OCD and Addiction Treatment in Orange County, CA
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. People experience intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) meant to reduce anxiety.
OCD can begin in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. It affects about 1.2% of United States adults each year, with women slightly more affected. Approximately 3 million adults live with OCD, making it one of the 10 leading causes of disability worldwide. Around 25% of people with OCD experience a severe form that requires specialized care.
OCD and addiction often occur together, creating a tough cycle of anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and self-medication. Compulsive behaviors can lead to substance abuse as a way to cope, while addiction can exacerbate OCD symptoms and vice versa.
At Laguna Shores Recovery in Dana Point, California, located in Orange County, we specialize in dual diagnosis treatment, addressing both OCD and addiction together. Our expert team creates personalized care plans using evidence-based therapies to help people achieve lasting recovery and improve their mental health.
OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions). Individuals with OCD often engage in compulsions to temporarily relieve the anxiety caused by their obsessions. While OCD can affect anyone, it is frequently misunderstood and underdiagnosed, leading many to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to cope with the distress.
Types of OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can take on different forms, each defined by unique obsessions and compulsions. While the symptoms may vary, all types share the common thread of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that disrupt daily life. Understanding these types helps people recognize and address their challenges more effectively.
OCD manifests in various ways, and symptoms can differ widely among individuals. Common types include:
Checking OCD involves compulsions to repeatedly check things like locked doors, appliances, or personal actions (e.g., whether they accidentally hurt someone). Causes may include fear of responsibility or past traumatic experiences. It’s considered one of the more commonly encountered forms of OCD.
This type is characterized by an overwhelming fear of germs, dirt, or being contaminated. People may compulsively wash their hands, clean excessively, or avoid certain environments. Causes often include traumatic experiences or heightened sensitivity to illness. Among the various types of OCD, contamination OCD is one of the most frequently observed.
Harm OCD is marked by distressing thoughts about causing harm to oneself or others, often resulting in actions like hiding potentially dangerous items. These thoughts don’t align with the person’s values but still create immense anxiety. Though less common than contamination OCD, it’s still widely recognized among those with OCD.
This type involves the need for things to be perfectly aligned, ordered, or symmetrical. People may feel extreme discomfort until items are arranged “just right.” The causes can include a combination of genetic factors and learned behaviors. This type of OCD is relatively common, particularly in younger people.
People with scrupulosity experience obsessive fears about violating moral or religious rules. They may compulsively pray, confess, or seek reassurance. Scrupulosity often stems from rigid upbringing or guilt-driven thought patterns. It affects a smaller but still significant portion of those with OCD.
Hoarding OCD leads to difficulty discarding items, even those with little value, due to fears of loss or regret. Hoarding has both genetic and environmental causes and is considered less common compared to other OCD types.
Understanding the specific type of OCD is crucial for effective treatment, particularly when addiction is also present.
Signs and Symptoms of OCD and Addiction
The signs of OCD and addiction can sometimes be mistaken for each other, as both conditions involve repetitive behaviors and can create significant emotional distress. Similarly, the secrecy or isolation often seen in addiction could be mistaken for someone avoiding situations that trigger OCD-related anxiety.
OCD symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Intrusive, repetitive thoughts that cause distress
- Compulsive behaviors to reduce anxiety (such as washing, checking, counting)
- Avoidance of triggers or situations that provoke obsessions
- Time-consuming rituals that interfere with daily life
- Persistent feelings of guilt or shame related to obsessive thoughts
Intrusive and persistent thoughts, fears, or urges (e.g., fear of contamination, harming others, or violating moral values).
Repetitive behaviors or rituals performed to ease anxiety, such as hand washing, checking things, cleaning, counting things, repetitive prayer, or obsession with order.
Difficulty focusing at work or school due to obsessive thoughts or time-consuming rituals.
Feelings of guilt, shame, or frustration about their behaviors, but an inability to stop them.
Addiction vs Compulsion: Is Compulsive Behavior the Same as Addiction?
While OCD compulsions and addiction behaviors may look similar, they are different in nature. Addiction often develops as individuals attempt to cope with the stress and anxiety associated with OCD.
Common signs of addiction include:
- Increased tolerance and dependence on substances
- Cravings or urges that are difficult to control
- Continued use despite negative consequences
- Neglect of responsibilities, relationships, or personal health
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance
Understanding this distinction is critical, as treatment strategies differ for each condition. But both conditions can coexist and exacerbate one another.
