Could someone give me some advice?

I'm not sure if this problem is obsessive compulsive or just I'm just overly paranoid, either way I'm desperately in need of some information and support.
A couple of months ago I got into a bit of a bad spot, I got involved with the wrong people and ended up taking drugs. One night after taking these drugs I almost overdosed which was a terrible experience. I then stopped taking drugs, I even stopped drinking alcohol, and I thought that would be the last of it.
At the time I was living in a flat with two of my friends who were also into the drugs, so I moved out and now live with my fiance. In the past few weeks I seem to have developped this fear that all of my posessions, that I had with me whilst I was living in the flat, stil could have drugs on them. I'm scared that I could touch something, put my hands in my mouth, and possibly overdose again. I know this is irrational. I wash my hands after handling anything that could be 'contaminated', and now my problems are beginning to affect my relationship, I pull away when my fiance tries to touch my mouth, lips or nose. I do this even when I'm not aware of doing it.
I know that I cannot dispose of everything I had with me in the flat, I've washed everything, but I'm still scared of it.
Has anyone had this kind of problem, or can anyone give me some advice that would help me overcome it? I'm a strong person, I came off drugs immediately with no withdrawls, without even wanted them ever again, but this is a million times harder to overcome. it's gotten to the point where I'm seriously considering going to a doctor, which scares me even more. I'd be greatful of any advice you can give me.
Kayleigh.

It sounds like it could be ocd or just a phobia of contamination. You should really see a doctor about it. You shouldn't have to suffer this way. It can be nerve racking to see a doctor for the first time so maybe ask your fiance to come along. It's not to serious. It can probably be eliminated by taking an antidepressant untill the symptoms subside. Your going to be okay.Take care of yourself
Amy

Thanks for your reply. I'm not too keen on the idea of taking anti depressants, as taking pills is also a part of my phobia. I've taken antibiotics before and was fine with them, but after the experience I've had, I was perscribed some by a dentist and each time I had taken one I suffered mild panic attacks.
I also get extremely scared when I'm left alone, and my phobia seems to get a lot worse, because there's no one with me to tell me I'm okay.
I want to see a doctor, but I guess I'm just scared of what they're going to say, and I deffinately don't want to be put onto medication, which is why I'm trying to find some information this way before I do that.

Maybe you should look into some cognitive behavioral therapy. You can refuse to take antidepressants. A doctor can not force you to take anything. But, just hearing a professional tell you that you are not crazy may help you a bit. There is recovery without meds. It will just take a little longer.

How do you feel about hollistic medicine?

But, just hearing a professional tell you that you are not crazy may help you a bit.

That's what I thought. My boyfriend has tried to reassure me, and feel a little hurt that it's not helped, but like you say, hearing it from a professional could maybe help, as it's completely different.
I don't know a lot about holistic medicines, perhaps you could give me some information, or a website?

Okay check these out

http://www.holistic-online.com/Remedies ... x_yoga.htm

http://holisticonline.com/Remedies/Anxi ... rapies.htm


http://www.marysherbs.com/heal/heal-ocd.shtml




This is a great alternative for anxiety disorders. The tincture works best for me and is only about 10 bucks for a large vile of it
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/ncnu02/v5-580.html
It isn't addictive and doesn't leave you feeling drugged at all.

Let me know what you think. I can't really blame you for not wanting to put another substance in your body. But, there are many alternative treatments for anxiety disorders. I will keep my eye out for more ideas for you.
Amy

self help books on overcoming OCD have useful advice and can be borrowed from a library

I think you should talk to your doctor and tell him/her what you are telling us here, or as much of it as you can. If he/she suggest medicine, tell him her that you really want to try to beat this without medication if it is possible. Your doctor will probably try to help you beat it without meds before prescribing anything. Remember, if he insists on meds, you can go to another doctor for a second opinion.

Take Care,
Angel