Personality disorders are a group of mental health disorders that are characterized by patterns of thought and behavior that differ from the “norm.”[1] There are several personality disorders out there, each one causing different symptoms that make it difficult for people to function in their daily lives. Unfortunately, personality disorders often co-occur with other conditions like substance use disorder.
One of the most common personality disorders to co-occur with addiction is antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). This condition is known to cause a pattern of disregard for others, manipulation, and impulsive behavior.[2] Sinceimpulsive behavior is common among those with ASPD, they often engage in drug or alcohol abuse.
When you have co-occurring ASPD and addiction, you must receive treatment for both conditions at the same time. Dual diagnosis rehab programs will offer a variety of services, including medical detox and evidence-based therapies, to help people recover.
In this article, you will learn:
- What antisocial personality disorder is
- What are the symptoms of ASPD
- How ASPD relates to substance abuse
- How co-occurring antisocial personality disorder and substance use disorder is treated
What is Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)?
Antisocial personality disorder is a mental health condition that is diagnosed in adulthood. While children can display the signs of ASPD, it cannot be diagnosed until they are older. Children who go on to develop this condition might be diagnosed with a conduct disorder during adolescence.
People with antisocial personality disorder might appear like they have no regard for the feelings of others, frequently engage in manipulation, break laws, or have a hard time following rules. While this condition shares traits with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), it includes symptoms like impulsivity and deceit that might not be prevalent among those with NPD.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) outlines the criteria necessary to diagnose ASPD. Individuals must be at least 18 years old, have a history of conduct disorder, and display at least three of the following symptoms:[3]
- Failure to conform to social norms and respect lawful behavior
- Deceitfulness that includes repetitive lying, using aliases, or conning others for personal gain
- Displaying impulsive behaviors or acting without thinking ahead to consequences
- Experiencing frequent irritability and aggression that leads to physical fights
- Displaying a reckless disregard for the safety of themselves and others
- Repeated failure to maintain responsibilities like attending work or paying bills
- Showing a lack of remorse by being indifferent to or rationalizing the mistreatment of others
While the causes of ASPD are largely unknown, researchers believe that risk factors include genetic predispositions and environmental factors like childhood abuse.[2] It is important to note that only trained mental health professionals can diagnose ASPD.
How Are Antisocial Personality Disorder and Substance Abuse Connected?
People with ASPD are more likely to abuse substances than the general population. This is mainly due to their predisposition to impulsive behaviors. For example, antisocial personality disorder makes a person more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs without thinking about the consequences, making them more prone to addiction.
According to research on co-occurring substance abuse and ASPD, 16% of people being treated for substance use disorder also had antisocial personality disorder.[4]
Unfortunately, substance abuse can make the symptoms of antisocial personality disorder worse. For example, addiction causes manipulation and deceitfulness without an ASPD diagnosis. This means that someone with this condition who abuses substances might engage in these behaviors more often.
How Does Treatment for ASPD and Addiction Work?
Co-occurring ASPD and addiction must be treated at the same time. Dual-diagnosis rehab centers make this possible by offering both mental health and addiction treatment within the same program. By addressing both conditions at once, long-term recovery becomes more likely.
Dual diagnosis treatment centers tackle comorbid ASPD and addiction by:
Addressing Addiction
The first step in recovering from ASPD and substance abuse is undergoing medical detox. Before an individual can begin therapy, they must overcome withdrawal symptoms through the help of medical treatments and medications.
Once withdrawal is addressed, clients can begin working on the root causes of their addiction. Among people with ASPD, this is often related to their symptoms of impulsivity. Addiction therapy often involves learning how to prevent impulsivity by thinking about the consequences of substance abuse before engaging in the behavior.
Relapse prevention methods are also used to ensure that the client stays sober after they leave treatment. This might involve identifying triggers, learning healthy coping mechanisms, and engaging in a supportive community like 12-step programs.
Treating ASPD
Next, antisocial personality disorder will be addressed. Unfortunately, no medication manages this condition because it is a personality disorder. Instead, extensive therapy must be undergone to unlearn negative patterns of thought and behavior.
During therapy for ASPD, clients will learn how to develop empathy skills, unpack motivations for manipulation, learn how to prevent that type of behavior, and reduce violent tendencies. They will also learn the importance of adhering to rules or laws, engage in coping mechanisms that lessen impulsivity, and work on social skills to improve their connections with others.
Find Help for Co-Occurring ASPD and Substance Use Disorder
If you or a loved one struggles with ASPD and addiction, it’s time to consider attending substance abuse treatment. Dual-diagnosis rehab centers can address both antisocial personality disorder and addiction at the same time. Treatment involves a combination of medical detox, individual therapy, group counseling, empathy training, and learning vital social skills.
At New Jersey Interventions, we can connect you with a treatment center that specializes in these co-occurring disorders. All of the rehab programs we work with use evidence-based services and employ qualified mental health and substance abuse professionals.
Contact us today for more information on how we can help you find treatment for ASPD and addiction.
References:
- Medline Plus: Personality Disorders
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Antisocial Personality Disorder
- Psychiatry Online: DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic Criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder (301.7)
- Sage Journals: Comorbidity of Personality Disorder among Substance Use Disorder Patients: A Narrative Review
Medically Reviewed: July 12, 2024
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.