Personality Disorders and Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts

People with personality disorders struggle with long-lasting disruptive thoughts, behaviors, and moods. They also have trouble relating to others. To cope with the symptoms of personality disorders, people often use drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, this leads to co-occurring disorders.

At Chapters Recovery Center, our dual diagnosis treatment program gives people the confidence and coping skills to better manage their personality disorders and addiction. Keep reading to discover why our treatment is crucial to recovery.

What Does it Mean to Have a Dual Diagnosis?

A dual diagnosis means a person has a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time. These two conditions are often linked, and one typically makes the other worse.

When someone has both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, it can make it harder for them to get better. That’s because the two conditions can interact, making it more challenging to treat either one.

For example, someone with an anti-social personality disorder might start drinking alcohol to feel better. But over time, alcohol can make the personality disorder worse, and the person might begin to rely on it more and more.

Chapters Recovery Center has special programs and treatments designed to help people with co-occurring conditions. We use a variety of therapies, like counseling and group therapy, to help people manage their mental health and substance use problems. We also provide medicine to help with anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Our staff is trained to understand the unique needs of people with co-occurring conditions such as personality disorders and addiction, and we work with each person to create a treatment plan tailored to their needs. We believe everyone deserves to live a happy and healthy life, and we are committed to helping people achieve that goal.

What are the Advantages of Using Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers in Massachusetts?

Dual-diagnosis treatment centers in Massachusetts help people with mental health problems and substance use disorders. These centers are different from other types of treatment centers because they can take care of both problems at the same time. This is important because it reduces the chances of the person relapsing.

Therapy is Crucial in Treating Personality Disorders and Substance Abuse

Therapy is vital to dual diagnosis treatment because it helps individuals address the underlying causes of their mental health and substance use disorders. Therapy provides a safe space for individuals to explore their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors and develop new coping skills.

Treatments commonly used in dual diagnosis treatment include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and group and family therapy. These therapies can help individuals develop skills to manage their symptoms, improve communication with loved ones, and enhance their overall well-being.

What Is a Personality Disorder?

Personality disorders are types of mental health issues where a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are different from what is considered normal. People with personality disorders have a hard time getting along with others and struggle with things like relationships, work, and school.

There are many different types of personality disorders, and each one is different. For example, someone with borderline personality disorder (BPD) might struggle with intense emotions and unstable relationships. In contrast, someone with a narcissistic personality disorder might have an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others.

The Criteria for Personality Disorders

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5) lists the following as criteria for personality disorders:

• A persistent pattern of behavior that deviates from cultural norms and expectations.
• This pattern is inflexible and pervasive across a broad range of situations.
• This pattern leads to significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
• The pattern is stable and of long duration, with onset in adolescence or early adulthood.
• Another mental disorder or substance abuse does not better account for the pattern.
• The pattern is not due to a medical condition or medication.

To be diagnosed with a personality disorder, a person must meet the specific criteria for that disorder. A mental health professional will evaluate the person’s symptoms and behaviors and determine if they meet the criteria for a diagnosis.

Understanding the Different Types of Personality Disorders

The DSM-5 lists 10 different types of personality disorders. They are grouped into three clusters based on the similarities in symptoms.

Personality Disorders and Substance Abuse

There is a strong link between personality disorders and addiction. People with personality disorders are more likely to struggle with addiction than those without.

One reason is people with personality disorders often experience intense emotions and may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with these feelings. They may also engage in risky behaviors that increase their likelihood of developing an addiction.

Additionally, some personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, are associated with impulsive and reckless behavior. This can lead to drug or alcohol use, which can then develop into addiction.

Substance use can also worsen the symptoms of personality disorders, making it more difficult for a person to manage their emotions and behaviors. This creates a cycle where the person uses substances to cope with their disorder, but the substance use then makes the disorder worse.

Addressing Personality Disorders and Addiction

Treating personality disorders and addiction simultaneously is crucial because they often go hand in hand. When a person has a personality disorder, and addiction is at a higher risk for negative outcomes, such as poor mental health, relationship problems, and financial difficulties.

Addressing only one disorder causes the other to continue to impact the person’s life. For example, suppose a person with a personality disorder is treated for their addiction but not their underlying mental health condition. In that case, they may continue struggling with intense emotions and impulsive behaviors that increase their likelihood of relapse.

Similarly, suppose a person with a personality disorder receives treatment for their mental health condition but not their addiction. In that case, they may continue to use substances to cope with their symptoms, which can worsen their mental health and increase the risk of negative outcomes.

By addressing both issues simultaneously, people develop skills and strategies to manage their emotions and behaviors in a healthy way while also working towards recovery from addiction. This approach can lead to improved overall well-being and a lower risk of relapse.

Effective Treatment for Personality Disorders and Addic tion

Effective treatments for personality disorders and addiction involves dual diagnosis treatment. It often includes a combination of therapies and medications. Therapy is an important component of treatment for both personality disorders and addiction.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common therapy that helps people learn new coping skills and develop a healthier thought process. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is often used to treat borderline personality disorder. It focuses on emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Medication can also be helpful for some people. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics are commonly used to treat personality disorders. Medicated-assisted treatment (MAT) is often used to treat addiction, which involves using medication to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Support from a peer group or support network can also be helpful for both personality disorders and addiction. This may involve attending support groups or participating in group therapy sessions.

Other Mental Health Disorders That Co-Occur With Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is often linked with other mental health disorders. Some of the most common mental health disorders that co-occur with substance abuse are:

• Depressive Disorders – People with depression are more likely to struggle with substance abuse because they often use drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms.
• Anxiety disorders – Anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety or panic disorder are also commonly associated with substance abuse.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – People who have experienced trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, may develop PTSD, increasing their risk of substance abuse.
• Bipolar disorder – Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, and people with this condition may use drugs or alcohol to manage their symptoms.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – People with ADHD may be more likely to misuse prescription stimulants or other substances to manage their symptoms.

If you are struggling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders, seeking dual-diagnosis treatment centers like Chapters Recovery Center can help you find lasting recovery.

Receive Treatment for Personality Disorders and Addiction at Chapters Recovery Center

If you or someone you love is struggling with personality disorders, addiction, or any other mental health disorder, you are not alone. Contact us to learn more about our Massachusetts treatment centers and how our personalized care can help you succeed.