Personality disorder and addiction

There are ten recognised types of personality disorders, each with its own set of characteristics. These are usually grouped into three main “clusters” according to the common personality disorder symptoms that they share.

1. Cluster A: odd or unusual behaviour

• Paranoid personality disorder: People with this disorder often think others are out to get them, usually for no reason.
• Schizoid personality disorder: This involves staying away from social relationships and not showing much emotion.
• Schizotypal personality disorder: This includes strange thoughts or behaviours and feeling very uncomfortable around others.

2. Cluster B: Dramatic or unpredictable behaviour

• Antisocial personality disorder: People with this disorder might not care about other people’s feelings or rights and may often break rules without feeling guilty.
• Borderline personality disorder: Borderline personality disorder symptoms include intense emotions, fear of being abandoned and unstable relationships.
• Histrionic personality disorder: This involves constantly seeking attention and being overly emotional.
• Narcissistic personality disorder: This causes people to think they are more important than others, have some inherent right to success and need constant admiration.

3. Cluster C: Anxious or fearful behaviour

• Avoidant personality disorder: This makes people wary or avoidant of social situations because they are very afraid of being judged or rejected.
• Dependent personality disorder: This is when you constantly need others to take care of you, leading to very clingy behaviour.
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD): People with OCPD are often overly focused on being perfect and in control, sometimes making it hard to get things done.

Multiple personality disorder is often misunderstood to be a type of personality disorder. However, it is actually categorised as a dissociative disorder, which is a separate category in the DSM-V.

There is no single cause but rather a mix of different factors that come together over time.

Your genetics can play a larger role than you could have imagined. This means that if someone in your family has a personality disorder or another mental health condition, there’s a higher chance you might develop one, too.

Your early life experiences also leave a mark. Growing up in an environment where there’s a lot of instability – like emotional neglect, abuse or trauma – can shape the way you see the world and interact with others.

Brain chemistry and structure also matter as sometimes, the way your brain processes emotions and controls impulses differs from others. This can lead to the patterns of thinking and behaviour seen in personality disorders.

Your environment can also have a big impact and everything from your relationships to the society you live in can influence how your personality develops. For example, if you have constantly faced criticism or rejection, it might make you more vulnerable to developing a personality disorder as a way to cope with those feelings.

The intense emotions, unstable relationships and inner turmoil that come with personality disorders can make it really hard to find peace. It’s no surprise that many people turn to substances like drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with these overwhelming feelings.

In fact, research shows that up to 70% of people with a personality disorder also struggle with a substance use disorder, creating what is known as a dual diagnosis. For example, someone with borderline personality disorder might use substances to numb the intense fear of abandonment or to manage the emotional ups and downs.

However, addiction can amplify the symptoms of a personality disorder, making mood swings more severe or increasing impulsive behaviours. This combination can make it feel like you’re stuck in a loop that is impossible to break on your own.

At Oasis Runcorn, we understand how tightly woven personality disorders and addiction can be. That’s why we focus on addressing the underlying emotional pain that is pushing you towards addictive behaviours.

Here is what you can expect from rehab treatment:

Group therapy

Group therapy is where you meet people who understand what it’s like to face the same challenges as you. You will share stories, offer support and learn from each other. It helps you realise that you don’t need to do this alone and that there is always someone who has your back.

One-to-one therapy

Sometimes, dealing with stress and a personality disorder can feel like you’re trying to untangle a knot that just won’t budge. During individual therapy, you will work with a therapist who helps you make sense of what’s going on and together, find new ways to cope.

Behavioural therapies

Stress and personality disorders can make your thoughts race and your emotions spin out of control. CBT and DBT can help you hit the brakes, take back control and manage your emotions more effectively.

Family therapy

When you are dealing with a personality disorder and addiction, it can strain your relationships with the people you care about. Family helps make sure your family understands what you are going through and find ways to support each other better.

Holistic therapies

Our holistic therapies, like yoga, meditation, sound and art therapy are designed to help you relax, recharge and reconnect with yourself. These practices offer a break from the constant tension, helping you find some inner peace and build resilience for whatever comes next.

Post-treatment support

Think of our ongoing support as your safety net. As you transition back into daily life, we provide access to continuous counselling, a proven relapse prevention plan and entrance to our vibrant alumni network. This means you will always have a place to turn when you need a helping hand.

Personality disorders and addiction don’t have to define who you are. At Oasis Runcorn, we are here to help you reclaim your true self and live the life you deserve. Ready to find your authentic self beneath the noise? Reach out to us now, and we will help you turn the volume down.