OCD and
Alcohol Many people with OCD insist on trying to lead as normal lives as possible.
Drinking alcohol is a normal part of life for many people, but, there
are some dangers that must be considered by OCD sufferers.
During the actual consumption alcohol actually helps some people to forget
about their OCD and greatly reduces their anxiety. However during the
post consumption phase, especially the following day, the OCD can return
with greater intensity. Not everyone realises that alcohol has a depressant
effect upon the brain. Although alcohol enters the bloodstream within
a few minutes its effects last for several hours.
There are two areas to be considered. Firstly, alcohol may end up becoming a ‘crutch’ for the OCD sufferer which can lead to further problems in addition to the OCD. Secondly, anyone on medication for OCD may find that the mix of alcohol and medication causes additional problems. It is very important that anyone on medication should take time to read the information leaflet that comes with the medication for advice on alcohol consumption or speak to their GP.
The general consensus appears to be that most sufferers find that the short term relaxation effect of significant alcohol is rather outweighed by the ‘rebound effect’ the following day. Some sufferers have indicated that alcohol has the ability to convert a relatively mild form of OCD into one involving instances of "utter terror".
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