Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) And Addiction

What’s The Link Between OCD And Addiction?

The link between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and addiction is complex and involves both psychological and behavioral factors.

People who have OCD frequently have intrusive thoughts that they manage by engaging in ritual behaviors compulsively. Similarly, people with addiction engage in activities, such as substance use, to get relief from compulsions despite harmful consequences.

People who have OCD may be at a higher risk for developing a substance use disorder (SUD) and behavioral addictions. The same compulsions that are driven by OCD can potentially make substances like alcohol or drugs more appealing due to a desire for control or relief. Substances may initially distract the individual from obsessive thoughts or give them a sense of calm. This may create a cycle leading to an increasing reliance on substances to manage symptoms of anxiety.

Another link between OCD and addiction lies in the neurobiology. Similar brain pathways and neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, are involved in both conditions. These similarities may lead to opportunities to treat the conditions concurrently.

Which Addictions Commonly Occur With OCD?

Substance use disorders commonly occur with OCD. People with OCD often turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of managing the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts, because these substances provide temporary relief, creating a cycle of reinforcement in which people become dependent on them.

Impulsivity associated with OCD and compulsive behaviors may also increase the risk of affected individuals engaging in risk-taking behaviors such as abusing drugs or alcohol.

Behavioral addictions are also commonly associated with OCD, as behavioral addictions also involve compulsive behaviors. Examples of behavioral addiction include:

• Internet addiction
• Phone addiction
• Gambling addiction
• Shopping addiction
• Food addiction
• Pornography addiction
• Exercise addiction
• Video game addiction
• Sex addiction

Which Factors Link OCD And Addiction?

While individual factors may vary, two primary links between OCD and addiction include neurobiological factors and past traumatic experiences.

Neurobiological Factors

Neurobiological factors underlie both OCD and addiction. The areas of the brain that are associated with impulse control and the regulation of anxiety are involved in both conditions.

Neurotransmitters are another common link between OCD and addiction. Dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, GABA, and norepinephrine are all examples of neurotransmitter systems with possible links to both SUDs and other mental health disorders. These neurobiological factors may have a genetic link.

Trauma

Trauma is another factor that may be a common link between OCD and addiction. One study found that around 60% of people had a stressful or traumatic event before the onset of OCD symptoms. Similarly, childhood trauma is often associated with addiction.

Can Substance Abuse Cause OCD?

While addiction and OCD are distinct disorders, and substance abuse does not directly cause OCD, it may trigger or worsen OCD symptoms.

Stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine can increase anxiety levels and potentially trigger obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors. In other instances, withdrawal from substances can cause symptoms that mimic OCD symptoms.

Chronic substance use may increase the risk of OCD and other mental health conditions due to alterations in brain chemistry over time. Substances may provide temporary relief from OCD symptoms but are likely to exacerbate them over the long term.

Signs Of Substance Abuse In People With OCD

Many signs can signal that someone you know is struggling with substance abuse. Some of these signs include:

• Losing interest in activities they usually enjoy
• Missing school or work
• Getting in trouble with the law
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Changes in eating habits
• Difficulty in relationships with friends or family
• Changes in appearance

Significant behavioral changes may be a sign that someone is struggling with addiction.

There may be physical signs of substance use as well. Some of these signs may include:

• Dilated or small pupils
• Drowsiness
• Suddenly covering arms
• Changes in weight
• Changes in breathing rate
• Chronic nasal drainage

Symptoms of substance abuse in people with OCD may mimic their OCD symptoms due to the similarities between the conditions.

How Are OCD And Addiction Treated?

Treating addiction in people with OCD can be more difficult because both conditions have to be addressed. Fortunately, because the two conditions share similarities, treatments are available that address both.

Counseling, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is a standard treatment for both conditions. For OCD, exposure response prevention (ERP) is typically included in CBT to improve responses. CBT focuses on the idea that thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all related and that addressing unhelpful thought patterns can help with distress and problematic behaviors.

Co-occurring OCD and addiction treatment may include medication. Since withdrawal symptoms can worsen OCD symptoms, managing a substance use disorder with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may also be necessary.

Explore These Featured Centers

How To Choose A Rehab When You Have OCD

Choosing a treatment center when you have both OCD and addiction presents unique challenges. Many rehab centers can treat co-occurring disorders, but you will want to find a facility that has experience managing both substance abuse or behavioral addiction as well as OCD. These centers may offer 12-step programs available for addiction as well as OCD.

A rehab center with treatment professionals who have experience with ERP in addition to CBT can be especially beneficial for people suffering from both disorders.

You can visit our rehab directory, where you can easily filter for OCD treatment centers and other preferences such as location, insurance coverage, and other substances of use.

Find Support Today

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, OCD, or both, there are many treatment options. Your healthcare provider is a good first resource. A therapist with experience in treating addiction and OCD may also be a valuable source of support who can be part of your treatment team, as well as direct you to additional resources.

If you’re interested in learning more about your rehab options for OCD and addiction, contact a treatment provider or visit our rehab directory today to get started.