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Dual Diagnosis: Personality Disorders

A personality disorder is a complex condition in which someone shows behaviors that fall significantly outside what is generally considered acceptable in society. This is more than just a case of being “socially awkward.” In a personality disorder, the abnormal behavior greatly affects the person’s ability to have healthy relationships with others, pursue their goals and otherwise function in life.

When someone with a substance use disorder also has a personality disorder, it’s called a dual diagnosis. At Del Arroyo Recovery Center in Agoura Hills, CA, our personality disorder therapists help individuals address both co-occurring conditions for the highest chance of long-term success.

addiction and co-occurring disorders

Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders

The umbrella of personality disorders covers a variety of conditions. Common examples of personality disorders include:

  • Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
  • Antisocial personality disorder
  • Narcissistic personality disorder
  • Histrionic personality disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD, which is different from the anxiety disorder, OCD)

Different diagnoses have different challenges, but common struggles related to personality disorders include impulsive behavior, mood swings, and destructive behavior. These can play a role in substance abuse disorders. For many people, the difficult emotional and interpersonal struggles of their personality disorder leads them to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol.

The effects of substance use can also exacerbate existing mental health conditions and worsen symptoms of BPD and other conditions, leading to a vicious cycle of use. Whatever the case, substance use only tends to cause more distress when the temporary relief fades.

personality disorders include impulsive behavior
dual diagnosis personality disorder treatment

Our Approach to Dual Diagnosis Personality Disorder Treatment

When someone struggles with a condition like borderline personality disorder and substance abuse, it’s crucial to address both. If only the addiction is treated and the underlying mental health problems remain unmanaged, there are risk factors for turning back to drug and alcohol abuse.

At our Los Angeles-area recovery center, we take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to borderline personality disorder treatment. We begin with a thorough mental health assessment, identifying any symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) or other disorders.

We also develop an idea of the person’s substance use history and patterns related to co-occurring addictions. Once we have a clear idea of a person’s past and present challenges, we can develop a carefully tailored mental illness and drug addiction treatment plan for them.

Evidence-Based Therapies We Use at Our Southern California Facility

Real, lasting change depends on a well-rounded dual diagnosis treatment approach that’s backed by research and experience. All of our treatments for borderline personality disorder (BPD) and substance abuse disorders are supported by real evidence and have consistently shown positive results.

Methods we use in our Los Angeles-area personality disorder treatment program include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Mindfulness practices (meditation, yoga)
  • Nutritional support from prepared meals
  • Medication-assisted therapy (MAT)

Through a tailored combination of talk therapy and other strategies, our personality disorders therapists in Agoura Hills, CA help patients learn to regulate emotions, tolerate distress, process traumatic experiences, and build new, healthy habits for sobriety. Our Southern California rehab provides integrated, holistic therapy that covers not just medication and psychotherapy, but also mind-body techniques for stress reduction and overall healing.

substance abuse disorders
dual diagnosis treatment options

Reclaim Your Life With Personality Disorder Treatment

At Del Arroyo Recovery Center in Southern California, we offer effective dual diagnosis treatment options that go beyond what other facilities offer. Our specialized, multidisciplinary staff has a wealth of knowledge and years of practical experience in evidence-based personality disorder treatment. We provide compassionate care throughout the process, from medically monitored detox to aftercare and ongoing support.

 Contact us today to learn more about our effective personality disorders treatment program and luxurious amenities.

Personality Disorder Treatment in Agoura Hills, CA

If you or someone you care about is struggling with a personality disorder and a drug or alcohol addiction, our Agoura Hills, CA addiction treatment center can help.