The Connection Between OCD and Addiction
Risk Factors for Co-Occurring OCD and Addiction
Several factors can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing both obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and a substance use disorder. Understanding these risk factors is essential for early intervention, prevention, and effective treatment.
- Genetic Predisposition: A family history of OCD, anxiety disorders, or substance use disorders can increase susceptibility to both conditions.
- Biological Factors: Neurochemical imbalances, differences in brain structure or function, and hormonal influences may contribute to the development of OCD and addiction.
- Trauma and Stress: Experiencing physical, emotional, or psychological trauma (especially during childhood) can elevate the risk of developing obsessive behaviors or turning to substances as a coping mechanism.
- Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders: Anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders often co-exist with OCD and may increase the likelihood of substance misuse.
- Environmental Influences: Exposure to substance use in the home, social pressures, or high-stress environments can heighten vulnerability.
- Personality Traits: Certain traits, such as perfectionism, high anxiety sensitivity, or impulsivity, may predispose individuals to OCD behaviors and self-medication with substances.
- Early Substance Use: Experimenting with drugs or alcohol at a young age can disrupt brain development and increase the risk of co-occurring mental health conditions.
By recognizing these risk factors, individuals, families, and clinicians can take proactive steps toward early intervention and comprehensive treatment, reducing the likelihood of chronic, co-occurring disorders.
OCD and Addiction Treatment at Laguna Shores Recovery
Effective recovery requires addressing both disorders simultaneously through integrated dual diagnosis treatment. At Laguna Shores Recovery, we tailor our levels of care to meet each client’s unique needs, offering a spectrum of treatment options.
Our integrated care approach treats OCD and addiction together, rather than separately. Treating both conditions simultaneously has been shown to produce the best long-term outcomes.
For individuals with severe symptoms, recent relapse, or unsafe home environments, residential treatment provides 24/7 support in a structured, safe setting.
A structured day program offers intensive therapy while gradually allowing clients to transition back into daily life. PHP helps clients build coping skills in a supportive environment.
For those who no longer require full-time care but still need consistent support, an IOP offers flexible treatment that balances therapy with everyday responsibilities.
Recovery doesn’t end after formal treatment. Laguna Shores Recovery offers long-term relapse-prevention planning, peer support groups, and continued therapy to ensure lasting stability.
The Role of Family for People With Co-Occurring Disorders
Families play a critical role in recovery. Education, support, and involvement in therapy can help loved ones understand OCD and addiction. It can also strengthen relationships and foster an environment conducive to healing. Family therapy and support groups are essential components of our dual diagnosis programs.
OCD and Addiction FAQs
OCD does not directly cause addiction. But the anxiety and distress it creates can lead individuals to self-medicate, increasing the risk of substance use disorders.
Alcohol, benzodiazepines (benzos), prescription medications, and stimulants are commonly misused for their temporary relief of anxiety or intrusive thoughts.
A licensed clinician evaluates symptoms, medical history, substance use patterns, and compulsive behaviors. Diagnosis often occurs once stabilization begins and substance-induced symptoms decrease.
Treating both conditions together is essential. Focusing on only OCD or only addiction increases relapse risk and can worsen symptoms.
Withdrawal-related anxiety can temporarily intensify OCD symptoms. Medically supervised detox and integrated care can be crucial to long-term health.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), trauma-informed therapy, and relapse-prevention strategies are most effective, often combined with holistic support and, when appropriate, medication.
Yes. We provide residential treatment, PHP, and IOP depending on individual needs.
Treatment length varies based on symptom severity, substance use history, and individual progress. Most individuals benefit from several weeks to several months of integrated care.
Receive Treatment for OCD and Addiction at Laguna Shores Recovery
At Laguna Shores Recovery, we specialize in providing compassionate, evidence-based care for people facing OCD and addiction. Our team develops personalized treatment plans, combining dual diagnosis care and therapy tailored to each person’s unique needs. With a holistic focus, we address both the mental and physical aspects of recovery, ensuring our clients feel supported every step of the way.
Don’t let OCD and addiction control your life. Take the first step toward healing today—call Laguna Shores Recovery and let us help you rediscover your strength and build a brighter future.
Matthew Beck B.A, M.A, LMFT 
