ABSTRACT
Individuals living with ongoing substance use disorders may engage in interpersonal behaviors thatcan seem to mimic personality disorders. As many individuals may be mandated to substance use treatment by various justice-linked agencies, it is common for counselors to receive inaccurate information about a client’s substance use. Those living with various personality disorders will often use substances as interpersonal relationships are greatly impacted, contributing to the development of other mental health diagnoses. This chapter will review various personality disorders and discuss how interpersonal difficulties associated with each diagnosis can impact various treatment programs. This chapter will also discuss multiple ways in which counselors may experience countertransference when attempting to treat individuals living with or showing symptoms of personality disorders. This chapter will provide options as to how counselors can work to create a therapeutic environment to navigate interpersonal difficulties associated with these diagnoses. Finally, this chapter will review evidence-based practices for the treatment of co-occurring personality disorders and substance use disorders.
