“No passion so effectively robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear.” – Edmund Burke
Have you ever been in the middle of something and your mind suddenly said, “Hey wait, did I actually lock the door behind me?”
There are many other questions you might have pop into your head that make you double-check something. Did you turn off the oven? Did you turn off your curling iron? Did you blow out that candle? Maybe these questions are even making you question something right now.
For people with OCD, however, these types of questions aren’t as casual and can, in fact, become nearly all-consuming. Our team at Wolf Creek Recovery is dedicated to helping those with OCD take back control of their lives through compassion and respect.
What We Treat: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Does OCD always require treatment? If so, how and when?
OCD rarely appears out of nowhere. For many, it stems from other traumas and circumstances in a person’s life. This mental health condition then can manifest as a way for the individual to feel like they’ve retaken control of their lives.
But, the longer the root concern is unaddressed, the more likely it is that the person’s OCD will evolve. It can often snowball into a situation where someone has large, daily interruptions of their routine, desires, and more.
When it gets to a point where OCD is making it so you’re more anxious and unable to do the things you enjoy, take that as a sign that you should seek support.
You don’t have to reach a “breaking point,” either. No matter where you are in your journey, no matter your current circumstances, help and healing are always an option here at Wolf Creek Recovery.
How We Treat: OCD Treatment at Wolf Creek Recovery
There are two primary forms of treatment when it comes to OCD: psychotherapy and medication. Of course, other things can help as well like support groups, lifestyle changes, and more. At Wolf Creek Recovery, we understand that every individual who seeks healing with us has their own circumstances and desires. This is why we work with you one-on-one to tailor your treatment plan to your needs.
Medication for OCD, while not required, is also an option for those interested. Different types of medication may be used depending on your symptoms and needs. You’ll work with our medical team to ensure that the medication you use, if any, is the right fit for you.
Often mental health and substance use disorders are intertwined. At Wolf Creek Recovery, we are trained to assess and treat individuals with both a mental health and substance use diagnosis.
Why is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Used to Treat OCD?
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is one of the most common approaches used to help people learn the tools and skills they need to better manage their OCD and its symptoms. CBT helps you reshape the way your mind thinks about compulsions and obsessions, which further helps change your reactions when these occur.
But how does it do this?
CBT’s core principles are very effective against OCD because they tackle the root cause. This is the core of our holistic approach at Wolf Creek – we want to treat more than just your symptoms, we’re here to treat the whole person.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a mental health condition that involves thoughts and rituals, also known as obsessions and compulsions, that recur on a frequent basis. These obsessions and compulsions interfere with day-to-day life and occur without the person wanting them to.
Obsessive thoughts primarily revolve around fears and things that the individual finds repulsive. The most common obsessions are fear of harming yourself or others, fear of mistakes that lead to harm, fear of contamination, and a strong need for order and symmetry. These fears can lead to people imagining extreme scenarios and worrying about if they might act on them, no matter how much they don’t want to act on them. It’s important to note that these thoughts aren’t something that they have to act on, but they lead to distress nonetheless.
Compulsions, on the other hand, are the actions taken to try and relieve obsessions. They may start off small and feel like a choice to help “fix” a problem, but they often evolve to the point of becoming a “need” in order to alleviate anxiety, no matter how temporary.
What Causes OCD and How Is it Diagnosed?
While there isn’t currently a solid answer to the cause of OCD, research shows a correlation between genetics and trauma as potential sources. Trauma can often lead the brain to develop new habits and behaviors as a way to cope. In the case of OCD, someone might start organizing their life to try and feel in control again, escalating to the point where they feel if their life isn’t organized enough that their trauma might occur again. This, of course, is just one example.
When it comes to diagnosing OCD, our team will assess your current concerns, past medical history, family health history, and more. The length of time you experience obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, as well as your reactions to them and how impacted your life is because of them will all be determining factors for your diagnosis.
Not everyone who has obsessive thoughts or compulsions has OCD. No matter what your circumstances are, our team will be here to help and support you so you can find the healing you deserve.
What’s the Overlap Between OCD and Substance Use?
Because of how OCD makes people feel, many who aren’t currently in treatment seek out substances to help “alleviate” their symptoms. This overlap isn’t uncommon and is something we provide treatment and support for here at Wolf Creek.
The most important thing to understand when someone has OCD and a substance use disorder is how the two are intertwined. Addressing only one-half of these pairings doesn’t set you up for long-term success in your recovery. That’s why our treatment program tackles both OCD and substance use together and separately, so you’ll have a well-rounded arsenal for your healing journey.
Recognizing the Common Symptoms of OCD
To spot OCD, it’s easier if you understand what obsessions and compulsions are, separately.
Obsessions often consist of:
- Fear of germs or contamination
- Fear of losing something
- Fear about accidentally harming someone else
- Fear of intentionally harming others, even if you don’t want to
- Fear of getting hurt
- Unwanted thoughts about sex
- Unwanted religious thoughts
- Unwanted disturbing thoughts
- Aggressive thoughts towards yourself or others
- Anxiety relating to things being unorderly
Compulsions, on the other hand, commonly include:
- Excessive cleanliness rituals
- Doing a task very repeatedly
- Excessive organizing and rearranging
- Needing to repeatedly check that something is off/locked
- Needing to do things a certain amount of times in order to feel okay (such as locking your car four times)
- Hoarding
- Avoiding places and situations that involve your obsessions
- Consistently asking for reassurance from others
Treatment and OCD Management Here in Arizona at Wolf Creek Recovery
If you’re looking to take your life back, you’re in the right place. No matter what your circumstances are, your goals, or what other conditions you might want to also address, our Wolf Creek Recovery team wants to help.
Our holistic approach seeks to heal you as a whole person, not just address a singular problem or concern. Our team always keeps you in mind and believes in honest communication during recovery and beyond.
We have options for your recovery, too. Whether you need supportive housing or want to stay at home during your journey, we have both options available for you. You can learn more by contacting us today.
Why wait to get started? Our staff at Wolf Creek is ready whenever you are. Just give us a call at 833-732-8202 and begin living the life you love.
