OCD and addiction treatment in Los Angeles

Studies have shown that those living with OCD are more likely to have a substance use disorder or dual diagnosis. Because of this, people need treatment that takes care of both illnesses. Our OCD treatment Los Angeles, CA provides experts in both areas.

Moreover, our staff knows how hard living with OCD can be. Additionally, they understand addiction can be deadly. As a result, we provide treatment that helps people conquer both conditions.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder in which people suffer from recurring, unwanted thoughts and actions. Obsessions refer to recurring thoughts, while compulsions refer to repetitive behaviors or actions. The thoughts drive a person to repeatedly complete an action or behavior. Thus, the behaviors can include excessive cleaning and repeated hand washing.

Additionally, many people feel a need for extreme organization or checking on something repeatedly. Unlike normal desires to clean or organize, OCD negatively impacts a person’s life. The thoughts become overwhelming. Moreover, the actions become a source of stress. When the person can’t perform the behaviors, they may deal with anxiety. Some people with OCD usually understand their rituals aren’t realistic.

Still, others have a hard time believing their rituals or thoughts aren’t necessary. OCD treatment in Los Angeles can help people come to terms with their illness. Consequently, they can learn to manage their symptoms and feel more at peace.

What are the Symptoms of OCD?

Those with OCD have symptoms that interfere with their daily lives. This includes work, school, and relationships. In fact, some people experience just obsessions or just compulsions. Still, others have both.

Obsessive thoughts can include:

  • Need to have things in perfect order or symmetrical
  • Fear of contamination or germs
  • Unwanted or inappropriate thoughts about sex, religion, or harm
  • Dangerous thoughts about themselves or others
  • Fear of losing control

Furthermore, compulsions include several types of repetitive behaviors. These can include:

  • Counting
  • Repeatedly checking on things, such as if a door is locked or the oven turned off
  • Excessive cleaning
  • Excessive hand washing
  • Arranging things in a certain order

Rituals or habits aren’t to be confused with compulsions. Almost everyone at some point would double-check if they locked a door or if they turned the oven off after cooking. Those are conscious decisions.

Alternatively, those with OCD can’t control their behaviors or thoughts, even when they recognize they are excessive. Individuals typically spend an hour or more on their OCD behaviors or thoughts per day. As a matter of fact, some people spend most of their day engaged in OCD activities.

Moreover, some people develop a tic disorder as part of their OCD. First, they may develop motor tics. These include sudden, repetitive movements like eye blinking, jerking of the head or shoulder, or facial grimacing.

Second, they may develop vocal tics, such as grunting, throat-clearing, or sniffing. These tics from OCD can cause a wide range of problems in one’s life which is why it is important to seek treatment. For instance, a fitting type of treatment for OCD and addiction is our dual diagnosis treatment center in Los Angeles, California for this disorder.

What Causes OCD?

OCD is a common disorder. It tends to be more common in women than in men. It affects people of all ages, but the median age for diagnosis is around 19 years old. Children as young as 8 can display symptoms. Generally, boys display onset symptoms before girls.

The actual causes of this disorder are unknown. However, there are risk factors, which can include:

  • Genetics
  • Environment
  • Brain structure
  • Stressful life events

Regardless of the source, OCD treatment Los Angeles can provide relief. We help people identify their illnesses. Above all, we can help them manage their symptoms.

Woman seeking OCD treatment in Los Angeles

The Connection Between OCD and Addiction

When someone has both OCD and addiction, it’s called a dual diagnosis. This label includes dealing with addiction and at least 1 mental illness. First of all, when people suffer from a mental health disorder, they want quick relief. Consequently, many try to self-soothe in order to lessen their anxiety or relieve their symptoms.

Many choose to use drugs or alcohol to cope with their OCD. As a result, many people end up becoming addicted. The Journal of Anxiety disorders did a study about addiction in those who have OCD. They found that 27% of adults met the criteria for a substance use disorder.

Next, alcohol came in the highest with 12% being dependent on it. 11% used both drugs and alcohol. Only 3% relied on drugs alone. The study also found that those who had obsessive thoughts or behaviors in childhood or early adolescence were more likely to suffer from both OCD and addiction. It’s estimated that 1 in 100 adults have OCD, making it the most common mental illness.

Getting help at a dual diagnosis center to address both OCD and addiction is critical. OCD treatment in Los Angeles helps stop early addiction from becoming worse. In addition, it can also help people who have dealt with addiction for years become sober.

Treatment for OCD and Addiction in Los Angeles, California

OCD and addiction are manageable and treatable with the right OCD treatment in Los Angeles. When a person receives treatment for both conditions at the same time, they have an easier time of it. Additionally, they save both time and money. LA Detox offers a variety of program options designed to help treat OCD and addiction.

They include:

Medical Detox

A medical detox program manages the individual’s withdrawal symptoms safely. This monitored recovery process is for those facing drug or alcohol addiction. Each person is thoroughly evaluated to determine what types of medication they may need. Then, a decision is made on how long they may need to stay in medical detox.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment involves the patient living on-site at the OCD rehab facility. A patient may live away from home for several reasons. They may need closer monitoring to avoid relapse or triggers. In addition, it might be medically necessary and safer. Inpatient treatment provides 24/7 medical care. Additionally, it can include a detox program.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment programs are designed to treat addiction while the person continues their everyday life. This means they can continue working or going to school. They’re tailored to fit their schedule and needs. As well, outpatient programs are ideal for those whose addictions aren’t severe.

Therapy

Therapy programs are designed to help provide the individual and their loved ones with ways to cope with their addiction or illness. There are several types of therapy available.

They include:

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses FDA-approved medications combined with counseling and behavioral therapies. Studies have found medications used with therapy effectively treat opioid use disorders and help maintain sobriety.

Begin OCD and Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

Has OCD complicated your life? In addition, do you also deal with addiction? Life with both illnesses can be challenging. We provide OCD treatment in Los Angeles, California that changes lives. Our detox helps you begin recovery.

Then, you can move on to residential or outpatient treatment. As a result, you will learn to enjoy a life of sobriety. Contact LA Detox today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.