Treatment For Personality Disorders & Substance Use Disorder at MARC
Personality disorders alter the very core of our identity. They’re characterized by rigid thought and behavior patterns that go against mainstream norms. This can make everyday life difficult to navigate and personal growth exceedingly challenging.
These obstacles in life can increase loneliness, harm relationships, and stunt your potential. In some cases, a personality disorder can influence or exacerbate substance use in an attempt to mask or bury undesirable symptoms.
At MARC, we understand the depth of impact mental health conditions like a personality disorder can have. Dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder treatment is specifically designed to address both mental health and substance use disorders from a holistic 360-degree approach.
This is the most effective way to ensure all of you are treated, and all of you can heal. We’re invested in your long-term success, and that requires a long-term investment in your well-being. From the first day of treatment to your new thriving and autonomous life, the fully-integrated MARC community is here for you.
Amanda Stevens
Dr. Po-Chang Hsu, M.D., M.S.
Amanda Stevens
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Key points
- Personality disorders are chronic patterns of thinking, behavior, and experiences that deviate from societal expectations.
- Over 34% and up to as much as 73% who seek addiction treatment also have a personality disorder.
- Untreated personality disorders can result in difficulty in relationships, trouble at work and higher unemployment, reduced social functioning, higher rate of divorce and domestic abuse, substance use, increased chance of homelessness, and a higher likelihood of participating in criminal activities.
- Treatment includes mental health and behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, vocational support, and more.
What Is A Personality Disorder?
Personality disorders are chronic and enduring patterns of thinking, behavior, and experiences that deviate from conventional societal expectations.[1] According to in-depth studies, personality disorders affect approximately 10% to 14.8% of the general population.[2]
Over time, these unique characteristics shape who you are, what you do, how you interact with others, and what you’re capable of. The immersive impact of a personality disorder can lead to distressing negative impacts on daily functioning, relationships, careers, and personal growth.
Many personality disorders are associated with distorted perceptions, emotional instability, and challenging interpersonal dynamics. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), organizes all ten official personality disorders into four primary categories, with each of the ten showcasing distinct patterns and characteristics:[3]
- Cluster A: Identified by dysfunctional behavior, distorted self-perception, and a lack of social interests. (Paranoid personality disorder, Schizoid personality disorder, Schizotypal personality disorder, etc.)
- Cluster B: Identified by unpredictable behavior and all-consuming emotional thoughts. (Borderline personality disorder [BPD], Histrionic personality disorder, Narcissistic personality disorder, Antisocial personality disorder, etc.)
- Cluster C: Identified by repetitive, compulsive thinking and behavior patterns. (Avoidant personality disorder, Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder [OCD], Dependent personality disorder, etc.)
Addiction and Interaction with Personality Disorders
Over 34% and up to as much as 73% of those who seek addiction treatment also present with a personality disorder.[4] Personality disorders impact how you think and feel, how you navigate relationships, and how you manage your own behavior. Harmful, addictive substances can have a similar effect, particularly when misused, thereby agitating the effects of each.
For example, those who suffer from borderline personality disorder (BPD) and substance use disorder may be more impulsive, experience greater instability, be at a higher risk of suicide, drop out of treatment more frequently, and struggle to endure longer periods of abstinence from alcohol or drugs than someone with BPD alone.[5]
The impact of a dual diagnosis will complicate treatment and require an integrated approach that incorporates specific interventions for each.
What Is The Impact of Personality Disorders If Left Untreated?
Any addiction or mental health condition that is left untreated can have devastating consequences. However, the impact of untreated personality disorders is particularly sobering: [6]
- Difficulty in relationships
- Trouble at work and higher unemployment
- Reduced social functioning
- Higher rate of divorce and domestic abuse
- Substance use
- Increased chance of homelessness
- Higher likelihood of participating in criminal activities
Dual Diagnosis Programs & Treatment For Personality Disorders and Addiction At MARC
Outpatient programming is the long-term application of treatment with regular individual and group sessions. This level of care is built into our community lifestyle model and includes ongoing treatment and vocational support so you can build your new life.
Therapeutic Treatment For Personality Disorders and Addiction
A detailed and comprehensive intake evaluation helps us better understand your story. We want to connect you with the most suitable interventions based on your unique needs. The range of psychotherapy modalities offered at MARC includes both individual and group therapy sessions for the following interventions:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This modality is a form of talk therapy that centers on the idea that harmful patterns of many types (including substance use) begin with negative or harmful thoughts. CBT helps to identify harmful thinking and develop healthier thought patterns to make positive behavior change more natural.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is also a talk therapy and is a subcategory of CBT. However, with DBT, the emphasis is on learning to accept and better understand difficult circumstances and intense emotions. Coping skills learned in DBT help to reduce impulsivity, mood swings, and harmful behaviors.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): MI helps you learn how to cultivate meaningful motivation when the drive to do what’s best in life is lacking. This intervention bridges the gap between desire and action.
- Creative Arts Therapy: The arts as a practice are largely very soothing. Paired with guided therapy, it can help improve communication, unlock emotional expression, and enhance self-awareness, which is beneficial for fostering change.
- Trauma Therapy: Traumatic experiences are often linked to both personality disorders and substance abuse. Trauma therapy helps you address the impact of trauma on the body, mind, emotions, and spirit.
- Recreational Therapy: This intervention pairs fitness with guided therapy to release positive, “feel good” hormones and improve overall well-being. Recreational therapy has a positive impact on the mind, the body, emotions, social interactions, and spirituality.
- Vocational Support: During and after formal treatment, it’s important that you have the support and resources you need to establish yourself on a positive career trajectory. This is a foundational intervention to help sustain independence and autonomy.
- Psychoeducation: This form of psychotherapy helps to increase awareness regarding recovery, substance use, treatment, and sober living so you and your loved one can experience better performance and outcomes.
Ready to take the first step?
Contact us today and discover how our comprehensive, long-term approach can transform your life. Your journey to lasting recovery and improved mental health starts here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The causes or influences for developing a personality disorder can include environment, experiences (like trauma), and inherited characteristics.[7] Every person’s experience is unique, and there may be additional factors not mentioned here that are only revealed in deeply effective treatment.
A mental health condition always leaves a mark on who you are. However, with dedicated and immersive treatment and support, it is possible to regain the best of yourself and safely manage a personality disorder. [8]
[1][7]American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What are personality disorders? Retrieved fromhttps://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/personality-disorders/what-are-personality-disorders
[2][4]Kienast, T., Stoffers, J., Bermpohl, F., & Lieb, K. (2014). Borderline personality disorder and comorbid addiction: Epidemiology and treatment. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 5, 1-9. Retrieved fromhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6241194/
[3]National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Personality disorders. Retrieved fromhttps://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/personality-disorders
Grant, B. F., Chou, S. P., Goldstein, R. B., Huang, B., Stinson, F. S., Saha, T. D., ... & Hasin, D. [5]S. (2008). Prevalence, correlates, disability, and comorbidity of DSM-IV borderline personality disorder: Results from the Wave 2 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 69(4), 533-545. Retrieved fromhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4010862/
[6][8]Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Personality disorders overview. Retrieved fromhttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9636-personality-disorders-overview