Baltimore OCD and Addiction Treatment
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition where the individual experiences either obsessions or compulsions occurring repeatedly and persistently which interfere with daily life. Obsessions are recurring thoughts intruding on the individual's normal thinking. The individual is aware these thoughts and worries are excessive or have no reality basis. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors a person feels compelled to perform, find hard to resist, and performed in response to obsessions. Baltimore OCD and addiction treatment centers thoroughly treat individuals with compulsions that manifest into anxiety, and who may have panic attacks if not allowed to engage in compulsive behaviors.
It's possible to overcome your struggles. Call (877) 804-1531 for more information and help with finding the right rehab center.
Overlap of OCD and Addiction
OCD and addiction commonly overlap. People who have addictions are typically obsessed with cravings to get high and feel compelled to use alcohol or drugs repeatedly despite the consequences, demonstrating a link between OCD and addiction. Also, OCD individuals frequently turn to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate and gain relief from their condition, now having OCD and addiction.
OCD and Health Effects
One of the major impacts OCD has on health is when an individual turns to substances to self-medicate. When this prolonged self-medication leads to addiction, depending on the substance of abuse, the individual's health may be seriously impacted by the continuous intake of drugs or alcohol. Also, seen in hand washers or hair pullers, these habits may lead to painful and raw patches of skin due to excessive hand washing or hair pulling.
OCD Treatment
Psychological treatments for OCD are also helpful in treating addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps the individual counteract negative thoughts (leading to compulsions). Behavior modification therapy focuses on helping OCD sufferers evade and then stop urges to engage in compulsive behaviors without developing anxiety and having panic attacks. Examples of behavior therapies include a technique called response prevention. This technique involves delaying and eventually not engaging in compulsions. The individual practices this by repeatedly being exposed to situations that may generate temptations to perform compulsions and practicing not engaging.
Residential Treatment is the Better Choice for Preventing Future Alcohol or Drug Use
Residential treatment is the better choice for addiction treatment, as the abuser can be totally immersed in therapy and counseling. This eliminates temptations; abusers can't access illicit substances. It also provides an opportunity to concentrate on treatment without distractions, temptations, family issues of daily life.
Medications and behavioral therapy can be administered to simultaneously to treat both OCD and addiction. Once an individual and addiction specialists agree graduation from treatment is at the readiness, the person can sustain recovery with the strong foundation of several weeks or months of coping tools and helpful medications.
To assist you in your crisis, call Baltimore drug treatment centers, or visit your local Narcotics Anonymous (http://www.baltoareana.org/) for more help.