qsn

Hello Professor and class,

The similarities between addiction and borderline personality disorder make a proper diagnosis difficult(dualdiagnosis.org). Personality disorders present behaviors that are not consistent regularly/on a daily basis, as the behaviors are the same with substance use only without the substance. As it relates to the services that I provide as counselor I often see personality disorders more in women than the men clients that I provide services to. If a person suffers from personality disorder they have a 15% higher risk of abusing drugs than someone who doesn’t have a personality disorder. As it relates to substance use the similarities are as follows: (dualdiagnosis.org)

· Both are characterized by impulsive, self-destructive behaviors.

· Both may be characterized by mood swings ranging from severe depression to manic periods of intense energy.

· Both may be characterized by manipulative, deceitful actions.

· Both may be characterized by a lack of concern for one’s own health and safety and an insistence on pursuing dangerous behavior in spite of the risks.

· Both are often characterized by a pattern of instability in relationships, jobs and finances. 

Treatment such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy can be extremely beneficial and even life-saving(psychologytoday.com). I tend to be one that loves Cognitive behavioral therapy approaches when dealing with almost any disorder because I feel that it allows the client to learn how their thought process works, which helps them to identify their issues and ways to work on improving destructive behaviors.

https://www.dualdiagnosis.org/borderline-personality-disorder-and-addiction/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/where-addiction-meets-your-brain/201408/borderline-personality-disorder-and-addiction

My response:

Good evening Katrina

1 posts

Re: Topic 7 DQ 1

Sansone and Sansone (2011) explained in great detail how substance use and personality disorder present with similar signs and symptoms. The authors indicated that it is common that personality disorders and substance use disorders occur together. The authors noted that normally the personality disorder is present before the addiction. Individuals with personality disorders self-medicate with illicit substances to numb or mask their pain. Personality disorders have a strong relationship with addictive personalities. Substance use disorders are diagnosed more than alcohol use disorder, antisocial, narcissistic, borderline, and dependent diagnosis (Sansone and Sansone, 2011). These disorders are difficult to recognize due to the similarities in symptoms.

Sansone, R. A., & Sansone, L. A. (2011). Substance use disorders and borderline personality: common bedfellows. Innovations in clinical neuroscience, 8(9), 10-3.

My response:

Good evening Stefanie