ABSTRACT
Personality disorders and substance dependence strongly affect both the individuals who have the disorders and those who work, live, and interact with them. Individuals with personality disorders often form relationships that are sustained by mutual pathology or the extraordinary accommodation of the disordered behavior by partners who are willing to sacrifice themselves for their own reasons. Addiction treatment can be compromised by unaddressed relationship or family issues. Developing a more resilient and adaptive personality style or changing addictive behaviors impacts the balance in significant relationships and could derail recovery. Involving partners, significant others, and family members often strengthens treatment effectiveness and facilitates recovery.
