The link between mental health disorders and addiction is strong. In fact, mental disorders often lead people down the path of substance abuse, which inevitably leads to addiction. Obsessive compulsive personality disorder is one example. To better understand the connection, people should learn more about this disorder and how OCD treatment programs like cognitive behavioral therapy can help them.

What Is Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder?woman sits in her office with her head in her hands while struggling with obsessive compulsive personality disorder

Obsessive compulsive personality disorder, which some people simply refer to as OCD, is a serious disorder. Perfectionism, orderliness, and preoccupation define this mental condition. Of course, these characteristics come at the expense of efficiency, flexibility, and openness. In a more general sense, OCD negatively affects how people live.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders says that people with OCD struggle with compulsions and obsessions. These obsessions are usually persistent thoughts or ideas that are intrusive. In fact, many of these thoughts involve inappropriate imagery. However, they’re unable to control them, which is why they need an obsessive compulsive personality disorder program.

For example, it’s not uncommon for people with OCD to have intrusive thoughts about sexual imagery. These thoughts typically lead to repetitive behaviors and irrational fears. Often, people with OCD engage in compulsive rituals that temporarily relieve those fears.

Typically people who have OCD struggle with severe anxiety as well. Most of the time, the anxiety is so serious that it disrupts their everyday lives.

Furthermore, people with obsessive compulsive personality disorder often get upset when they can’t control their interpersonal and physical environments. Despite this, they have a hard time expressing anger directly at what bothers them. They might get upset over minor matters and express their feelings with fury.

Usually, the key lies within their obsessive thoughts on the matter. Obsessing about a minor issue can grow into a larger one over time. It’s common for the obsession to annoy loved ones. It takes special individuals to understand OCD and work with them truly.

Link Between Addiction and OCD

Most people with obsessive compulsive personality disorder are aware of their problems. They know that their fears are unreasonable and unfounded. Despite this, they’re unable to control compulsive habits and thoughts. They need special loved ones in their lives who understand and want to help them.

Instead of seeking professional help, though, many of them self-medicate. They find that alcohol and drugs give them temporary relief. However, this relief only lasts for as long as the drugs are in their system. As a result, they must keep abusing drugs to maintain relief.

Eventually, this pattern of substance abuse gives way to addiction. By that point, people have to get professional help. In such cases, the best solution is dual diagnosis treatment. Such a program helps people deal with addiction and the underlying cause at the same time.

Promises Behavioral Health Offers OCD Treatment Programs

Are you looking for an obsessive compulsive personality disorder program in Long Beach, California? If so, it’s time to reach out to the experts at Promises Behavioral Health. We provide care for people who struggle with addiction and other mental health problems. Our team offers dual diagnosis treatment to address co-occurring disorders.

Of course, Promises Behavioral Health offers more than just OCD treatment programs. In fact, we use many services to help people overcome a range of mental health and substance use disorders. A few examples of our programs include:

Don’t let your obsessive compulsive personality disorder lead you down the path to addiction. It’s possible to get help when you reach out to Promises Behavioral Health. Contact our friendly staff members at 844.875.5609 to learn more about OCD and your treatment options.