Addiction a form of OCD?!
Question:
Addiction a form of OCD?
I have never heard of a link between addiction and OCD, but I was wondering what your take on it is. What is addiction if not OCD? Whether addiction to drugs/alcohol, shopping, gambling, etc., it is an obssesive and compulsive act that is irrational. A person with OCD who compulsively washes his hands knows that it is irrational, but can't help the act. Someone addicted to gambling will obssess over winning, act compulsively and irrationally. An alcoholic who takes that first drink knowing that it will have disasterous consequences is acting out of compulsion and irrationally. All addictions can be analyzed like this. I"m not saying that everyone with OCD has addictions. But I'm wondering if all addicts have OCD? The thought crossed my mind b/c I have mild OCD and I have a history of substance abuse. My addictions have been my ultimate obsessive complusive behavior (and in that regard, not so mild.) So it just made me wonder if there's a link. I would like to hear your thoughts.Thanks!
Answers:
I believe it is but get help a support group or an expert in the field.