Living with substance abuse or addiction can make every aspect of life more challenging. Also living with a mental health disorder can increase the challenges even more.
People with a dual diagnosis of substance use disorder (SUD) and mental illness require specialized treatment plans that address the roots of substance abuse and can help people manage mental health symptoms.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that causes disruptive symptoms and can impact quality of life. People with BPD may have a higher risk of developing SUD and require specialized treatment plans to help them manage both conditions.
This article will explore treatment for borderline personality disorder and addiction. You will learn:
- The symptoms of borderline personality disorder
- How to recognize and treat addiction
- Where to find treatment for borderline personality disorder and addiction
If you or someone you love lives with BPD and addiction, you are not alone. Effective, compassionate treatment is available at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition. It belongs to a group of mental health conditions called personality disorders. Personality disorders can cause symptoms that prevent people from functioning in many ways. According to research, about 1.6% of the population lives with BPD.[1]
Borderline personality disorder affects how people feel about themselves. It can impact their ability to have healthy interpersonal relationships. It can also affect a person’s mood and behaviors.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), common symptoms of BPD include:[2]
- Difficulty with emotional regulation
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- A pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships
- Poor impulse control
- Intense fear of abandonment
- Intense or inappropriate emotional responses, such as angry outbursts
- Engaging in risk-taking or destructive behaviors, including having unsafe sex, binge eating, misusing drugs and alcohol, etc.
- Self-harming behavior
- Quick or drastic mood swings
Individuals with BPD may have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships with others, including their families. They may exhibit intense changes in mood or angry outbursts that are distressing to others. These symptoms of BPD can make many aspects of daily life very challenging for people with this condition.
What is the Connection Between BPD and Addiction?
Research shows a clear link between borderline personality disorder and substance use disorder (SUD).[3] Here is an overview of the factors behind this connection.
Poor impulse control
People with BPD may struggle with impulse control. They are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including substance abuse. Prolonged periods of drug and alcohol abuse may lead to physical and psychological dependence.
Feelings of emptiness
People with BPD may struggle with feelings of emptiness. Their emotions can change quickly, which can be stressful. People with dysregulated emotions are more likely to turn to addictive substances for relief. This puts people with BPD at increased risk for substance abuse.
Low distress tolerance
People with borderline personality disorder may have impaired abilities to tolerate stress. They may rely on drugs or alcohol to help them get through challenging periods. Because many aspects of life feel difficult, this can lead to frequent substance use.
Research suggests that up to 75% of people with BPD abuse drugs or alcohol at some point in their lives.[4] Recognizing this connection can help people with BPD get the effective treatment options they need to manage their condition and SUD.
Treating BPD and Addiction
Mental health and medical professionals recommend that people with BPD and SUD participate in comprehensive treatment programs for both conditions.[5] Using comprehensive treatment approaches can help people manage their mental health conditions and address the complex roots of their substance abuse.
Treating BPD and addiction typically begins with a comprehensive evaluation that includes:
- Questions about past and current substance abuse
- A complete mental health history
- A complete medical history
- Family history of substance abuse
- Lab testing
- A physical exam
This evaluation can help the treatment team create the most effective treatment plan possible.
A BPD and addiction treatment plan may include:
- A medically-supported detox program to manage withdrawal and ensure safety
- Medications to reduce the risk of relapse during detox and treatment
- Behavioral therapies, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Coping skills
- Relapse prevention education
- Specialized mental health care
- Mindfulness, nutrition support, art therapy, and other holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning and support
Managing borderline personality disorder and addiction requires lifelong commitment and plenty of support. Receiving treatment is the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle. Getting the help you need can help you safely stop using addictive substances and learn to manage the symptoms of BPD.
Find Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder and Addiction
If you or someone you love lives with borderline personality disorder and substance use disorder, you are not alone. Effective treatment and caring support are available at First Step Behavioral Health.
Reach out to our intake team for more information about our treatment and support programs or to make an appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Borderline Personality Disorder: Risk Factors and Early Detection
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Diagnosing borderline personality disorder
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): An Introduction to Co-Occurring Borderline Personality Disorder and Substance Use Disorders
- Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy: Effects of substance use disorder on treatment process and outcome in a ten-session psychiatric treatment for borderline personality disorder
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Borderline Personality Disorder and Comorbid Addiction
