Chattanooga Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment

Holistic OCD Treatment Plans

How We Help | Contact Us | Give Us a Call

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, most commonly referred to as “OCD,” creates a susceptibility for developing uncontrollable obsessions, which a person tries to cope with through repetitive actions known as compulsions.

The cycle of obsessions and compulsions can feel endless, and the compulsions often do little to address the anxiety triggered by the obsessions. Furthermore, trying to ignore the obsessions can also lead to even more feelings of distress and anxiety.

The OCD cycle does not have to be without end. It does not have to rule your life. Our OCD treatment plans help those struggling with obsessions and compulsions build resiliency and acquire tools to cope with the hurdles OCD can throw your way.

Do you or a loved one struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? Contact us online or call (423) 226-5331 for help.

Recovery Is Hard. We Help Make it Easier.

At Chattanooga Recovery Center, we walk alongside you as you work to overcome your addiction to live a sober life.

get started today

What Are the Signs of OCD?

OCD involves obsessions, which are urges or thoughts, as well as compulsions, which are repetitive actions, and manifestations of OCD behavior can greatly vary. Signs of obsessive thoughts will largely depend on the specific type of obsession a person experiences.

Common obsessions include:

Needing order and symmetry
Fearing dirt or contamination
Struggling with uncertainty or fear of the unknown
Thinking about harming yourself or others

Signs and symptoms of obsessions may present as:

Fear of being touched by others
Stress caused by objects in disarray
Violent mental images of hurting others

What Are Compulsions?

Compulsions, on the other hand, are the repetitive actions that a person with OCD feels compelled to do in an attempt to deal with the anxiety of their obsessions.

OCD compulsions may present themselves as a person repeatedly:

Organizing
Washing
Cleaning
Counting
Demanding constant reassurance
Complying with a strict routine

If you or a loved one has been experiencing persistent, anxiety-inducing thoughts that have driven you or them to unrelenting, repetitive, and compulsive actions, then OCD may be the root cause.

How Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Diagnosed?

While there is no test for OCD, healthcare providers will make a diagnosis by asking about your symptoms.

Your healthcare provider will then see how many of your symptoms align with the OCD-indicating factors set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5^th Edition, which include:

The person experiences obsessions, compulsions, or both
The obsessions or compulsions consume large portions of the person’s day
The obsessions or compulsions cause distress or interfere with the person’s ability to meaningfully participate in social activities or job-related activities
The symptoms experienced by the person are not caused by drugs, alcohol, or another medical problem
The symptoms are not caused by a different mental health disorder

Impacts of Living with OCD

Whether or not you have received an official OCD diagnosis, living with OCD can have serious impacts on a person’s life.

Some of these impacts may include:

Missing out on work, school, or social activities
Losing chunks of time to ritualistic behaviors
Relationship problems
Decreased quality of life
Suicidal thoughts or tendencies

Why Do People with OCD Turn to Alcohol and Drugs?

When you look at some of the impacts OCD can have on a person’s life, it may come as little surprise that many people with OCD also struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. To try and reduce the severity of the anxiety that comes with their obsessions or compulsions, a person with OCD may try to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.

Alternatively, they may be trying to cope with the detrimental impacts OCD has had on their life, such as relationship difficulties or trouble at work. Regardless, the attempt to numb some of the strain through drug or alcohol use may turn into a full-blown addiction.

How We Can Help

At Chattanooga Recovery Center, we offer specialized treatment plans designed with you in mind.

We know there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to treating OCD, so our plans involve a range of tools that may include:

We are here to meet you wherever you are in your journey. We also know that OCD and other mental illnesses can often intertwine with drug and alcohol addiction.

That is why we offer dual diagnosis programs. Our holistic approach to OCD is designed to not just get you sober but to build in the resilience we all need to take on the challenges life throws our way.

We are here to support you. Contact us today to learn more about our OCD treatment plans by calling (423) 226-5331 or via our online contact from.