There is a strong correlation between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and substance use. Individuals with BPD are more likely to struggle with substance abuse and addiction. Michael’s House offers borderline personality disorder and addiction treatment in Palm Springs, California. We have a dual diagnosis program for individuals struggling with BPD and addiction. Treatment programs utilize evidence-based practices such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to address both disorders simultaneously.
There are various reasons why the two conditions tend to exist simultaneously. Still, the vital thing to remember is that recovery is possible when BPD and substance use are treated through a dual diagnosis treatment program. At Michael’s House, we offer individual and group therapy and counseling for family members who are also affected by the dual diagnosis. If you or a loved one is struggling with BPD and addiction, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about our borderline personality disorder and addiction therapy.
Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
The world is seen in strictly black-and-white terms for people with BPD. People are either all good or all bad. Things are either happy or sad. Judgments are made quickly, and there is no room for negotiation. In addition, people with BPD may have difficulty accepting negative situations, trying hard to get involved, and forcing things to go a certain way.
They may also have significant difficulty maintaining relationships with others, as their behavior is often erratic, dangerous, or damaging. Other symptoms of borderline personality disorder can include:
- Irritability
- Explosive tempter
- Suicidal
- Often feel empty or bored
- Unable to plan for the future or set goals
- Severe depression
People with BPD are also impulsive. They may squander money, drive too fast or eat vast amounts of food in one sitting. This impulsivity may also lead to drug or alcohol use. Resisting the temptation to use drugs and alcohol means weighing the pleasures felt in the moment and the consequences that will come down the line. Those with BDP are unable to process these thoughts in a balanced way. Instead, they only see the benefits that might come in the moment, making substances hard to resist.
Treating Borderline Personality Disorder and Addiction
Dual diagnosis treatment for BPD and addiction is vital for long-term recovery and sobriety. At Michael’s House, we use evidence-based practices such as dialectical behavior therapy to treat both disorders simultaneously. We work with each patient to address the root causes of their substance use and BPD symptoms while teaching coping skills to manage triggers and cravings. Borderline personality disorder and addiction treatment can involve individual and group therapy and family counseling.
Treating Borderline Personality Disorder
Regardless of whether BPD caused the substance use or if the substance use triggered BPD, treatment is designed to help the person leave behind destructive behaviors. In dual diagnosis treatment, this often means that the early stages of treatment are focused on helping the person stop abusing substances. Some of the most common approaches to BPD treatment include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy – Helps the person to change core beliefs and learn to steer clear of dangerous situations
- Dialectical behavior therapy – Helps the person learn to live in the moment, accept what comes, and reduce the emotional response to given triggers
- Schema-focused therapy – Addresses how the person views the self and their place in the world
- Family therapy – Offers the entire family to learn new ways of communicating
Borderline personality disorder and addiction counseling address both disorders simultaneously, allowing for a more comprehensive recovery. At Michael’s House, we offer borderline personality disorder and addiction therapy for those struggling with BPD and substance use. Therapy provides support to patients through:
- Exploring the root causes of their BPD and addiction
- Teaching coping skills to manage cravings and triggers
- Providing a secure, judgment-free space to process emotions and experiences
Some medications are also used to help those struggling with BPD and addiction. Each individual is different, so treatment plans for the disorder will be unique to the person.
Finding Help for BPD and Addiction at Michael's House
Borderline personality disorder and addiction treatment programs are available at Michael’s House. Our luxury residential treatment center offers a peaceful and supportive environment for recovery and evidence-based therapy methods to address BPD and addiction. Our BPD treatment program includes individual therapy, group therapy, family counseling, and various experiential therapies. Contact us today at 760.548.4032 to learn more about our borderline personality disorder and addiction treatment program in Palm Springs, California.