Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Substance Abuse
Borderline Personality Disorder and Substance Abuse: Connections, Diagnosis, and Treatment | Find Dual-Diagnosis Care for BPD and Alcohol Abuse
Substance abuse alone is a serious problem, but when borderline personality disorder is added to the mix, it can feel impossible to get help. What is BPD, exactly, and why is it so often accompanied by addiction? Answering these questions is the first step toward getting the dual-diagnosis treatment you need.
What Is BPD?
Borderline personality disorder is a mental health issue that is experienced by somewhere between 1.6 and 5.9% of the population. Several different symptoms frequently occur in people diagnosed with BPD, including:
- Impulsiveness that often results in harm to the individual
- Intense and/or uncontrolled anger that isn’t justified
- Suicidal behavior
- Self-injury
- Fear of abandonment
- Paranoia
Fortunately, there are ways to treat BPD and get some relief from the symptoms it causes.
Why Do BPD and Substance Abuse Often Go Hand in Hand?
As is the case with many drug users, a person suffering from BPD is looking for some form of relief. They may be interested in escaping feelings of emptiness or low self-worth, or they might be trying to deal with suicidal thoughts or struggles within their relationships. Addictive substances can offer a temporary escape for someone trying to get away from their own life, and because of this, borderline personality disorder and substance abuse are often found together. Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol can worsen the symptoms of BPD, making it even more difficult for a person to deal with the issues and feelings they are experiencing. The chances of suicide often increase when a person is struggling with both problems at the same time.
How Can BPD and Substance Abuse Be Treated Simultaneously?
With a dual-diagnosis approach, facilities such as Tampa Drug Treatment Center offer treatment for BPD and alcohol abuse or drug addiction that can help people make a lasting recovery. At our facility, each patient is given a clinical assessment to uncover all of the factors in their addiction, including any mental health disorders that could complicate their treatment. Then, we provide treatment for the whole person, not just their addiction. We offer personalized addiction recovery plans for each patient, incorporating tools such as medically assisted detox, private counseling, and group therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be particularly effective for those struggling with BPD and alcohol abuse, so it is often a component of these dual-diagnosis treatment plans. We can also incorporate an array of other traditional and alternative treatments, administered by highly skilled professionals, to address both issues concurrently.
If you’re struggling with both borderline personality disorder and substance abuse, help is available. Fill out our form here or call us, 24/7, to get a free clinical assessment. Then, we’ll create a personalized, cost-effective addiction treatment program that can help you make a permanent change in your life. We can even assist you with transportation to and from our facility, smoothing the way for you to get the help you need. With encouragement and support, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Don’t wait: Contact us today.