Personality Disorder and Addiction | Symptoms and Treatment

Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterised by unhealthy, rigid and inflexible patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving. These patterns often lead to significant difficulties in relationships, work and social situations.

The most common types of personality disorders include:

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): People with BPD typically experience intense and fluctuating emotions, unstable self-image and tumultuous relationships. They often struggle with feelings of emptiness, fear of abandonment and impulsive behaviours, such as substance abuse or self-harm.
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): NPD is a highly misunderstood condition that carries a huge amount of stigma for sufferers. It often causes an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others which can result in sufferers becoming extremely isolated.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): People with OCPD are preoccupied with orderliness, perfectionism and control, often to the detriment of their relationships and personal well-being. They may have an excessive focus on details, rules and schedules, leading to significant distress if something seems out of place. Individuals with OCPD can also struggle with delegating tasks, relaxing and adapting to change.
• Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD): Characterised by extreme shyness, fear of rejection and social inhibition, people with AvPD often avoid social situations and close relationships due to feelings of inadequacy and hypersensitivity to criticism. They may have a limited social circle and struggle with loneliness, low self-esteem and feelings of inferiority.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): People with ASPD display a persistent disregard for the rights and feelings of others and engage in dishonesty, impulsivity and aggression. Due to these unwanted and uncontrollable traits, they may get into legal trouble, find it hard to fit into society and show no outward signs of remorse. People with ASPD often struggle with maintaining long-term relationships and can become extremely isolated.

The co-occurrence of personality disorders and addiction is common for a variety of reasons, each contributing to the complex relationship between these two conditions:

Emotional issues

People with personality disorders often experience intense and fluctuating emotions, making it difficult for them to regulate their feelings and reactions to everyday situations. As a result, they may seek relief from these overwhelming emotions through substance use or addictive behaviours. For example, a person with BPD may use drugs or alcohol to numb feelings of emptiness or emotional pain, which can inadvertently lead to addiction.

Difficulties with interpersonal relationships

Personality disorders often involve difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships, as well as problems with communication and trust. These interpersonal challenges may leave people feeling isolated or misunderstood, leading them to seek comfort in substances or addictive behaviours.

Self-medication

Some people with personality disorders may turn to substances or addictive behaviours as a way to self-medicate their emotional pain or cope with distressing symptoms. For instance, a person with NPD may use alcohol to temporarily boost their self-esteem, while someone with AvPD might use drugs to alleviate their social anxiety. Unfortunately, this self-medication often exacerbates the underlying personality disorder and can lead to the development of addiction.

Impulsivity and poor decision-making

Many personality disorders, such as antisocial and borderline personality disorders, are characterised by impulsivity and poor decision-making skills. These traits can make individuals more prone to engaging in risky or harmful behaviours, including substance abuse or other addictive behaviours.

Shared risk factors

Personality disorders and addiction are thought to share some common risk factors, such as genetic predispositions, early life experiences and environmental influences. These overlapping factors can make a person more susceptible to developing both conditions, resulting in a higher prevalence of co-occurring personality disorders and addiction.

Treating co-existing mental health and addiction disorders can be challenging, however, Recovery Lighthouse is a facility that not only adapts to your dual diagnosis but is ready to support you.

Before starting treatment at Recovery Lighthouse, it is essential to first speak to your GP about getting your personality disorder symptoms under control. They can help guide you on the best course of action and appropriate treatment options. Once your personality disorder symptoms are managed, you can begin the rehab treatment process.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a dual diagnosis personality disorder and addiction, Recovery Lighthouse can provide the support and expertise needed for a successful recovery. Reach out today to find out more about our treatment and take the first step towards a brighter and healthier future.