Same Behavior, Different Drivers: OCD vs. Addiction

Many behaviors—such as checking, reassurance-seeking, or repetitive actions—can look similar on the surface, but the underlying drivers can be fundamentally different. Misunderstanding whether a behavior is rooted in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or addiction can lead to ineffective treatment and poorer outcomes.

In this webinar, Same Behavior, Different Drivers: OCD vs. Addiction, clinicians will learn how to distinguish between compulsive and addictive behaviors based on their function, not just their presentation. The session will explore key differences in underlying mechanisms, including fear-based versus reward-based processes, and how these inform treatment approaches.

Participants will gain practical guidance on when to apply Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) versus addiction-based frameworks, along with common pitfalls that occur when these models are misapplied. Through case examples, this session will provide a clear, clinically relevant framework to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness.

Target Audience

Licensed mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, school psychologists, and graduate trainees.

Learning Objectives

  • Differentiate between OCD-driven compulsions and addiction-based behaviors based on underlying function rather than presentation.
  • Describe the key differences between fear-based (OCD) and reward-based (addiction) behavioral models.
  • Identify when to apply Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) versus addiction treatment frameworks.
  • Recognize common clinical pitfalls when OCD and addiction are misdiagnosed or treated using the wrong approach.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.50 APA CE

    Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibly for the content of the programs.

  • 1.50 ASWB continuing education credits

    Social Workers
    As a Jointly Accredited Organization, AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. AKH Inc. Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.

  • 1.50 NY Psychologists

    1.50

  • 1.50 NY Social Workers

    New York State Social Workers
    AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0233. Awarded credit: 1.50 contact hour(s).

Course opens: 
06/24/2026
Course expires: 
01/01/2027
Cost:
$0.00
Rating: 
0
06-24-2026-Live Webinar
United States

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare and anxiety Institute. AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team

 

 

New York State Psychologists
AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists. # PSY 0290
Awarded credit: 1.50 contact hour(s)

 

Social Workers
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. AKH Inc. Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive n1.50  continuing education credits.

 

New York State Social Workers
AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0233.
Awarded credit: 1.50 contact hour(s).

Available Credit

  • 1.50 APA CE

    Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibly for the content of the programs.

  • 1.50 ASWB continuing education credits

    Social Workers
    As a Jointly Accredited Organization, AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. AKH Inc. Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive 1.50 continuing education credits.

  • 1.50 NY Psychologists

    1.50

  • 1.50 NY Social Workers

    New York State Social Workers
    AKH Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0233. Awarded credit: 1.50 contact hour(s).

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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