my OCPD symtoms mimic the "disease of addiction"

Posted by kravalisa 37 days ago (Question)

I am a recovering addict( I'll have seven years clean in December 09) and alot
of my OCPD symtoms mimic the "disease of addiction" except in the program- they
are called defects of character and it is suggested that I use the spiritual
opposite or opposite character trait to remedy the situation.
> "The preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and
interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and
efficiency".....................I have countless examples of ways I have acted
out in these OCPD ways in the past and present. Again, I thought they were just
part of the drug addict personality that obviously dont go away just because I
put down the drug.
> Does anyone else have both OCPD and addiction? and is currently clean and can
sahre some experience, strength and hope with me.
> Thanx
>

5 Answers

Answers

Written by Chemar 37 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Hi

I dont have answers to your specific questions about OCPD & addiction....but I did just want to congratulate you on seven years clean!! :-)

Written by Clyde 37 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Me too, congrats on seven years!!!! Way to go!!!!!

Maybe the wording is different just to fit the group youre with? When you are with the OCPD people, it is OCPD, but when you are with the 12-step group, it is the other?

Best,

Clyde

Written by kravalisa 36 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Thak you Chemar and clyde- it is obvious that people know the real challange and low statistics of staying drug free year after year.

So thank you and I do try to take it "one day at a time" smile.

Written by Fpsy 36 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I don't have OCPD, and I have never been addicted to drugs.

Could it be that you were self medicating with drugs to alleviate the symptoms associated with OCPD. People with OCPD also can have co-occuring anxiety problems as well. That might be worth looking into.

I think that trying to act in the opposite ways to "The preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency" is a good way to break out of those behavioral traits. The trick is how do you do that?. I think you might have to start with some cognitive skills that will help open up the flexibility. You can change some of the negative and inflexible ideas and attitudes you have and begin taking to yourself in more positive an open ways.

Cognitive Behavior therapy is very effective for managing a lot of mental health conditions, perhaps do some research on this. There are many resources on the internet which are for free around using cognitive behavioral skills.

Hope this helps.

Written by nmliz 16 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I have found help in Al-Anon and Workaholics Anonymous for some of the symptoms of OCPD. The way I see it, it's all part of my "disease," no matter how you look at it. All I can do is turn it over to my Higher Power and ask for it to be removed, but some things are not going to change overnight. One day at a time....