Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) & Alcohol

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) & Alcohol

When it comes to borderline personality disorder (BPD), it tends to be highly complex and is commonly misunderstood for being a mental illness. The same goes for addiction. However, anyone that suffers from the two can experience a great deal of issues. The correlation between BPD and addiction is rather high. In fact, studies show that about half of those that are diagnosed with BPD also meet the criteria for alcohol disorder or substance abuse and require rehab Wrexham.

If a person has both of the illnesses, it can be difficult to diagnose them since the two share many of the same symptoms. It is called dual diagnosis. If the illnesses are left untreated, they can prove to be dangerous. But, treatment can be quite complicated.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

In the simplest o words, BPD is a mental illness that is characterized by rapidly changing moods, fear of abandonment, poor sense of self-identity, and impulsive behavior. It is also referred to as emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD). The reason why the term “borderline” is used is because the symptoms border on neurotic and psychotic behavior. Studies show that about 1 to 2 percent of the population in the UK has BPD. If the condition was not as difficult to diagnose, it is predicted that the numbers would be much higher. The following symptoms are common among those suffering from BPD.

  • Unstable Relationships
  • Chronic Feelings of Depression or Emptiness
  • Sensitivity to Rejection or Criticism
  • Stress-Related Dissociation or Paranoia
  • Poor Anger-Management or Weak Temper
  • Acts or Attempts of Self-Harm or Suicide
  • Going to An Extreme to Avoid Any Form of Abandonment
  • Black and White Thinking
  • Intense Emotions

Not only do those with BPD experience intense emotion, they can even feel pain in others. Although this makes it a lot easier for the individuals to connect with other people, it makes them attached to others too quickly. It is common for the individuals to be seen as attention-seeking, manipulative, and childish. Their frequent mood changes can make them have different personalities. This is why it can be difficult for other people to live with someone who deals with BPD.

BPD and Alcohol

BPD and alcohol is a recipe for disaster. Many of the individuals at rehab Wrexham or rehab North Wales that suffer from the two are more prone to constant depression, anxiety, and fear. They experience extreme emotional changes and struggle during their initial days at the rehab North Wales. The staff monitors them to ensure that they do not engage in self-harming behavior. Acts like cutting and substance abuse are committed to bury intense feelings or escape. Since borderlines tend to be highly impulsive, drug or alcohol abuse can prove fatal. It could lead to instant addiction. The truth is that individuals with BPD have an addictive personality.

Borderline people are most likely to seek alcohol as a form of self-medication. The reason behind this is that they view it as a cure-all. Some believe that it allows them to feel less pain, while others rely on it as a social aid. It is crucial to seek treatment to avoid serious consequences.