in the treatment of dual diagnosis. We provide a broad spectrum of proven therapeutics that specifically address co-occurring substance use disorders and OCD.

We offer a holistic, highly personalized approach to recovery. With a team of licensed psychotherapists and treatment counselors, we design treatment programs that are individually tailored to meet the needs of each patient. Your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being are our priority.

Contact the caring team at Alpine Recovery Lodge at 801-901-8757 and begin your journey to sobriety.