Research shows a connection between personality disorders and substance use disorders. The co-occurrence of these disorders frequently happens in clinical settings. The diagnoses of personality disorders appear to increase the likelihood of developing substance use disorders. However, many clients struggling with substance use disorders have at least one co-occurring personality disorder. We may recommend formal personality disorder treatment or formal substance use disorder treatment as soon as possible.
It is often difficult to treat a dual diagnosis, a co-occurrence of disorders, because both need to be dealt with simultaneously. However, in cases of a dual diagnosis, a comprehensive treatment program may help, if not a customized personality disorder treatment plan closely followed by an addiction treatment program. Contact Baltimore Detox Center today if you’re looking for personality disorder treatment near Baltimore. Call [Direct] or reach out to our team online.
What Is a Personality Disorder?
The term personality refers to the way of thinking, feeling, and behaving that makes a person different from other people. A personality is influenced by experiences, environment, and inherited characteristics, and someone’s personality typically stays the same over time.
A personality disorder involves a way of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviates from the expectations of society and culture. This condition causes distress or problems functioning and lasts over time. There are ten specific types of personality disorders such as antisocial, avoidant, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders.
Personality disorders are long-term patterns of behavior that lead to inner experiences that differ significantly from what is expected. Without formal treatment, personality disorders can be long-lasting. Most personality disorders affect at least two of these:
- How someone controls their behavior
- Way of thinking about oneself and others
- The person’s way of relating to other people
- How they respond emotionally
What’s the Connection Between Personality Disorders and Substance Use Disorders?
A substance use disorder in the DSM-5 involves 11 different symptoms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is a diagnostic tool that the American Psychiatric Association (APA) published. The DSM-5 allows medical professionals to specify how severe a substance use disorder problem is, depending on how many symptoms are identified. Up to three symptoms indicate a mild substance use disorder, four or five symptoms indicate a moderate one, and six or more symptoms indicate a serious one. However, the severity of a substance use disorder doesn’t make it more or less likely to cause personality disorders to develop.
Addiction doesn’t cause a personality disorder, but it’s a significant factor in developing a personality disorder’s effects on a client. Clients also typically tend to relieve the emotional weight of their personality disorders by using addictive substances. For example, clients with an avoidant personality disorder may abuse chemical substances to bury their pathological feelings of social incompetence.
What Are Common Personality Disorders that Co-Occur with Substance Use Disorders?
Understanding substance use disorder by its DSM-5 definition makes it useful to do the same for personality disorders. Here’s a quick look at the descriptions of typical personality disorders that co-occur with substance use disorders:
Antisocial Personality Disorder
This disorder involves a pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others. Clients with an antisocial personality disorder may not conform to social norms, repeatedly deceive others, or act very impulsively.
Avoidant Personality Disorder
This disorder involves a pattern of extreme shyness, feelings of extreme inadequacy, and sensitivity to criticism. Clients with an avoidant personality disorder may be unwilling to get involved with people. They may also be preoccupied with criticism or rejection, or view themselves as socially inept and not good enough.
Borderline Personality Disorder
This disorder involves a pattern of relationship instability, intense emotions, poor self-image, and impulsivity. Clients with borderline personality disorder may go to great lengths to avoid abandonment. They also may have a history of repeated suicide attempts, have ongoing feelings of emptiness, or display inappropriate and intense anger.
Histrionic Personality Disorder
This disorder involves a pattern of excessive emotion and attention-seeking. Clients with a histrionic personality disorder may be uncomfortable when they are not the center of attention, have rapidly shifting or exaggerated emotions, or may use physical appearance to draw attention to themselves.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
This disorder involves a pattern of a need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. Clients with a narcissistic personality disorder may have a sense of entitlement, a grandiose sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy, or take advantage of others.
Learn More About Baltimore Detox Center
Are you searching for personality disorder treatment near Baltimore? Contact Baltimore Detox Center today by calling [Direct] or reaching out to our team online.
