How are drug abuse and avoidant personality disorder related? Learn about substance abuse, personality disorders and effective treatment options for both.
A person who hasavoidant personality disordermay intensely fear being judged or rejected. This fear can cause them to isolate and avoid social interactions and situations. Social isolation, feelings of insufficiency and a powerful fear of humiliation can lead to significant impairment in a person’s academic, occupational and social functioning. This impairment can cause substantial amounts of physical, emotional and mental distress, which may contribute to the development of a substance abuse problem.
It is essential to understand the interactions between substance abuse and avoidant personality disorder. Themisuse of alcohol or drugsmay exacerbate an individual’s fear and lack of interest in socializing. Alternately, the symptoms of avoidant personality disorder may have prompted the development of a substance use disorder. People might either use substances as a way to manage their anguish and pain or to dull feelings ofdepression and sadness.
Substance abuse may further worsen a person’s avoidant personality disorder symptoms, as remorse and embarrassment linked with substance use may intensify fears of judgment or rejection. Alcohol is a commonly misused substance as itcan temporarily alleviate anxietyduring social situations.
Statistics on Avoidant Personality Disorder and Drug Abuse
Although research is still developing, there are several statistics on avoidant personality disorder and drug abuse.
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- In a2012 study, 46 percent of patients with substance abuse issues had a personality disorder, and of the 46 percent,8 percent had avoidant personality disorder
- Clinical studieshave shown that the prevalence of personality disorders with alcoholism ranges from 22-40 percent to 58-78 percent
- In a2005 study, 40 percent of individuals with alcohol abuse issues had at least one personality disorder and of the 40 percent, 3.3 percent had avoidant personality disorder
Can Avoidant Personality Disorder Lead to Drug Addiction?
Avoidant personality disorder can lead todrug addictionif a person continuously relies on substances to self-medicate their symptoms. People who regularly use substances, especially in great amounts, can develop an addiction.
People may rely on alcohol and drugs to help them to function, relax and manage fears during social situations. People may even use drugs and alcohol before leaving the house to help them to manage routine social tasks, such as talking to other people or responding to questions and directives.
People with avoidant personality disorder tend to self-isolate and spend the bulk of their time alone. The majority of these individuals desire and crave social contact and friendships but may not attain them, which can lead to feelings of disappointment, loneliness and unhappiness. People with thispersonality disordermay also drink or use drugs in an attempt to fill their lives with some happiness and excitement.
Treating Avoidant Personality Disorder With Co-Occurring Substance Abuse
Avoidant personality disorder treatmentcan greatly benefit people with avoidant personality disorder, but they are often resistant to seeking help, as therapy is social by nature. Individuals with avoidant personality disorder are often debilitated by fears and concerns, leading to the avoidance of others.
When co-occurring substance abuse is present, fears can be intensified and a person’s judgment can be further impaired. Totreat avoidant personality disorderand co-occurring substance abuse, a healthy therapeutic relationship must be formed with a mental health practitioner to prevent treatment dropout and early termination.It is imperative that the personality disorder and substance abuse (adual diagnosis) be addressed simultaneously.
A person with avoidant personality disorder can benefit from learning how to manage thoughts effectively and how to engage in social interactions properly. Therapy can teach people with avoidant personality disorder how to relate to and create attachments with other people. Individuals should be educated about addiction and taught the social skills and coping mechanisms necessary to help them to manage their intense fears and to refrain from substance abuse.
If you or someone that you love has a substance abuse issue and a co-occurring mental health concern like avoidant personality disorder, help is available. Licensed mental health practitioners at The Recovery Village have extensive experience in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction andco-occurring mental health conditions. To take the first step toward healing,call todayto see if The Recovery Village is right for you.
