Understanding the Link Between Addiction and Personality Disorders

In 1989, research by Zimmerman and Coryell suggested a link between personality disorders and substance use or, commonly known as, addiction. Showing that 43% to 77% of individuals diagnosed with a personality disorder would, at some point, also meet the criteria for Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Other researchers have offered a different point of view. Suggesting that those with SUD would also meet the criteria for personality disorders. 

Although the link between addiction and personality needs further research, there is no doubt that they often co-occur. Understanding this link can help you learn how to manage the symptoms and look out for warning signs. 

Both are mental health conditions that can severely affect an individual's life. Hence, the earlier an individual can access resources such as therapy, the easier it gets to manage them. 

Also read: Can I Talk to My Therapist About My Illicit Drug Use?

Addiction and personality disorders: What is the link?

Personality disorders are defined as enduring and inflexible patterns of disruptive and unhealthy thoughts, behaviours, and feelings. They have difficulty understanding other people, situations, or perspectives, are unwilling to change their behaviour, and often use unhealthy habits to cope with their emotions. People with these disorders often behave in unpredictable or emotional ways that are deemed undesirable or unacceptable by society.

While SUD’s do not directly contribute to personality disorders, they are co-occurring mental health conditions. Similarly, personality disorders may not directly contribute to substance use disorders, but they may increase their risk factor. 

Often, individuals with personality disorders do not feel that they need professional help. Hence, they learn unhealthy ways of coping with their symptoms rather than managing them effectively. One of these unhealthy coping mechanisms may be self-medicating with alcohol and drugs. 

Self-medication is risky, especially since alcohol and drugs only provide temporary relief by numbing an individual's emotions. In the long term, however, the unwanted symptoms of personality disorders only worsen with substance use. 

Borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder most commonly occur with addiction. In both cases, substance use provides instant relief from stressful emotions and is fuelled by their inability to resist temptation or act according to societal norms.

Also read: What Are The Five Factors That Contribute to Substance Abuse?

Why is the link between addiction and personality disorders problematic?

Substance use becomes a form of self-medication for those with personality disorders. Unfortunately, when individuals self-medicate for a long time, it leads to addiction. Once a substance use disorder develops, the symptoms of personality disorders usually worsen. 

Both mental health conditions also affect overlapping parts of the brain. These parts help in regulating impulses, emotions, and the reward centre. Since individuals with a personality disorder are prone to emotional instability and erratic behaviours, substance use can worsen their ability to control impulses, make sound decisions, and manage emotions. 

Thus, addiction makes it harder for these individuals to seek proper treatment to manage their symptoms healthily. 

Treating addiction and personality disorders

With psychotherapy and medication, individuals dealing with addiction and personality disorders can find relief. 

Psychotherapy

When it comes to accessing therapy, behavioural therapy techniques such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy help individuals accept their emotions and use healthy coping mechanisms. Online therapy can be beneficial for those who want easy access to a safe space to discuss their concerns. With the help of a mental health professional, individuals can access personalised plans that can work on helping them through their addiction and other distressing symptoms.

Medication

Medication may not directly address the symptoms of addiction or personality disorders, but it can help with other co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety. 

Also read: Five Tips To Reduce Stress

With a specialised treatment plan addressing addiction in individuals with personality disorders is easier. Effective interventions not only help in relieving the symptoms but also help individuals focus on self-care and their overall well-being.