Borderline personality disorder (BDP) is a condition that causes a person to struggle with maintaining a stable lifestyle. It can lead to impulsivity, self-harm, and relationship problems. People with borderline personality disorder may also struggle with substance abuse. However, there are approaches to treatment that can help manage borderline personality disorder and addiction.
One approach to treatment is a co-occurring disorder treatment program. This type of program addresses both borderline personality disorder and addiction. Treatment may include individual therapy, group therapy, medication, and other support services.
The Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder causes a wide range of problems that can make life difficult for the person who suffers from it, including:
- Fear of abandonment
- Intense and unstable relationships
- Changes in identity
- Paranoia and problems with reality
- Impulsive behavior
- Suicidal behaviors
- Wild mood swings
- Feeling empty
- Intense anger
Borderline personality disorder is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It’s often diagnosed in young adults, and women are more likely to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder than men.
How Borderline Personality Disorder Can Fuel Addiction
If you or someone you love has borderline personality disorder, you know how unpredictable and emotional it can be to everyone involved. The symptoms of borderline personality disorder can fuel addiction in three ways:
- Intense emotions can lead to self-medication. People with borderline personality disorder often struggle with intense emotions. These emotions can include fear, anger, depression, and anxiety. People may turn to drugs or alcohol to try to self-medicate these emotions.
- Impulsive behavior can lead to risky behaviors. People with borderline personality disorder may act impulsively. This can lead to risky behaviors, such as using drugs or alcohol, driving while intoxicated, or engaging in unsafe sex.
- Suicidal behaviors can lead to addiction. People with borderline personality disorder may engage in suicidal behaviors. This can include making attempts or threatening to hurt oneself. People may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with these thoughts and feelings.
Even though borderline personality disorder can fuel addiction, treatment is available. A co-occurring disorder treatment program can help you or your loved one to manage borderline personality disorder and addiction. Treatment may include individual therapy, group therapy, medication, and other support services. With treatment, it is possible to live a stable and fulfilling life.
Getting Help for Borderline Personality Disorder and Addiction
One of the most effective approaches to borderline personality disorder treatment is dialectical behavior therapy. This treatment is a behavior-adjustment therapy that is designed to teach a person how to identify their problematic behaviors and how to cope with them to behave in positive and constructive ways. Four skills are taught in dialectical behavior therapy:
- Mindfulness – Being present in the moment
- Distress tolerance – Positively tolerating difficult situations
- Interpersonal effectiveness – Maintaining a stable and reliable relationship with others
- Emotional regulation – Learning to keep a cap on the emotions that were previously uncontrollable
Dialectical behavior therapy approaches like skills training groups, individual therapy, and phone coaching can all make a difference.
Effective Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder at Woodland Recovery Center Mississippi
Find the hope you need to heal at Woodland Recovery Center Mississippi. We offer a residential treatment program that is specifically designed to meet the needs of those struggling with borderline personality disorder and addiction. Through evidence-based treatment methods, you can learn how to manage your borderline personality disorder and live a life of sobriety. Reach out to the Woodland Recovery Center Mississippi team today at 662.222.2989 or connect with us online to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one on the road to recovery.
