OCD & Drinking: Vital Risks, Treatments, & InformationBy Michaela

Worried about OCD & Drinking?

It’s very common for those with OCD to worry about drinking, and to attempt to self-medicate using alcohol. The symptoms of OCD can be debilitating and extremely difficult to lead a normal life with.

In this post, we are going to cover the relationship between the two, what risks are inherent when mixing the two, and what the treatment options are for someone that is going through alcohol dependency and OCD.

ocd & drinking

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD, is a mental health condition that is characterized by intrusive thoughts, or obsessions, and repetitive behaviors or compulsions. The thoughts and behaviors are often time-consuming and cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

There is no one cause of OCD and it can occur in any age group. Some of the common symptoms include obsessive thoughts about germs or contamination, fear of harm coming to oneself or loved ones, need for symmetry or orderliness, and excessive doubts. Compulsive behaviors can include repetitive cleaning, checking, ordering, or counting.

OCD can be very frustrating and isolating for those who suffer from it. It is important to get help if you think you may have OCD as there are effective treatments available. Treatment options include medication and therapy.

Connection Between OCD & Drinking Explained

OCD and drinking can be connected in a few different ways. First, alcohol can get to be used as a way to self-medicate in order to ease the symptoms of OCD. Second, drinking can lead to problems in relationships and work, which can lead to increased stress and anxiety, which can in turn worsen OCD symptoms. Finally, alcohol addiction can be caused or exacerbated by OCD.

It is not uncommon for people with OCD to use alcohol as a way to cope with the symptoms of the disorder. Alcohol can seem to help to numb the mind and make it harder to focus on intrusive thoughts or compulsions.

However, while alcohol may provide short-term relief, it ultimately makes the symptoms of OCD worse in the long run. Drinking can also lead to problems in relationships and at work, which can increase stress and anxiety levels and make OCD worse.

Finally, alcohol addiction can be caused or exacerbated by OCD. Studies have shown that people with OCD are more likely to develop an addiction to alcohol than those without the disorder. This is likely due to the fact that people with OCD tend to have higher levels of stress and anxiety, which can make them more susceptible to addiction.

Risks of Alcohol on Those With OCD

As with any condition, OCD can be worsened by consuming alcohol while trying to seek treatment. Here are some of the potential pitfalls of drinking when suffering from OCD.

Worsening OCD Symptoms

Alcohol is a depressant and can worsen the symptoms of OCD. When someone with OCD drinks alcohol, it can exacerbate their anxiety and make it harder for them to control their compulsions. Additionally, alcohol can interfere with the medications that are typically prescribed to help treat OCD.

It’s important for those with OCD to be honest with their doctors about their drinking habits so that they can get the most effective treatment possible. If you’re struggling with both OCD and alcohol dependency, it’s important to seek professional help. There are many programs available that can help you overcome your addiction and manage your OCD symptoms.

Worsening Alcohol Dependency

When a person has OCD, it can be difficult to deal with the intrusive thoughts and compulsions that are constantly at the forefront of their mind. Alcohol may seem like a quick and easy way to calm down and forget about the intrusive thoughts, but in reality, drinking alcohol while going through OCD treatment can worsen alcohol dependency and self-medicating.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states that “alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can impair cognitive function and judgment.” When someone is trying to cope with OCD symptoms, drinking alcohol can only worsen the situation. The combination of alcohol and OCD can lead to poor decision making and an increased risk for developing a dependence on alcohol.

If you are struggling with both OCD and alcohol dependency, it is important to seek professional help. There are many treatment options available for those who are struggling with both disorders. The most effective treatment plan will likely include medication, therapy, and support groups. With the right treatment, you can overcome your OCD and alcohol dependency and start living a healthier life.

Losing of Control

When someone is going through OCD treatment, it is important to be diligent and consistent with taking medication and attending therapy sessions. However, when alcohol is introduced into the mix, things can quickly spiral out of control. Drinking alcohol can lead to a loss of control when it comes to drinking and medication. This can lead to someone skipping or discontinuing their medication altogether, which can seriously impede their progress in overcoming OCD.

Additionally, alcohol can also have negative consequences when mixed with certain medications prescribed for OCD treatment. For example, alcohol can increase the side effects of certain medications or make them less effective. This can put the individual at risk for not getting the full benefits of the medication, which could prolong their illness.

