Personality Disorder Treatment Program

Personality Disorder Treatment Program and Addiction

It is very common for substance use disorders and personality disorders to occur at the same time. In fact, research has been done that found that as many as 77% of people who have been diagnosed with a personality disorder were also diagnosed with some type of substance abuse disorder. It would make sense that those who have personality disorders may gravitate toward drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate. Moreover, three different personality disorders are much more likely to be connected with addiction than others. Read on below to learn more about our personality disorder treatment program.

Perhaps as you’re reading this, you can identify with it because you have been diagnosed with a personality disorder, but you never really connected it with your addiction. While most people usually don’t connect the two, it’s important to understand their link and how important it is to treat them simultaneously.

Personality Disorders and Addiction: Antisocial Personality Disorder

Many people who are diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder were actually diagnosed with a different disorder during their childhoods. As a child, it’s called conduct disorder, and the most identifying characteristic is a general disregard for other people. People with antisocial personality disorder will:

In looking at these characteristics, it’s easy to see why an individual might sense a need to self-medicate, which is what often happens for those with antisocial personality disorder. Internally, they feel as though something is missing or different about them, and their differences set them apart from other people. In frustration, they will often turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to help them feel better. Unfortunately, because of the nature of addiction, it isn’t long before they’re not able to stop using.

Personality Disorders and Addiction: Borderline Personality Disorder

For those with borderline personality disorder, they face an entirely different set of struggles. Borderline personality disorder is characterized by unstable relationships and emotions that are often intense and relatively unregulated. These individuals have a severely high risk for substance abuse and addiction. Additionally, those who suffer from it will often express rage, frequent mood swings and risky, impulsive behaviors.

Similarly, people who have borderline personality disorder seek out drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate. By definition, they don’t seem to care as much about what happens to them. Because many of their behaviors are impulsive, many of these individuals start using drugs or drinking without really giving their actions much thought.

Personality Disorder Treatment: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is an affliction that many people suffer from. In fact, among all of the personality disorders, it’s the one that’s probably the most common, and the most undiagnosed. Those who have compulsive personality disorder tend to do various actions in their lives in patterns. For example, they may need to touch a doorknob a certain number of times in a row before they can open it. They may feel compelled to keep their personal belongings organized in a meticulous way. This might seem harmless, in some instances, but when it becomes disruptive to the way they live their lives, it is definitely not harmless at all.

Those with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder often feel as though they’re not in control of their lives, which is one reason they strive for control in other areas and exhibit obsessive or compulsive behaviors. Using drugs and alcohol is often a way for them to feel more in control. However, one aspect of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is that their behaviors cause them a great deal of anxiety, and using substances often will provide them with the relief they feel they need to be “normal” again.

Getting Help for Co-Occurring Disorders at AspenRidge Recovery

Co-occurring disorders, such as the above-named personality disorders along with addiction, can have a devastating effect on your life. Perhaps you have a personality disorder, but you also struggle with addiction. It might be something that you lock away. Regardless of your circumstances, we want you to know that you’re not alone, and help is available for you.

Here at AspenRidge Recovery, we specialize in helping those with co-occurring disorders. Furthermore, we help many people with their addictions and personality disorders. The most effective way to provide treatment is to offer help for both at the same time. If you would like more information about AspenRidge Recovery, please contact us today at 866-977-8625. Our personality disorder treatment program is here to bring overall wellness into your life. With our rehab insurance verification, you can begin treatment in a timely manner.