Receiving a diagnosis for a mental health condition can come with an array of emotions. For example, when diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), an individual may feel both relieved and overwhelmed. This condition, in particular, can come with loaded misconceptions as well as inaccurate assumptions about the recovery process, such as that it is impossible to achieve lasting symptom management from BPD. It is important to understand that although BPD can pose challenges for treatment and recovery, there are effective treatment options available. This is also true if BPD co-occurs alongside another diagnosis such as substance use disorder (SUD).
At Renaissance Ranch, we offer drug rehabilitation and alcohol treatment to men seeking to overcome challenges with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. More often than not, SUD co-occurs alongside diagnoses like BPD. For optimal treatment and recovery, all existing conditions must be treated in tandem. At our facility, we can assure that all present diagnoses will be treated through a combination of approaches and services to ensure the best chance at lasting sobriety and recovery. We believe there is no one-size-fits-all for recovery, which is why we personalize treatment to fit each client’s unique needs and goals for healing.
What Is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
As explained by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), BPD “is a mental illness that severely impacts a person’s ability to manage their emotions. This loss of emotional control can increase impulsivity, affect how a person feels about themselves, and negatively impact their relationships with others.”
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of BPD include, but are not limited to:
- Ongoing patterns of intense, unstable relationships with loved ones
- A distorted/unstable sense of self
- Impulsive behavior, often aimed at harming oneself
- Suicidal ideation and feelings of emptiness
- Efforts to avoid abandonment, whether abandonment is real or perceived
- Intense mood swings
- Feelings of dissociation
- Intense and highly variable moods
BPD shares many similarities with bipolar disorder, causing these conditions to often be misdiagnosed. For instance, both conditions are characterized by impulsive behavior and intense mood swings. One of the main differentiators between these diagnoses is that BPD is marked by chronic emotional dysregulation, whereas bipolar disorder is marked by extreme periods of elevated (mania) and depressed moods. Clinical assessments are needed to provide accurate diagnoses of these conditions.
What Causes Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
Like other mental health disorders and SUDs, a combination of risk factors contributes to the development of BPD. Examples of risk factors first include genetic and biological risk factors, such as having a loved one diagnosed with BPD or another mental health disorder or experiencing unique brain structure vulnerabilities, especially in brain areas responsible for controlling impulses and emotional regulation. Environmental factors are also known to contribute to BPD, including experiencing abuse, abandonment, or other traumatic events during childhood.
Treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Co-Occurring Substance Abuse Problems
After receiving a diagnosis of BPD, individuals may have many questions about what the road to recovery may look like. While no two people with BPD will have the same treatment plan, treatment may incorporate many of the same therapeutic approaches and services. For example, most treatment plans for mental health disorders and co-occurring substance abuse will include both individual psychotherapy sessions as well as group therapy sessions. Oftentimes, treatment may also involve the use of medications to help clients obtain symptom management while participating in therapy.
When it comes to BPD treatment, the most commonly used psychotherapeutic approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). CBT can help individuals with BPD recognize and correct cognitive errors, which can otherwise inform problematic behaviors like self-medicating. DBT, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of using mindfulness strategies like acceptance and awareness to help individuals reduce self-harming behaviors, achieve more stable moods, and improve and enhance interpersonal relationships.
Getting to the root core of any presenting symptoms is often necessary to achieve effective symptom management in treatment and throughout long-term recovery. This is especially important for those who are working to recover from BPD and substance abuse, as leaving the root issue unaddressed can lead to relapse. As an individual participates in psychotherapy, they will work with their therapist or other mental health professional to identify problem behaviors while strengthening healthy coping mechanisms and life skills. Many clients will have trauma therapies as part of their treatment plan to help address the root cause of their symptoms.
Holistic Efforts
In addition to these efforts, individuals working to overcome BPD can also connect with holistic modalities aimed at treating the whole person. At Renaissance Ranch, we combine evidence-based modalities like CBT and DBT with holistic approaches, including 12-Step groups and Gospel teachings. We believe that effective recovery requires reconnecting with the spirit and that a spirit-focused recovery is a well-rounded recovery.
With the help of these efforts and more, it is possible to achieve lasting symptom management with BPD. Allow us to guide and support your treatment journey by calling us today.
Despite what some may believe, it is possible to achieve lasting symptom management from borderline personality disorder (BPD). With the help of a professional treatment program, individuals have the opportunity to work through the root causes of their symptoms and build the life skills necessary for whole-person healing and recovery. The most effective treatment approach for BPD is dialectical behavior therapy, which can be enhanced alongside the use of holistic treatment methods like 12-Step groups. At Renaissance Ranch, we tailor treatment for BPD and co-occurring diagnoses to meet the unique needs of each client. Following treatment, we stay connected with our clients by offering continuing care through our Band of Brothers Alumni program. Call (801) 308-8898 today.