Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that causes uninvited and unwanted recurring thoughts or images (“obsessions”) and behaviors (“compulsions”). Obsessive thoughts trigger distressing feelings, such as anxiety, and compulsions are behaviors an individual engages in repeatedly to get rid of them and/or decrease the distress they are experiencing.

A mental health condition like OCD can increase the prevalence of addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates that around one in four adults with a mental health condition also experiences substance abuse problems. People with OCD may use substances or addictive behaviors – such as internet addiction or gambling – to try to decrease or escape their OCD symptoms. Relief from these symptoms can be a powerful reward that further fuels addictive behaviors over time.

In addition to the desire to decrease symptoms, there are several other possible reasons for the link between OCD and addiction. One possibility is that people with OCD – particularly high levels of OCD – may be more impulsive and less able to regulate behavior. Put simply, individuals with OCD may find it extremely challenging to stop or limit unhelpful behavior. Acting on impulses can include the urge to use substances or engage in other addictive behaviors.

Compulsive Behaviors vs Addictive Behaviors

While both OCD and addiction are driven by the urge to engage in certain behaviors, the compulsions that are present with OCD and addictive behaviors are not the same. Compulsive behaviors are used to neutralize or get rid of obsessive thoughts. These behaviors do not culminate in pleasure. Rather, a person with OCD feels they are necessary to prevent some type of negative consequence, decrease anxiety, or the presence of obsessions.

Addiction, on the other hand, is about chasing a reward. The reward may be a sense of pleasure or escapism. Even though addictive behaviors can have negative consequences, at least initially, they are viewed as enjoyable. So, while addictive behaviors can feel compulsive in that they can be challenging to stop, compulsions are not addictions.

Another reason there is such a strong link between addiction and OCD is that the conditions share similar risk factors: exposure to challenging life events and certain changes in brain chemistry and genetics. This article from a digital healthcare company focused on OCD treatment provides an overview of the relationship between OCD and addiction. 

Breaking the Cycle by Refocusing the Brain

While people with OCD and addiction may feel caught in an endless cycle of triggering thoughts and behaviors, therapy can address both concerns effectively. Therapy can assist you in refocusing your brain and your relationship with unhelpful thoughts.

By building a stronger awareness of your behaviors and practicing effective coping skills, you will learn how to make healthy choices and to follow thought patterns that benefit you, rather than put you at risk of unwanted behaviors.

To learn more about therapy for OCD and addiction, please contact us at CBT Denver.