Drug and alcohol abuse does not cause personality disorders, but addiction is a significant factor in the development and effects of several personality disorders. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 45% of people with addiction have a co-occurring personality disorder. By researching and attending treatment for addiction and co-occurring behavioral and mental health disorders, you can start working on what is causing these illnesses and move on successfully attaining the fulfilling and healthy life you deserve.
Addiction and Co-occurring Disorders Are Unique
People with a personality condition are more likely to suffer a substance abuse disorder and vice versa; those who abuse drugs or drink alcohol a lot are likely to develop a co-occurring personality or mental health disorder. However, co-occurring disorders often diagnosed medically as a dual diagnosis can be successfully treated in facilities such as Evoke Wellness at Cohasset that have the expertise and knowledge in tackling co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. While it is known that a personality disorder can induce a substance addiction and the other way around, there is still a mystery that what causes both conditions to occur simultaneously. Several overlapping factors can aggravate a personality condition or a co-occurring substance abuse disorder related to drug abuse or chronic alcoholism. These associated risk factors are most often seen as the following factors in an individual’s life that could lead to personality disorders and addiction problems:
- Brain Responses
- Genetics
- Triggers From Your Surroundings
- Exposure At An Early Age
Common Personality Issues that Lead to Addiction
A few personality disorders usually always have a substance abuse disorder right along with it. That’s why you never ignore signs of a mental health condition or personality disorder when it comes to a person’s long-term addiction recovery plan. Common personality disorders linked to substance abuse include the following:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
Warnings Signs of Personality Disorders and Addiction
The signs of a dual diagnosis vary greatly between individuals. Generally, symptoms will depend on the type of substance abused and the severity of the co-occurring condition. Symptoms of a dual diagnosis include:
- Sudden changes in general behavior
- Difficulty managing daily tasks and responsibilities
- Avoiding events or social activities that were once enjoyed
- Neglecting health and hygiene
- Delusional thinking or cognitive impairments
- Refusal to seek or comply with treatment
- Mentions of thoughts of suicide or suicidal behaviors
- Erratic and impulsive behaviors
- Issues managing finances
- Poor performance at school or work
Self-Medication is Not the Answer for Addictive Personalities!
Sadly, resorting to substances as a way to escape a personality condition can be a deadly and bad decision. Those that struggle with mental illness start using substances to make the issue go away only make it worse and get addicted at the same time. The team of addiction specialists at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset knows that no two individuals struggling with addiction are the same. This is why we are careful to design a drug and alcohol treatment center for each of our clients tailored to their individual needs. As a result, Evoke Wellness at Cohasset has the right solution for you, from our detox programs to residential recovery programs to outpatient care.
