Personality Disorder and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms and Rehab Treatment

People who have personality disorders usually start abusing drugs in an attempt to manage or cover up the negative symptoms of their disorder. Sadly, self-medicating in such a manner only offers fleeting positive results and induces lasting negative consequences.

In order to achieve lasting recovery, it’s best to have your personality disorder and addiction looked at by co-occurring disorder specialists, such as ourselves. We will place you on a treatment programme that simultaneously treats the addiction and personality disorder

This way, the presence of one will not negate recovery from the other. Our staff of therapists and physicians are adept at navigating the complexity of co-occurring disorders and can lead you to full recovery.

Call us today on 0203 553 9263 for more information.

What is Personality Disorder and Addiction?

A personality disorder can be described as an individual’s inability to form relationships, relate to others, or interpret nuances of communication between people. If you have a personality disorder, you’ll likely be unaware that there’s anything the matter with you; instead, you’ll believe your problems with socialisation are due to there being something wrong with everyone else.

Understanding the signs of personality disorder make identifying the condition easier and also makes it possible to get professional help quickly. Personality disorders can be categorised into Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder, and Dependent Personality Disorder.

Mental health specialists have also further classified personality disorders into clusters, with each cluster containing a group of disorders with similar traits. Said clusters include:

• Cluster A

This group of personality disorders display eccentric or generally odd behaviours. Examples of disorders in this cluster include Schizotypal Personality Disorder, Paranoid Personality Disorder, and Schizoid Personality Disorder.

• Cluster B

Those in this cluster are characterised by erratic, dramatic, and emotional behaviours. Examples of disorders in this cluster include Borderline Personality Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Histrionic Personality Disorder.

• Cluster C

Anxious and fearful behaviours are commonly displayed by individuals in this particular cluster. Disorders include Obsessive-compulsive Personality Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder, and Dependent Personality Disorder.

The most commonly diagnosed personality disorder types are Cluster B disorders. To minimise or mask the signs of their personality disorders, people in this category self-medicate with alcohol, cannabis, and other recreational drugs. Some also abuse prescription medication for this purpose. Continued abuse of such drugs without medical supervision will likely eventually lead to addiction, especially as the individual begins to develop a tolerance to drugs.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of personality disorder usually vary from cluster to cluster. For instance, those in Cluster A may experience symptoms such as:

• Inability to pick up on social cues
• Peculiar beliefs, thoughts, dress sense or behaviours
• Overly hostile reactions to perceived slights or insults
• Inappropriate emotional responses
• Lack of emotions
• Lack of interest in personal or social relationships
• Widespread distrust of others

Those in Cluster B may exhibit symptoms such as:

• Acting belligerently
• Aggressiveness
• Habitual lying
• Taking advantage of others
• Refusal to accept responsibility for their actions
• Repeated trouble with law enforcement

Cluster C symptoms generally include:

• Desire to control others and/or situations
• Fear of embarrassment or disapproval
• Excessive dependence on others
• Extreme perfectionism, which results in avoidable stress
• Low self-esteem
• Overly sensitive to rejection or criticism

It’s best to get in touch with our facility if you’re displaying any of the aforementioned symptoms repeatedly and without control, leading to distress or functional impairment. If you have an undiagnosed personality disorder, your chances of developing a substance addiction are high.

Short-Term Effects

The short-term effects of personality disorders and addiction will vary from individual to individual. Some will develop self-destructive behaviours, while others will become increasingly violent or more isolated from other people. Substance abuse will only exacerbate these effects and can lead to a worsening psychological state.

Withdrawal Symptoms

The withdrawal symptoms of personality disorders and substance addiction can include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Feeling empty inside or sad and lonely
• Irritability or restlessness
• Lack of motivation
• Obsessive thoughts
• Difficulty concentrating on certain tasks
• Impatience and angry outbursts
• Difficulty with social interactions
• Uncontrollable or variable feelings and mood swings
• Having trouble sleeping (or sleeping too much)
• Headaches

Recovery Treatment

We strongly recommend a minimum of 28 days of rehabilitation. In this time, you will be treated psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our specialist programmes include:

• One-to-one Counselling
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Fitness and Massage
• Yoga & Meditation
• Music & Art therapy
• Process Addiction
• Holistic Programme
• Mindfulness and Acupuncture
• Relapse Prevention Techniques

Benefits of Rehab

Personality and substance disorder treatment in our private rehab centre comes with a variety of benefits – some of which include:

• Be in a safe and nurturing environment
• Medical detox with 24/7 care & support
• Overcome the root causes of addiction
• Experienced team of doctors & therapists
• Personalised rehabilitation programme
• Look, feel, sleep better & regain confidence
• Learn techniques for relapse prevention
• 1 year complimentary aftercare support

Get Help Today

Early treatment of personality disorders and addiction is key to a comprehensive recovery. This is because for every moment treatment is delayed, the problem will only worsen. If you or a loved one have co-occurring disorders, we can help. Our rehab is CQC regulated and we have helped hundreds of individuals retake control of their lives over the years.

Call our confidential helpline today by dialling 0203 553 9263 to get started on the safe and effective path to recovery.