Struggling with addiction alongside a personality disorder can feel overwhelming and isolating. These challenges are not character flaws, choices, or moral failings. They're complex mental health conditions that deserve compassion. Oak Grove Recovery offers integrated personality disorders and addiction treatment at our Westerville, OH, treatment center. We accept all Ohio Medicaid plans and provide personalized treatment that puts the safety and dignity of our patients first.
Understanding personality disorders
A personality disorder is a mental health condition. It involves deeply ingrained, inflexible patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differ from cultural expectations. They also cause distress or problems functioning. These patterns aren't personal choices but are a part of a person's long-term way of seeing the world and themselves. When combined with addiction, which might stem from impulsive behaviors or as a way to cope with the internal pain, they become even more challenging.
The link between ADHD and substance use
The core symptoms of ADHD make people more vulnerable to substance use. Impulsivity, a constant need for stimulation, and challenges with emotional regulation can all act as powerful triggers for turning to drugs or alcohol. Many people with ADHD attempt to self-medicate their symptoms. They might use alcohol to quiet anxiety or abuse stimulants to try to improve concentration.
While this may offer short-term relief, it can start a painful cycle. Negative feelings arise, substances are used to cope, and over time, addiction develops as the brain comes to rely on substances as the only source of relief. As substance use escalates, it becomes difficult to separate the challenges caused by ADHD from those caused by addiction. With the right support, though, the cycle can be broken.
Types of personality disorders
There are several different types of personality disorders. Each one presents its own unique challenges, which makes getting an accurate diagnosis important for effective care.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Characterized by intense emotions, a deep-seated fear of abandonment, and instability in relationships.
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)
Involves a strong need for admiration from others and a lack of empathy, often masking profound insecurity and low self-esteem.
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)
Marked by a difficulty conforming to social norms and a disregard for the rights and feelings of others.
Histrionic personality disorder (HPD)
Involves patterns of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors.
Avoidant personality disorder
Defined by extreme social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and a heightened sensitivity to criticism.
Dependent personality disorder
Characterized by an excessive need to be taken care of, which can lead to submissive or clinging behavior.
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)
Involves a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control.
Schizoid, schizotypal, and paranoid personality disorder
These involve patterns of social detachment, acute discomfort in relationships, or pervasive distrust and suspicion of others.
How personality disorders impact daily life
The effects of an untreated personality disorder are profound and can ripple through every aspect of a person’s life. For families, watching this unfold is painful and stressful.
- Interpersonal relationships: Relationships are often turbulent, marked by conflict, emotional "push-pull" dynamics, and isolation. Loved ones may feel like they are "walking on eggshells."
- Work and education: Maintaining a job or staying in school can be difficult due to challenges with authority, inconsistency, or managing relationships with peers and supervisors.
- Self-image: Internally, the person often struggles with a distorted or unstable self-image, leading to feelings of emptiness, low self-worth, or confusion about their identity.
Looking for support in the Westerville, Ohio area? You're not alone.
Personality disorder assessment and diagnosis at Oak Grove Recovery
An accurate diagnosis is a tool that allows our clinical team to understand each person's situation and create the most effective treatment plan possible.
A thorough and respectful evaluation
Our assessment process is comprehensive and compassionate.
Clinical interview
This begins with a respectful conversation where a clinician listens to each client’s personal history, struggles, and goals.
Standardized measures
We use evidence-based clinical questionnaires to help clarify symptoms and gain a clearer understanding of the underlying issues.
Records review
If previous mental health and treatment records are available, our team will review them to see any historical notes that can help guide the process.
What co-occurring personality disorders treatment is like
When a personality disorder and a substance use disorder exist at the same time, it is called a "dual diagnosis" or co-occurring disorder. Treating only the addiction without addressing the underlying personality disorder is rarely effective in the long run. Substance use is often a result of impulsive behavior or emotional pain, and if those aren't addressed, the risk of relapse is high. Our integrated approach treats the whole person—mind and body—at the same time.
Integrated interventions for whole-person healing
Therapy modalities
We use evidence-based therapies like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which is highly effective for building skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, especially for BPD. We also use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help change harmful thought patterns.
Medication management
While there is no single medication for personality disorders, our medical team may prescribe medications to help manage co-occurring symptoms like depression, anxiety, or mood swings, which provides stability for the therapeutic work to be effective.
Addiction management
We treat addiction as a primary, life-threatening condition that must be addressed immediately. This includes safe medical detox and building a foundation for recovery, all while treating the underlying mental health.
Levels of care for co-occurring treatment
Finding the right starting point for treatment is crucial. Oak Grove Recovery offers a continuum of care to meet your loved one where they are.
Medical detox
Stopping substance use "cold turkey" increases the risk of relapse and, for some substances (like alcohol and benzodiazepines), can be life-threatening. Our medical detox program lasts about a week. It stabilizes our clients with around-the-clock medical monitoring and medication-assisted treatment when appropriate. When they're stable, many clients transition directly into our residential program.
Residential treatment
For people struggling with co-occurring personality disorders and addiction, residential treatment is often the most effective level of care. This structured, 24/7 environment provides a safe and supportive space away from daily triggers and stressors. It allows for constant therapeutic support, the establishment of healthy routines, and the intensive work needed to stabilize both conditions.
The role of trauma in personality disorders
Research shows that a very high percentage of individuals diagnosed with personality disorders, particularly borderline personality disorder, have a history of significant childhood trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or profound loss. The behaviors and emotional patterns you see are often deeply ingrained survival responses that were developed to cope with an unsafe or unpredictable environment.
We use trauma-informed care
At Oak Grove Recovery, our therapeutic approach is trauma-informed. This means we create an environment of physical and emotional safety. We understand that recovery cannot happen if a person feels unsafe or threatened. Our team is trained to recognize the signs of trauma and interact in ways that avoid re-traumatization, fostering the trust needed for true healing to begin.
Getting started at Oak Grove Recovery
We understand that taking the first step can feel overwhelming, so we make the process as simple and supportive as possible. Help is accessible, and our team is ready to assist you right now.
Insurance & Medicaid
We believe that quality care should be accessible. To relieve financial stress, Oak Grove Recovery proudly accepts Ohio Medicaid and can help you navigate your coverage.
Admissions & scheduling
Our admissions process is simple and supportive. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you through every step.
First appointment expectations
From the moment you contact us, you will be met with warmth and respect. We are here to listen without judgment and help you find the best path forward for your family.
Frequently asked questions
The length of treatment is highly individualized and depends on personal progress. Most clients at Oak Grove Recovery spend about a week in detox and about a month in residential treatment.
Our core therapeutic models are dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). We also have certified EMDR therapists and can provide motivational interviewing when recommended. Medication management and medication-assisted treatment are also available when appropriate. All of our therapies are trauma-informed.
We are committed to making treatment accessible. We accept Ohio Medicaid and many private insurance plans. Our admissions team can provide a transparent overview of costs and help you verify your benefits.
Begin treatment in Westerville, OH, today
Getting help now can be the best decision you or a loved one makes for the future. We're ready to help when you're ready to take the first step. Even if you're not sure, giving us a call now is confidential and compassionate—and we'll answer any and all questions you have.
