Substance abuse and OCD

[JerseyRich]

Hey Dr. Steve.

How closely related are drug addiction and OCD?

I know many drug addicts that have OCD but I've always wondered if the brain creates an environment that is conducive to have Obsessive Thoughts and Actions.

I know that smokers have a hard time breaking the habit because of the addiction to nicotine and the addiction to the action of lighting a cigarette.

I don't smoke or do drugs, but I was just wondering and thought this could be an interesting topic for the show.

Thanks.

[ANC]

Hey Dr. Steve.

How closely related are drug addiction and OCD?

I know many drug addicts that have OCD but I've always wondered if the brain creates an environment that is conducive to have Obsessive Thoughts and Actions.

I know that smokers have a hard time breaking the habit because of the addiction to nicotine and the addiction to the action of lighting a cigarette.

I don't smoke or do drugs, but I was just wondering and thought this could be an interesting topic for the show.

Thanks.

Definitely true in my case. On my drive to work for example, I have landmarks where I light up. When I get in the car, when I get off at exit 13A. Also there's that "I have to smoke one last one before lunch, dinner, bed, etc. Seems kinda OCD to me. But that's the only thing that I'd say is OCD about me.. I think you may be on to something.

[RoseBlood]

Definitely true in my case. On my drive to work for example, I have landmarks where I light up. When I get in the car, when I get off at exit 13A. Also there's that "I have to smoke one last one before lunch, dinner, bed, etc. Seems kinda OCD to me. But that's the only thing that I'd say is OCD about me.. I think you may be on to something.

I think that is just a quirk and ritual, which we all have, not necessarily true OCD. OCD encompasses more than just one behavior or ritual. Dr. Steve, thoughts?

[Dr Steve]

Hey Dr. Steve.

How closely related are drug addiction and OCD?

I know many drug addicts that have OCD but I've always wondered if the brain creates an environment that is conducive to have Obsessive Thoughts and Actions.

I know that smokers have a hard time breaking the habit because of the addiction to nicotine and the addiction to the action of lighting a cigarette.

I don't smoke or do drugs, but I was just wondering and thought this could be an interesting topic for the show.

Thanks.


Rich: there is certainly a lot of obsessive and compulsive behavior associated with addiction. the way researchers think about addiction, it's a disorder of the brain's reward system. Psychoactive drugs "hijack" the system, causing compulsive and self-destructive behavior that can go on and on despite the addict being aware of disastrous consequences, etc. This last bit is made worse by loss of inhibitory control systems in the brain that are supposed to keep you from doing stupid shit.

Truly, someone who has kicked an addiction of any sort is to be respected. It's really hard work consciously reinstalling inhibitions that have been lost.

OCD, on the other hand, seems to result from a fear of loss of control, so people with OCD have brains that create rituals to feel more in control...while at the same time ultimately feeling totally out of control when it comes to halting the rituals. People with OCD will often turn to drugs and alcohol in an attempt to reduce their symptoms, but it just makes matters worse. Now they're out of control AND impaired and end up addicted on top of everything else. The compulsive behaviors start to pile up and it can destroy someone's life.

So-called "dual diagnosis" patients (OCD + Substance abuse) need special treatment that recognizes both disorders and treats them both. Standard rehab may not be enough for someone with OCD to kick an addiction successfully.

Anyway, that's the way I learned it. There are a lot of varying opinions on this matter.


your pal,



steve

[weekapaugjz]

nevermind

[weekapaugjz]

nevermind

[JerseyRich]

Thanks Doc!