It’s not uncommon to battle a substance abuse problem and something affecting your mental health, such as a condition like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Often, the thing affecting your mental health is the reason you’ve turned to substances in the first place to help you cope.
However, the short peace those substances may have provided never lasts long, and the same issues are always there when the effects wear off. This is especially true when dealing with a mental health problem. The answer isn’t to turn back to the substance or increase the amount you’re using to make those same peaceful feelings last longer. That never works and never helps.
Mental health issues always remain without proper treatment. Without appropriate treatment, your substance abuse only worsens, negatively impacting your life and the lives of your loved ones. Substance abuse is neither a treatment nor a proper coping technique. It’s a sickness that needs proper care and attention from professionals with certified training and experience who can help you.
At New Era Rehabilitation in Bridgeport, CT, you’ll find a safe facility full of patient-focused professional OCD counselors in our OCD program. Their goal is to provide you with the care you deserve. This includes treatment for co-occurring disorders such as OCD and substance abuse.
If you’re suffering from a mental health disorder like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and have been using substances as a form of self-medication, contact our direct number – 203-372-3333 – to talk to one of our mental health and substance abuse addiction specialists to start getting the care you need.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
In mental health, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by unwanted obsessions or compulsions.
- Obsessions can be characterized as tenacious thoughts, feelings, sensations, and ideas that are often negative and perceived as uncontrollable by the person suffering from them. These include phobias, recurring questions about whether tasks were performed, stress when things are out of order, and continuous unwanted sexual thoughts.
- Compulsions are identified as behaviors that drive someone to do something repeatedly, sometimes to the point where they become completely absorbed by them. Compulsions can include excessive cleaning, repeating words and phrases, and excessive checking.
Compulsions and obsessions interfere with daily activities and cause profound mental and emotional distress for the afflicted and their loved ones.
What is The Reason Behind Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Even though the exact cause of OCD is not completely known, it’s important to point out that it’s a complex disorder, even if it’s not fully understood. With that in mind, a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors are thought to be contributors to the disorder.
- Genetic factors: OCD tends to run in families. Although this isn’t proof that OCD is hereditary, studies have found certain genes may make a person more likely to manifest OCD.
- Biological factors: Chemical imbalances in neurotransmitters may lead to the development of OCD.
- Environmental factors: OCD may trigger or amplify in people who suffer severe trauma, stress, or illnesses.
Because OCD is considered a multifactorial disorder, it often requires a tailored OCD treatment to meet the individual’s needs. At New Era Rehabilitation in Bridgeport, you’ll find OCD specialists who understand your unique situation and treat you with the care and understanding you require.
OCD and Addiction are Often Co-Occurring
OCD and substance abuse often occur together. People who turn to substances to cope with unwanted feelings or thoughts may be suffering from an underlying case of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and not be aware of it. The patient may have already been diagnosed, but previous treatments did not work. As a result, they may have turned to substances as a way to self-medicate instead.
Unfortunately, substance abuse often worsens the symptoms of OCD, making them more difficult to manage. This can lead to a destructive cycle of addiction and deteriorating mental health.
Individuals with OCD who have substance abuse issues must get attentive and supportive treatment for both conditions, like the OCD treatment we offer at New Era Rehabilitation in Bridgeport.
Treatment Options for Co-Occurring OCD in Bridgeport, CT
At New Era Rehabilitation in Bridgeport, CT, our OCD specialists and substance abuse experts have the knowledge and experience to provide sufferers of both OCD and addiction with the recovery tools necessary to gain control over both successfully.
Tailored treatment options may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Group Therapy
- Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment
- Family therapy
- Ketamine Infusion Therapy
Again, it must be emphasized that the above list is just a sample of the treatment options available at our treatment center in Bridgeport. Each individual’s case will begin with an initial assessment. From there, our specialists will develop a treatment plan that considers any mental health and substance abuse disorders and will lay out a path that best sets up each individual for the most successful recovery possible.
If you suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, a substance abuse problem, or both and are ready to get the help you need, please contact us at our OCD treatment center in Bridgeport, CT. You’re not alone in this fight.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Era Rehabilitation is the best OCD treatment center in Bridgeport. Our treatment methods include cognitive behavioral therapy as well as exposure and response prevention therapy. As a supportive and compassionate environment, we help individuals manage the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
YES! OCD treatment is 100% effective. At New Era Rehabilitation, we offer treatments, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and exposure and response prevention (ERP) for OCD. Our OCD treatments help to address the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Yes, there are medications like SSRIs and TCAs which can treat OCD. At New Era, we use these medications in conjunction with behavioral therapy. These medications help to alleviate the intrusive thoughts and compulsions that OCD patients experience.
Generally, therapy sessions can cost anywhere from $60 to $250 per hour. This is less than most other intensive treatment programs. The cost also depends on your treatment approach, duration of treatment, and your insurance coverage.
The length of OCD treatment varies from person to person. Usually, the treatment lasts at least 12 weeks and can last from several months to a year! It depends on the severity of symptoms and the treatment needed. For an assessment of your symptoms and treatment recommendations, connect with our experts at New Era Rehabilitation.
Researching OCD treatment and verifying that therapists understand the treatments that are right for you can be time-consuming. Consult New Era Rehabilitation for an easy, expert assessment. Our certified technicians can accurately diagnose OCD and provide appropriate CBT, medication, ERP, and any other therapies that may be helpful.
Our Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) treatment plan for OCD includes exposure and response prevention (ERP). In this treatment, we teach our patients to confront their fears and trigger situations while refraining from engaging in compulsive behaviors.
While everyone experiences OCD differently, here are some signs that you may need immediate intensive outpatient treatment for OCD:
- You obsess over order and symmetry.
- You experience intrusive thoughts.
- You experience compulsive behaviors like excessive hand washing, checking and rechecking behaviors, and repeating words or phrases.
- If you do not perform these compulsive behaviors, you experience anxiety and distress.
- Your OCD is taking away focus, time, and energy from work, school, or relationships.
- You find yourself avoiding specific situations, people, or things that trigger your symptoms.