The Relationship Between Borderline Personality Disorder and Substance Abuse
1. Introduction
Substance abuse is a severe problem that leads to changes in behavior or even change of personality. It causes various serious health problems, irrespective of drugs pharmacological peculiarities.
The connection between substance abuse and personality is especially close in case of borderline personality disorder when drug addiction often turns into a self-destructive spiral. The main feature of this disorder is impulsivity that significantly increases the risk of developing severe dependence.
A number of studies have been conducted to explore the correlation between borderline personality disorder and substance abuse, as well as to find efficient treatments for patients with comorbid conditions. The most common approaches include the use of mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.
In this paper, we will review the existing research on the connection between substance abuse and personality disorders with a focus on borderline personality disorder. We will also discuss the available treatment options and their efficacy.
2. Borderline Personality Disorder and Substance Abuse
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness characterized by impulsive behavior, unstable moods, and chaotic relationships (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). People with BPD often have a history of substance abuse, which contributes to the development and maintenance of the disorder (Jung et al., 2010).
Studies that have examined the relationship between BPD and substance abuse have found that about 60% of people with BPD also have a substance use disorder (SUD) (Jung et al., 2010; Zanarini et al., 2004). Furthermore, people with BPD are more likely to develop an SUD than those without the disorder (Jung et al., 2010; Zanarini et al., 2004).
The high comorbidity between BPD and SUD is thought to be due to shared risk factors, such as impulsivity and poor coping skills (Jung et al., 2010). In addition, people with BPD often use substances as a way to cope with their emotional distress (Jung et al., 2010).
3. Mood Stabilizers, Antidepressants, and Antipsychotics for Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder
There are several evidence-based treatments for borderline personality disorder, including psychotherapy and medication (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The most commonly used medications are mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Mood stabilizers are typically used to treat bipolar disorder, but they can also be effective for treating borderline personality disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The most common mood stabilizers used to treat BPD are lithium and valproate (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These medications can help to stabilize mood swings and reduce impulsivity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Antidepressants are commonly used to treat depression, but they can also be effective for treating borderline personality disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used type of antidepressant for treating BPD (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). SSRIs can help to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and impulsivity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Antipsychotics are typically used to treat psychosis, but they can also be effective for treating borderline personality disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The most commonly used antipsychotics for treating BPD are olanzapine and risperidone (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These medications can help to reduce symptoms of psychosis, anxiety, and impulsivity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
4. Studies on Anger, Depression, and Substance Abuse among Adolescent Drug Abusers
A number of studies have been conducted to examine the correlation between borderline personality disorder and substance abuse, as well as to find efficient treatments for patients with comorbid conditions.
One study that examined the relationship between BPD and substance abuse found that about 60% of people with BPD also have a substance use disorder (SUD) (Jung et al., 2010). Furthermore, people with BPD are more likely to develop an SUD than those without the disorder (Jung et al., 2010).
The high comorbidity between BPD and SUD is thought to be due to shared risk factors, such as impulsivity and poor coping skills (Jung et al., 2010). In addition, people with BPD often use substances as a way to cope with their emotional distress (Jung et al., 2010).
Another study that examined the relationship between borderline personality disorder and substance abuse found that people with BPD are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs than those without the disorder (Zanarini et al., 2004). Furthermore, people with BPD are more likely to develop an SUD if they abuse alcohol or drugs (Zanarini et al., 2004). The high comorbidity between BPD and SUD is thought to be due to shared risk factors, such as impulsivity and poor coping skills (Zanarini et al., 2004).
In a study that examined the efficacy of mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics for the treatment of borderline personality disorder, it was found that these medications can be effective for reducing symptoms of the disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics can help to stabilize mood swings and reduce impulsivity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
A study that examined the relationship between anger, depression, and substance abuse among adolescent drug abusers found that adolescents who abuse drugs are more likely to experience anger, depression, and substance abuse than those who do not abuse drugs (Winters & Botchway, 2005). Adolescents who abuse drugs are also more likely to develop an SUD if they experience anger, depression, or both (Winters & Botchway, 2005). The high comorbidity between drug abuse and these other disorders is thought to be due to shared risk factors, such as impulsivity and poor coping skills (Winters & Botchway, 2005).
5. Conclusion
Substance abuse is a severe problem that leads to changes in behavior or even change of personality. It causes various serious health problems, irrespective of drugs pharmacological peculiarities. The connection between substance abuse and personality is especially close in case of borderline personality disorder when drug addiction often turns into a self-destructive spiral. A number of studies have been conducted to explore the correlation between borderline personality disorder and substance abuse, as well as to find efficient treatments for patients with comorbid conditions. The most common approaches include the use of mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.