Many people deal with a mental health condition such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression or anxiety. Unfortunately, many of these people either do not fully understand their condition or aren’t even aware what’s wrong with them. Many also turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate their difficult mental health symptoms. When someone is diagnosed with a mental health disorder and is struggling with addiction, they are considered to have a dual diagnosis.

How OCD Affects A Person’s Life

In the case of OCD, it affects a person’s brain as well as their behavior. OCD can cause severe anxiety, which leads to obsessions and compulsions that, in more severe cases, takes time away from the activities of everyday life. Obsessions can be images, thoughts or impulses that occur repeatedly. They feel as though they are outside of a person’s control. Someone with OCD does not want these obsessions and they are not welcome. A person may feel afraid, disgusted or have a feeling as though they must do something in a specific manner as a result of their obsession. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that a person with OCD uses to try to counteract their obsessive thoughts, images or impulses. The person feels driven to perform these rituals.

How A Dual Diagnosis Can Occur With OCD

When OCD symptoms first start to appear, it’s possible that an affected person may not understand what these signs and feelings are. Someone who is experiencing this level of anxiety may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate. The chemicals are many times used to try to dull or turn off the obsessions so that they don’t have as powerful an effect on the person’s life.

Outpatient Dual Diagnosis Treatment

If you need help for obsessive-compulsive disorder and addiction but cannot take time away from work, school or family responsibilities, New Beginnings offers outpatient dual diagnosis treatment services where we effectively treat both your mental illness and the addiction concurrently. You can get effective treatment from our psychiatrists and mental health staff at a time that works with your schedule. We can also offer other mental health services on an outpatient basis:

• Individual therapy
• Mental health counseling
• Psychiatric services

Would You Like To Get Started With Our Outpatient Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program? Call Now!