Individuals with a Borderline personality disorder frequently also suffer from addiction to drugs or alcohol. Borderline personality disorder (which is much more common in women than it is in men) is a condition in which the afflicted individual suffers from the inability to maintain stable inter-personal relationships, an unstable self view, and ‘black and white’ thinking. Individuals with Borderline personality disorder often display highly manipulative behavior, and tend to get involved in unhealthy relationships and can be very self destructive, often feeling anger and resentment towards themselves as well as others.
Borderline personality disorder causes the person to frequently experience feelings of abandonment (both real and imagined), unstable moods, chronic feelings of emptiness and depression, suicide attempts, paranoia, and difficulty controlling anger. Borderline personality disorder is slightly controversial in the medical community, due to its difficulty to define and diagnose due to the broad range of symptoms and traits. Individuals who suffer from both Borderline personality disorder and addiction are faced with a unique set of challenges. The use of drugs and alcohol is very common amongst individuals with borderline personality disorder, frequently as an attempt to numb the pain of their feelings of abandonment and unhappiness. The use of drugs and alcohol aggravates and intensifies several symptoms of Borderline personality disorder, especially rage, depression and suicidal thoughts. At Passages, we specialize in treating clients with co-occurring disorders. If you are struggling with an addiction and also have a Borderline personality disorder, Passages can help.
