Growing health concerns related to drug and alcohol addiction pose a major challenge for the United States, and with co-occurring disorders commonly found in addicts, overcoming the challenge becomes a daunting task for governments. federal and state. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a common co-occurring disorder that affects addicts.
BPD can be defined as an emotionally painful disorder characterized by dysregulation of emotions, interpersonal relationships, behaviors, thought processes, and unstable self-image. People with borderline personality disorder may tend to lose their temper, have cognitive impairments, and end up being addicted to any substance or alcohol. Such conditions can lead to harmful behavior in addicts. And in such a situation, despite having a strong will, people may end up feeling powerless and worthless. This completely transforms their perception of themselves.
According to a 2014 report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 50 percent of people with BPD were suspected of past involvement in prescription drug abuse. Considering the associated problems, treating BPD is an uphill task for therapists.
Challenges in patient management
Patients suffering from a combination of borderline personality disorder and substance abuse may attempt to resist treatment. This can create a barrier to adhering to a long-term treatment plan. In some cases, the patient’s aggressive behavior can lead to life-threatening situations.
Methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy may be beneficial for patients with co-occurring disorders. Sometimes patients may also require medication. According to studies by Lee NK, Health Consultant, National Institute for Drug Research, Curtin University, Perth, Australia, the most promising treatments include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Dynamic Deconstructive Psychotherapy (DDP). A combination of support and management from an experienced dual diagnosis treatment center can improve retention rates for inpatient rehabilitation.
Relationship between therapist and patient.
The treatment dropout rate among patients with BPD and substance use disorders has been quite high. It is difficult for therapists to engage these patients in a therapeutic relationship. The different moods of the patient can prevent the development of a cordial relationship between the patient and the therapist. There may also be a degree of passive or high resistance to treatment on the part of such patients. They may stop attending sessions altogether, also demotivating the therapist’s energy.
High rrelationship of passing: Depending on the different addictive patterns, a relapse prevention program focuses on the prevention of self-harm, non-compliance, and risky behaviors.
dysfunctional relationships: A patient with a dual diagnosis craves attention and love. However, due to an unstable interpersonal relationship, patients fear losing loved ones and this often aggravates their problem. Families need to be educated and made aware of the support they can provide in the recovery process.
suicidal thoughts: People with BPD and substance addiction problems are at increased risk of attempting suicide and indulging in self-harm or self-mutilation.
A comprehensive approach including crisis management techniques should be considered to treat these patients. In fact, they require proper residential treatment.
Dual diagnosis inpatient treatment centers provide curative therapies for BPD patients.
It is important to seek help from inpatient dual diagnosis recovery centers to treat problems that add to the mental disorder.