Personality Disorders and Addiction Treatment in New Jersey

What Is a Personality Disorder?

Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions marked by enduring patterns of behavior, thinking, and inner experience that significantly deviate from cultural expectations. These patterns are pervasive, inflexible, and typically cause distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning..

Personality disorders typically emerge in adolescence or early adulthood and affect the way individuals relate to others and themselves. Because these disorders shape one’s perceptions and interactions, they often interfere with daily life, relationships, and treatment outcomes—especially when substance use is involved.

Types of Personality Disorders Associated with Addiction

While there are ten recognized personality disorders grouped into three clusters (A, B, and C), certain types are more frequently associated with substance abuse, particularly those in Cluster B. These include:

Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)

Individuals with Antisocial Personality Disorder often show a disregard for the rights of others, a lack of remorse, and deceitful or impulsive behavior. This disorder is more common in males and is frequently diagnosed in people involved with the criminal justice system. People with APD may use drugs or alcohol to reinforce risky behaviors or suppress negative emotions like guilt or anxiety. Substance abuse often exacerbates these traits, leading to more severe consequences.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Borderline Personality Disorder is marked by emotional instability, fear of abandonment, impulsivity, and unstable interpersonal relationships. Individuals with BPD may engage in substance use as a way to regulate mood or cope with intense emotional pain. The impulsivity associated with BPD increases the risk of addiction, and emotional dysregulation complicates recovery efforts.

Personality Disorders and Substance Abuse: What’s the Connection?

The link between personality disorders and substance use disorders is well established. Individuals with personality disorders are significantly more likely to struggle with drug or alcohol addiction than the general population. But what underlies this strong connection?

One key factor is the use of maladaptive coping strategies. People with personality disorders often endure chronic emotional distress, unstable relationships, and low self-esteem. In an attempt to manage these difficulties, they may turn to substances as a form of self-medication. While drugs or alcohol might offer temporary relief or a false sense of control, they typically lead to dependency, worsening mental health, and additional emotional and behavioral problems.

When both a personality disorder and a substance use disorder are present in the same individual—a situation known as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis—treatment becomes more complex. Effective care must address both conditions simultaneously, using an integrated approach tailored to the individual’s unique needs.