135. OCD, Alcohol & Memory Loss - How a Friend Saved My Life

🧠 Episode Summary:

In this podcast episode, two close friends delve into a journey of battling OCD, confronting alcohol dependency, and the transformative power of support. They discuss the daily challenges of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder, the spiral into substance use, and how a steadfast friendship became the cornerstone of recovery.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• The difference between mental compulsions and real problem-solving

• Response prevention and OCD limits

• Strategies that helped manage OCD

• How to respond when intrusive thoughts hit

• [00:00:01] Introduction to the episode
• [00:01:45] Childhood with OCD: daily struggles
• [00:02:20] The descent into alcohol use and memory loss
• [00:04:15] Developing a new obsession
• [00:05:41] Opening up to a trusted friend
• [00:06:30] Realizing it’s OCD & taking the first step
• [00:07:34] Obsessing over OCD and facing new problems
• [00:08:54] Turning point towards healing
• [00:09:20] Friendship that changed everything
• [00:10:05] What helped the most in recovery
• [00:12:50] Strategies that helped manage OCD
• [00:14:50] The power of not answering OCD
• [00:17:23] How a friend found a way to help
• [00:19:13] Lessons learned and moving forward
• [00:21:27] OCD has no limits: response prevention
• [00:22:20] Encouragement for those struggling
• [00:23:20] Closing reflections and final thoughts

👤 About the Host:

The OCD Whisperer Podcast is hosted by Kristina Orlova, LMFT, a licensed therapist who has helped hundreds of clients with OCD and anxiety using ERP, ACT, and ICBT.

🌐 Learn more: www.korresults.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer

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🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:

• 📓 OCD Journal → [Insert link] https://shorturl.at/7pUxB

🧠 Guests: Liam & Kirby

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Disclaimer

Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy.

Stay tuned for weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!