Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder & Substance Use
Integrated, evidence-based treatment with holistic care in the Hollywood Hills.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety or distress. Common obsessions include fears of contamination, harm, or losing control, while compulsions often involve excessive cleaning, checking, counting, or seeking reassurance. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, 2023), approximately 2–3% of adults in the United States experience OCD at some point in their lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks OCD among the top 10 most disabling conditions globally. Research from psychiatrists such as Dr. Michael Jenike at Harvard Medical School has shown that OCD is linked to abnormal activity in the brain’s orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and basal ganglia, regions involved in error detection and behavioral control. This neurobiological imbalance causes individuals with OCD to feel trapped in cycles of anxiety and ritualistic behavior, despite recognizing that their actions may be irrational.Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety or distress. Common obsessions include fears of contamination, harm, or losing control, while compulsions often involve excessive cleaning, checking, counting, or seeking reassurance. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, 2023), approximately 2–3% of adults in the United States experience OCD at some point in their lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks OCD among the top 10 most disabling conditions globally. Research from psychiatrists such as Dr. Michael Jenike at Harvard Medical School has shown that OCD is linked to abnormal activity in the brain’s orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and basal ganglia, regions involved in error detection and behavioral control. This neurobiological imbalance causes individuals with OCD to feel trapped in cycles of anxiety and ritualistic behavior, despite recognizing that their actions may be irrational.
How does Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder impact life and lead to substance use?
OCD can have a profound impact on daily functioning, emotional health, and relationships. Persistent intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals can consume hours each day, leading to exhaustion, shame, and social withdrawal. Many individuals struggle with guilt, perfectionism, or fear of losing control, which can make maintaining employment or relationships challenging. Research from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) shows that individuals with OCD are twice as likely to develop a co-occurring depression or anxiety disorder, and roughly 25% will also develop a substance use disorder. Substances such as alcohol, sedatives, or stimulants may be used in attempts to quiet obsessive thoughts or reduce anxiety, but in the long term, they worsen compulsive behaviors and interfere with treatment. Without proper care, OCD can lead to significant functional impairment and isolation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, integrated treatment.
How does Bliss Recovery treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
At Bliss Recovery, treatment for OCD is designed to help clients regain control, reduce compulsive behaviors, and cultivate a calm, balanced state of mind. The program combines evidence-based therapies with holistic healing practices to treat both the psychological and physical components of anxiety and compulsion. Core therapeutic methods include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard approach for OCD, helping clients gradually face fears and reduce ritualistic behaviors in a safe, structured environment. Complementary holistic practices such as yoga, meditation, and nutritional counseling promote relaxation, emotional regulation, and overall wellness. When clinically appropriate, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) may also be utilized, often including Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), or fluvoxamine (Luvox), as well as clomipramine (Anafranil), a tricyclic antidepressant commonly prescribed for OCD. Bliss Recovery’s team of licensed psychiatrists, clinicians, and therapists provides individualized care that integrates medical, behavioral, and holistic approaches—helping clients break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions while restoring peace of mind and long-term stability.