It is important for those going through OCD treatment to abstain from drinking alcohol altogether. If you are struggling with alcohol dependency as well as OCD, it is best to seek professional help.

Difficulty Sticking to Treatment

When an individual has OCD and chooses to drink alcohol, they are often doing so in order to self-medicate. This can be very dangerous, as it can lead to difficulty sticking to their OCD treatment. If someone is trying to recover from OCD while drinking alcohol, they may find that their symptoms get worse, instead of better. This can be due to the fact that alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of medication, as well as making it difficult for the person to stay motivated to continue with treatment. In addition, drinking alcohol can also lead to dangerous behaviors and situations that can further worsen an individual’s OCD symptoms.

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Treatment Options for OCD & Alcohol Dependency

Anyone that has pursued treatment for OCD & alcohol dependency knows that there are many options–and not all are created equal. Here are some of the common treatment options for addressing OCD & Alcohol dependency.

Therapy for OCD

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common and effective types of therapy for treating OCD & alcohol dependency. CBT can help individuals to understand and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their OCD & alcohol dependency. It can also help them to develop coping mechanisms for dealing with intrusive thoughts and compulsions.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of medication that is commonly prescribed for OCD. SSRIs can help to relieve OCD symptoms by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is thought to be involved in the regulation of mood and anxiety.

Medication for OCD

Another treatment option available for those that suffer from OCD is medication. This is usually used in conjunction with therapy solutions.  The most common type of medication prescribed for OCD is SSRIs, as they can be very effective in treating the symptoms of OCD.

Inpatient Treatment

For those that are struggling with both OCD and alcohol dependency, inpatient treatment may be the best option. Inpatient treatment can provide a safe and structured environment where individuals can focus on their recovery. It can also offer a higher level of care than outpatient treatment, which can be beneficial for those that are struggling with more severe OCD & alcohol dependency.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is another option available for those struggling with OCD & alcohol dependency. Outpatient treatment can offer a less intensive level of care than inpatient treatment. This can be beneficial for those that are struggling with less severe OCD & alcohol dependency. It can also be a good option for those that need more flexibility in their treatment, as it allows them to continue working or attending school while receiving treatment.

AA Program for Alcohol Dependency

Alcoholics Anonymous is a very common go-to approach for overcoming a dependency on alcohol. However, it definitely has its drawbacks.  For one, it does not specifically address OCD. In addition, it can be difficult to stay motivated in an AA program, as it is based on the individual’s own willpower to abstain from drinking. However, for those that are able to stick with the program, it can be a very effective treatment for alcohol dependency.

The Alcohol Coach for Alcohol Dependency

If you want to seek to overcome alcohol dependency from a place of positivity, accountability, and self-empowerment, then using a program through The Alcohol Coach is the best option.

The Alcohol Coach has a high success rate for dealing with alcohol dependency and achieves a better outcome for the client.

Key Takeaways

  • OCD & alcohol dependency can be a difficult thing to overcome.
  • There are many treatment options available for those that suffer from OCD & alcohol dependency.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective types of therapy for treating OCD & alcohol dependency.
  • Inpatient treatment may be the best option for those that are struggling with both OCD and alcohol dependency.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous is a very common go-to approach for overcoming a dependency on alcohol but it does not specifically address OCD.

If you want to seek to overcome alcohol dependency from a place of positivity, accountability, and self-empowerment, then using a program through The Alcohol Coach is the best option.

Editor’s Note:

In this article, you might notice that we use ‘labels’ such as “alcoholic”, “disease”, and other identifiers that are used to link individuals together by their habits with alcohol. Though they are used colloquially, we believe them to perpetuate limiting beliefs.  

A key tenet of The Alcohol Coach is that the way to overcome alcohol addiction is through empowerment, not retreating into a space of powerlessness or victim status. 

So, even though we may use these terms to communicate a point as it is known by the general public, keep in mind that our core beliefs dictate that these terms be avoided as much as possible. 

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Hi, I'm Michela

I’m a leader in the science of transformational freedom for women, and someone previously addicted to alcohol. I have walked the path. I understand your concerns and fears. Here you will find some of my thoughts and insights. Happy browsing!

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