Substance dependence and personality disorders: What's the deal?

Abstract

In summary, personality disorders are frequently found among the substance dependence population, and in particular, among those who are opioid dependent. The coexistence of personality disorders increases the patient's risk of failure to form a therapeutic alliance with the treating clinician, to achieve abstinence, and to relapse. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that the treating clinician routinely screen opioid-dependent patients for various clinical disorders, including personality disorders.