Chattanooga Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment
Holistic OCD Treatment Plans
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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.
At Chattanooga Recovery Center, we walk alongside you as you work to overcome your addiction to live a sober life.
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, 5th 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:
- Therapies
- Brain mapping
- And more
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.