I feel like I'm the only one on this app who struggles with alcohol. It's literally the only thing that stops my intrusive HOCD thoughts. How do u all cope with this disorder in a sober way. I'd love to hear ur responses because I truly want to live a happy sober life I just have no idea how to. I've been self medicating with alcohol everyday for the past 6 years.

I usually don't drink. But whenever I actually drink, I drink way to much just so that these thoughts go away. So no, you're not the only one.

That's a good first step ?

Thanks guys love the support

I absolutely understand this. I’ve been to this point where alcohol is the only thing that calms my mind. Although I do enjoy an occasional drink to unwind, I don’t find myself drinking as much to avoid thoughts. As far as approaching my thoughts while sober, I continue to utilize mindfulness techniques, which include paying attention to my physical surroundings and labeling my thoughts as unimportant and intrusive. Hope this helps, and I wish you the best.

Are u on any medication

I think that the use of alcohol and other substances might be the biggest elephant in the room when it comes to anxiety disorders. I agree, it is rarely mentioned in conjunction with OCD. There is a residential treatment center in Chicago that treats both concurrently, though. That's very rare in the area of OCD treatment. Great observation, js94!

I went there and sadly my insurance wouldn't cover it

One of my obsessions is actually alcohol, so on the flip side, I NEVER drink. One of my exposures is probably going to end up being going out with friends and just drinking a few. But that sounds like an incredibly difficult situation to have to manage, I hope things get better. I unfortunately can’t really give much sobriety advice given the fact that I never drink, but I will say that I’m getting better and better each day at managing my thoughts with my medication prescribed and my therapist. The best way to cope with intrusive thoughts is to not run away from them, as hard as that is to do. The more you do that, the more you’ll realize that they cannot hurt you.