Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other mental health conditions are risk factors for developing substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals with co-occurring SUD and BPD benefit from professional mental health and addiction treatment. Rehabilitation programs minimize potential complications and promote healing. Driftwood Recovery uses psychotherapy, alternative holistic therapies, and other modalities to help clients recover from the effects of SUD and co-occurring conditions, including BPD.
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Education is an integral part of treatment at Driftwood Recovery. Individuals who understand their condition and have context for their symptoms often report better treatment outcomes. We use psychoeducation and other tools to prepare clients for long-term recovery by ensuring they understand their diagnosis and the importance of actively engaging in treatment.
What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?
BPD is a mental health disorder characterized by black-and-white thinking and an inability to regulate emotions in a healthy way. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “This loss of emotional control can increase impulsivity, affect how a person feels about themselves, and negatively impact their relationships with others.” SUD and borderline personality disorder have multiple overlapping risk factors. Individuals with BPD have a higher risk of developing substance use disorder and other mental health issues. Substance abuse can significantly increase the severity of BPD symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of BPD: Emotional Dysregulation, Mood Swings, and Fear of Abandonment
Some of the signs and symptoms of BPD include:
- Emotional dysregulation
- Mood swings
- Fear of abandonment
- Impulsive behaviors
- Suicidal ideation
- Self-harming behaviors
- Relationship issues
- Anger problems
- Paranoid thoughts or behaviors
- Distorted or inconsistent self-image
The symptoms of borderline personality disorder range from mild to severe, with some individuals experiencing significant emotional distress. Persistent symptoms can interfere with a person’s ability to function and maintain healthy relationships.
The Impact of BPD on Mental Health and Daily Life
People with BPD struggle to maintain emotional stability in their daily lives. Emotional dysregulation affects self-image, social connections, and a person’s ability to complete daily tasks. Individuals with BPD often see others, themselves, and the world around them in black-and-white terms, making it difficult for them to compromise or empathize with others. Not allowing for shades of gray means these individuals may abruptly change their feelings about others or themselves, leading to low self-esteem and relationship conflict.
Effective Therapies for Managing Borderline Personality Disorder
Psychotherapy is a traditional evidence-based treatment for borderline personality disorder. Effective therapies for treating BPD challenge people’s beliefs by introducing new ways of thinking about specific people, places, or situations. For example, a client with SUD and co-occurring BPD may benefit from family therapy to facilitate healthy changes in family dynamics.
Some of the therapies we use to treat borderline personality disorder include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for developing emotion regulation and practical coping tools
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for problem-solving and thought management
- Family therapy to improve and strengthen relationships
- Other forms of self-psychotherapy
During treatment, clients learn essential social and coping skills, reducing the risk of relapse and symptoms related to BPD. Our integrative approach to client care combines holistic and clinical modalities. Driftwood Recovery offers psychotherapy, complementary medicine, and compassionate care.
Medication Management for Mood Swings, Anxiety, and Depression
Some clients may require medication management and other services to control mood swings and symptoms of BPD, including anxiety or depression. We understand the profound impact depressive and anxiety symptoms have on the body. Our clinicians address co-occurring mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder, using evidence-based and holistic therapies. Individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder or MDD alongside substance use disorder benefit from integrative care and personalized treatment plans.
Residential and Outpatient BPD Treatment Programs
Our residential treatment programs offer clients a luxury environment and structured space to heal and develop life skills. The setting and services promote emotional stability and reduce stress, allowing clients to focus more fully on recovery. We offer a full continuum of care, from residential detox to community integration programs (CIP). Clients may begin their recovery journey in our residential or outpatient programs.
Our intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) support continued healing. The flexible schedule and personalized care plans help clients heal at their own pace. We also offer a partial hospitalization program (PHP) for clients requiring comprehensive mental health support and additional services.
Managing the Complex Emotions of BPD
BPD is characterized by complex and quickly changing emotional reactions. Individuals with co-occurring SUD and BPD often find it difficult to navigate relationships during the healing process. The experts at Driftwood Recovery provide clients with the skills and resources they need to successfully manage their emotional reactions and stress responses. Greater self-awareness and self-control reduce the risk of relapse and improve the effectiveness of treatment.
We guide clients through the process of addressing underlying issues impacting mental health, including:
- Childhood trauma
- Shame
- Grief
- Co-occurring conditions
Our personalized care plans and holistic approach to treatment empower clients to develop new coping skills and techniques.
Anger Management, Stress Management, and Coping Strategies for Emotional Instability
Individuals with borderline personality disorder often struggle with anger and stress management. Treatment programs help them create effective coping strategies for addressing emotional instability. We use psychotherapy, meditation, mindfulness-based exercises, and other services to assist clients in learning to redirect, manage, and control emotions impacting their mental health and sobriety. Our clinicians also partner with outside professionals to provide clients with additional support. For example, individuals with BPD may benefit from anger management classes offered by one of our partners. We provide referrals to outside services as necessary to facilitate client healing and growth.
Long-Term Success With BPD Treatment
Participating in treatment programs for dual diagnosis allows people with borderline personality disorder to develop essential tools for long-term recovery. We ensure clients have the information and resources to successfully navigate aftercare and ongoing recovery.
Setting Goals and Building Motivation for Lasting Recovery
Developing realistic and achievable goals for long-term recovery reduces the risk of relapse and improves overall mental health. We collaborate with clients and their loved ones to establish goals that build motivation for lasting recovery. Treatment programs enhance social skills and provide clients with a greater understanding of their emotions to facilitate healthier thoughts and behaviors. Therapeutic community support and personalized treatments allow clients with BPD and SUD to develop healthier routines and habits to help them achieve recovery goals.
Why Driftwood Recovery Is the Right Choice for BPD Treatment in Texas
Our treatment programs and aftercare services help clients experience life-changing transformations. Driftwood Recovery is an excellent treatment option for individuals living in Texas. We provide a continuum of care and a wide range of services. The serene and luxurious environment is ideal for individuals struggling with borderline personality disorder. We offer evidence-based care for emotion regulation and overall healing.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a condition that affects how people approach recovery from substance abuse. Driftwood Recovery treats BPD and substance use disorder using various therapeutic approaches. To learn more about our services, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.
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