Individuals with co-occurring disorders may require additional treatment or support services to address their symptoms and side effects. Healthcare professionals often benefit from providing personalized care to clients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other co-occurring mental health issues. The staff at Driftwood Recovery use comprehensive assessments and other tools to help clients with substance use disorder (SUD) and dual diagnosis.
Treating Clients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Clients with OCD may struggle to adhere to specific treatment guidelines. For example, time management may be difficult for some individuals with complex routines related to their disorder, making them more likely to miss appointments or fail to complete certain mandatory activities. In addition, clients with OCD often have more severe anxiety and may require accommodations to reduce stress and anxiety during treatment.
Some of the challenges of treating clients with co-occurring OCD and SUD include:
- Individuals who have used substances to manage symptoms of OCD may have a more challenging time separating addiction from compulsive behaviors
- Clients with OCD often experience more severe anxiety during withdrawal
- Individuals with OCD may find it challenging to distinguish cravings from OCD symptoms
- People diagnosed with OCD often have rigid, black-and-white thinking and may struggle with the recovery process
- Clients with OCD are more likely to experience anxiety related to prescription medications
- SUD and OCD may both lead to self-isolating behaviors, making it more difficult for clients to engage in treatment
Addiction and mental health experts must consider these factors when educating clients and creating treatment plans. Family involvement in the treatment process could reduce some of the barriers to treatment. Staff members at Driftwood Recovery collaborate with one another and clients to determine what factors may require additional treatment and support. Providing effective and appropriate client care often involves multiple treatment modalities or the support of outside resources.
Diagnosing Co-Occurring OCD and Substance Use Disorder
Undiagnosed OCD can cause significant emotional distress and interfere with the treatment of alcohol or drug addiction. The initial intake interview involves taking a detailed medical and personal history to ensure that healthcare professionals make an accurate diagnosis. According to the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, “OCD symptoms often go undetected in individuals with SUDs.” Driftwood Recovery uses comprehensive assessments and screening tools to diagnose co-occurring disorders.
Some clients may have multiple co-occurring conditions or severe symptoms of withdrawal that make it more difficult for clinicians to make an accurate diagnosis. The care team at Driftwood Recovery may conduct a second assessment after detox to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and ensure clients receive the best care. Healthcare professionals must consistently monitor client treatment and adjust care plans to address any new symptoms or factors affecting mental health.
The Connections Between Addiction and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Addiction and OCD have some overlapping risk factors and side effects. Clinicians benefit from educating clients on how these conditions interact. Simultaneous treatment may reduce the severity of symptoms for both disorders.
A few of the known connections between OCD and SUD include:
- Individuals with OCD may use alcohol or drugs to manage symptoms
- Both disorders involve compulsive behaviors
- Trauma caused by the side effects of substance abuse may lead to OCD
- Both conditions share neurobiological pathways
Clients with co-occurring OCD and SUD may have multiple factors connecting both conditions. Healthcare professionals must work with clients and families to determine how best to address the root causes of these disorders. Treating OCD and SUD together can reduce overall stress and speed the healing process.
Addressing Both Conditions Simultaneously
Clients with co-occurring OCD and SUD may transition through multiple levels of care as they learn to effectively manage their condition. Healthcare professionals use a wide range of therapeutic modalities to address each client’s unique needs. Addressing both conditions simultaneously often has the best outcomes, and treatment for OCD frequently extends through aftercare.
How Does Driftwood Recovery Address Co-Occurring Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Staff members at Driftwood Recovery work together to provide clients with practical tools for managing symptoms of OCD during treatment. The integrative care and personalized treatment programs allow clients to heal at their own pace and receive individualized support.
Symptoms and side effects of OCD vary significantly from person to person. In addition, the impact of SUD on mental health may fluctuate over time. Tailored care plans allow healthcare professionals to carefully monitor and adjust client treatment. Personalized rehabilitation programs support clients and ensure the services meet their needs and preferences.
Experts Offer Personalized Care Plans
Personalized care plans improve treatment outcomes for individuals with co-occurring SUD and OCD by providing the following:
- Customized therapeutic techniques
- Optimized medication management
- Dual relapse prevention
- Flexible scheduling and practical support
- Client-centered treatment goals
- Ongoing evaluation of progress
Staff members at Driftwood Recovery use tailored treatment and aftercare planning to prepare clients with OCD for long-term sobriety.
Clients with co-occurring SUD and OCD may struggle with different aspects of treatment. Intrusive thoughts are common and may interfere with a person’s ability to adhere to treatment expectations. Healthcare professionals improve treatment outcomes by taking a detailed client history and determining the best way to accommodate their needs during rehabilitation. Personalized care plans and tailored therapy sessions allow for greater adaptability and enable clients with OCD to manage their symptoms more effectively. Experts at Driftwood Recovery use a whole-person approach to client care to ensure individuals in treatment feel supported and valued. To learn more about how we treat individuals with OCD and other co-occurring conditions, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.