Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can feel like a constant loop of obsessive thoughts. These thought patterns can lead to obvious compulsive actions or hidden mental checking behaviors. In all cases, though, they lead to emotional distress, often causing severe anxiety or fear. For many, it can also lead to substance use as a way to try and cope with the stress caused by obsessive thoughts. Red Oak Recovery® offers substance use and mental health treatment at our center for men in North Carolina. OCD Is More Than Cleaning and Organizing
While stereotypical, being obsessed with cleanliness or orderliness is not an accurate view of most people with OCD. Obsessions can be as unique as the individual experiencing them:
- Cleanliness/contamination – A fear of contamination, which might cause a person to wash their hands many times over, making them feel that they’re not clean enough.
- Doubting – Feeling unsure about measuring things correctly and checking repeatedly throughout the day.
- Harm – Thinking that you must protect someone close to you from harm. This could mean making sure locks are locked or something like leaving no pillows in your bed during sleep.
- Symmetry/perfection – Needing everything to be in perfect balance, such as having everything symmetrical on a table or desk.
- Scrupulosity – Fear of being punished by a higher power for failing to adhere to certain religious rules or rituals, such as saying the right prayer at the right time.
- Identity and sexuality – Obsessions that focus on gender or sexual identity. A person might obsess over how they identify.
- Taboo thoughts – Unwanted violent or sexual thoughts that are distressing.
Some people with OCD may not have compulsive behaviors. This is sometimes called “pure O” and involves severe patterns of obsessive thought. Regardless of what someone’s OCD stems from, every aspect of their life is affected.
How OCD Can Affect Daily Life
A person living with OCD can struggle with normal functioning, affecting their ability to keep a job, maintain relationships, or take care of themselves.
Shame, Guilt, and Fear
Obsessive thoughts are unwanted and intrusive. They cause feelings of shame, guilt, and fear. For instance, someone who struggles with obsessive thoughts of taboo subjects likely feels shame for these thoughts and guilt as if they had acted on them. The fear of what could happen because of these thoughts can also be overwhelming.
School, Work, and Relationships
When someone’s mind is preoccupied with obsessive thoughts, they can become easily overwhelmed. This can make it difficult to concentrate and focus on school or work tasks. They may also find it hard to maintain healthy relationships due to their preoccupation and the shame and guilt associated with their obsessive thoughts.
Substance Use
The emotional distress caused by OCD can be too much to handle on its own. This often leads to people self-medicating with drugs or alcohol in an attempt to alleviate their suffering. The use of these substances can lead to addiction, further complicating the issue.
Symptoms of OCD
It’s not always obvious when someone is struggling with OCD. Some people may hide their symptoms, while others may not even be aware that they have the condition. And, since obsessive thoughts can be so unique, symptoms can vary greatly. However, some symptoms of OCD include:
- Intrusive thoughts or images that cause distress
- Repetitive behaviors meant to relieve anxiety
- Avoidance of people or places due to fear or anxiety
- Feeling overwhelmed by unwanted thoughts and feelings
Treatment can help manage these symptoms and improve overall quality of life. If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, it’s important to seek professional help.
OCD Treatment at Red Oak Recovery®
We offer gender-specific treatment for men in North Carolina. Our holistic approach addresses every aspect of OCD and addiction treatment. During our programming, you or a loved one can expect:- Clinical excellence – Our staff isn’t full of businesspeople. We are clinician-run and strive to offer the highest quality of care.
- Individualized treatment – Each client we work with receives a tailored treatment plan that addresses their needs. Every week, individuals receive 30 hours of clinical contact and two to three individual counseling sessions.
- Evidence-based and experiential therapies – The Red Oak campus in the beautiful Blue Ridge foothills offers the unique opportunity to incorporate hiking, equine therapy, and other outdoor activities into treatment. These experiential methods work alongside evidence-based talk therapies and appropriate medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
- Dual diagnosis treatment – Our team of professionals is experienced in treating clients with OCD and substance use disorders. We provide comprehensive care and work to establish a treatment plan that addresses both conditions simultaneously.
Call Us Now
Help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD and substance use, contact us now at 828.382.9699 or complete our online form. Our admissions team is available to answer any questions you may have about our treatment programs and how we can help you or your loved one.
