Are we all addicts? Craving relief?

No! It's a defense mechanism to counteract our irrational thoughts and worries. We didn't find them plesurable in the first place.

Not exactly. Addicts typically enjoy the action they are performing. Drugs, sex, etc. I wouldn't say ppl with OCD enjoy their compulsions.

i think it’s more of a “survival” technique

Yes Ashley, I’m the same, completely consumed by it. If feels like I’m an addict!

I read a quote recently: ‘we are all addicted to something that takes the pain away.’ I suppose we all are.

Do you think this keeps the cycle going?Obsession, relief, obsession relief, etc etc

I disagree null. An addiction doesn’t have to bring pleasure. It can bring relief. That what we seek when we are in the throes of an obsession. When I’m deep in compulsive checking, I look like and behave like someone with an addiction. I disregard others feelings, ignore what’s happening around me, and continue to do my “ritual” until I feel satisfied. My total attention is on my obsession and not the repercussions. It feels like I get a “hit” of reassurance and then I feel calm. Until the next obsession or doubt arises. Then I’m back at needing another “hit” of reassurance.

If you look at it this way, it is putting the decision back in your court. It’s giving the power of choice. Is it hard to not give in? Absolutely. Can you do it!? Hell yes you can! At the end of the day you will still have OCD, but you get to choose to give in to it or fight the urges-just like any other addiction. One day at a time.

So we are addicts! That’s an interesting concept. We need to break the addiction!

But what if you didn’t enjoy drugs, sex etc anymore and wanted to quit?

Getting over an addiction is essentially the same as fighting the urge to perform a compulsion. Depending on the form of addiction, that is.

So we are addicted to compulsions?

My mum passed away right in front of me, I held her hand etc and all I could think about was my bloody obsession. That’s how strong OCD is. Even at the funeral I was trying to seek reassurance from people. What an addiction it is!

Bless your heart! You don’t need to worry about the thoughts you had when your mom passed. There is a podcast you need to listen to called OCD stories. There is one in particular that’s explicit in nature, but the guest speaker was raw, unfiltered, and extremely honest. You need to listen because he had very intrusive thoughts when his aunt and other family members were murdered. OCD strikes the hardest when you’re stressed or dealing with traumatic situations.

Definitely, I think the brain is hooked on the only way it knows how to cope. I’m looking forward to starting CBT for some relief.

pleasurable*

But that defence mechanism brings relief? so isn’t that like a drug?

Again, no. We don't find pleasure in doing so.

I’ll have listen. What a crazy illness this is?