Reviewed by Vinsent Franke, MBA, AMFT, CADC-II, RA, Founder of iRely Recovery. Updated September 2026.
Intro
Personality disorders affect relationships, decisions and daily life, and substance use makes them harder to untangle. These patterns are not a character flaw. They are symptoms of a treatable condition.
iRely Recovery provides dual diagnosis care for personality disorders and addiction in a Joint Commission-accredited, ASAM 3.5 residential program in Los Angeles. Our clinicians are trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the evidence-based standard for emotional dysregulation.
Key Points
- Co-occurrence is exceptionally highNAMI: 50 to 73 percent of people with BPD also have a substance use disorder.
- DBT is the most evidence-supported therapyBuilt for BPD, DBT has the strongest evidence for personality disorders and self-harm.
- ASAM 3.5 residential careThe highest non-hospital level of residential care, in Los Angeles.
- Most PPO plans acceptedCall 818-351-1193 for a no-cost benefits check.
In Short
Personality disorder treatment at iRely Recovery combines DBT, trauma-informed individual therapy, group skills work, and psychiatric medication management inside a structured ASAM 3.5 residential program. We treat the full person, not just the substance use. Most PPO insurance plans accepted. Call 818-351-1193 to speak with our admissions team.
What Is a Personality Disorder?
A personality disorder is a long-standing pattern of thinking, feeling and behaving that differs from cultural expectations, causes ongoing distress or impairment, and stays stable across situations. Unlike mood episodes, it shapes how a person relates to themselves and others. The DSM-5 groups these disorders into three clusters:
Cluster A: Odd or Eccentric
Paranoid, schizoid and schizotypal presentations, marked by suspicion, detachment or unusual thinking.
Cluster B: Dramatic or Erratic
Borderline, narcissistic, histrionic and antisocial presentations. The most common in dual diagnosis residential care.
Cluster C: Anxious or Fearful
Avoidant, dependent and obsessive-compulsive presentations, marked by fear of rejection or need for control.
A diagnosis does not define who you are. These patterns usually began as adaptive responses to unpredictable or unsafe early environments, and with consistent clinical work they can be understood and changed.
How Personality Disorders and Addiction Connect
According to NAMI, 50 to 73 percent of people with BPD also meet criteria for a substance use disorder. The link runs both ways:
Substances as Coping
Alcohol can numb abandonment fear, stimulants can ease emptiness, and opioids can dampen hyperarousal or impulsive urges.
Use Worsens Symptoms
Chronic use erodes impulse control and emotional regulation, intensifying the very symptoms it was meant to relieve.
Treating only one condition leaves relapse rates high. Integrated dual diagnosis care, treating both at once, is the standard of care.
Personality Disorders We Treat
Borderline (BPD)
Fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, impulsivity, self-harm and emotional dysregulation. DBT was built for BPD and has the strongest evidence.
Narcissistic (NPD)
Grandiosity, need for admiration and low empathy over a fragile self-esteem. Substances often buffer criticism or failure.
Antisocial (ASPD)
Disregard for others, impulsivity and irritability, with very high rates of substance use. Treatment targets impulse control and accountability.
Avoidant and Dependent
Extreme social inhibition or an excessive need to be cared for. Substances often manage social anxiety or fear of abandonment.
Unspecified and Complex
Traits that cut across categories or have not been named. We assess thoroughly and build care around your actual symptoms.
Signs of a Co-Occurring Personality Disorder and Addiction
- Emotional instability out of proportion to circumstances
- Relationships that swing between idealization and intense conflict
- Impulsive behavior beyond substance use, such as risky sex, spending or self-harm
- Chronic emptiness or identity confusion
- Difficulty getting through social situations without substances
- Past treatment that addressed addiction but not the underlying patterns
- Inability to tolerate distress without using
- Fear of abandonment, or pushing people away before they can leave
DBT for Personality Disorder and Addiction
Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, Dialectical Behavior Therapy has the strongest evidence base for BPD and self-harm, and it is widely adapted for co-occurring substance use. It teaches four skill sets:
Mindfulness
Observe thoughts, emotions and urges without acting on them. It supports urge surfing and craving tolerance.
Distress Tolerance
Crisis strategies such as TIPP and ACCEPTS to get through intense moments without making things worse.
Emotion Regulation
Name what you feel, reduce vulnerability to extremes and build resilience against chronic dysphoria.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Ask for what you need, say no with self-respect and handle abandonment fears and conflict cycles.
At iRely, DBT is delivered in both individual therapy and skills groups, giving you structured practice that carries beyond residential care.
Our Treatment Modalities
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Individual sessions explore the experiences behind these patterns, connecting with our PTSD and addiction program.
Medication Management
No medication treats personality disorder itself, but it can target co-occurring depression, anxiety, mood instability or psychosis.
Group Therapy
Practice interpersonal skills in real time, get honest feedback and experience connection with clear boundaries.
Family Therapy
Sessions help loved ones respond in ways that support recovery instead of reinforcing the cycle.
Holistic Therapies
Yoga, mindfulness and expressive arts support the emotional regulation work at the heart of DBT.
What to Expect in Our Program
Step 1: Stabilize
Safety comes first. Medical detox, if needed, is coordinated before deeper clinical work begins.
Step 2: Assess
Within 72 hours you complete a psychiatric evaluation, clinical intake and a treatment planning session with your primary therapist.
Step 3: Build Skills
Individual therapy at least twice weekly, DBT skills groups five days a week and psychiatry check-ins. Family involvement starts in week one.
Step 4: Step Down
Most clients stay 30 to 90 days before moving to PHP or IOP. Your timeline follows clinical progress, and discharge planning starts early.
The goal is not just sobriety. It is a fundamentally different relationship with your emotions, your relationships and yourself.
Residential Level of Care: ASAM 3.5
iRely Recovery operates at ASAM Level 3.5, the highest level of non-hospital residential care. We are Joint Commission-accredited and DHCS-licensed (License #191516AP), with 24-hour supervised care. This level removes the triggers and relational chaos that sustain the cycle while providing the clinical contact needed to build durable skills.
Many clients then step down to our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), with our care coordination team maintaining continuity. We also treat related conditions such as bipolar disorder, which often overlaps with personality disorder presentations.
Why Choose iRely Recovery
DBT-Trained Team
DBT is foundational to our clinical model for these diagnoses, not one option on a menu.
Integrated Dual Diagnosis
Personality disorder and addiction are treated as one clinical picture from day one, with no hand-offs.
Accredited, ASAM 3.5
Joint Commission accreditation and ASAM 3.5 certification for complex dual diagnosis cases.
Insurance-Friendly
We accept most PPO plans and complete a no-cost benefits verification within 24 hours of your call.
Los Angeles Setting
Located in Sherwood Forest, close to family, work and the support networks that matter in recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is borderline personality disorder curable?
BPD is highly treatable, and research consistently shows that most people experience significant symptom reduction with appropriate clinical intervention. Studies tracking BPD patients over ten years find that the majority achieve remission of core symptoms. Rather than “curable,” the outcomes that evidence-based treatment supports are better described as: substantially better, capable of stable relationships, and able to build a meaningful life. These outcomes are achievable with sustained, appropriate treatment.
How long does personality disorder treatment take?
The timeline varies by individual. ASAM 3.5 residential treatment typically ranges from 30 to 90 days for the intensive phase. Because personality disorders involve deeply ingrained patterns, ongoing outpatient treatment after residential care is strongly recommended. DBT skills groups are often delivered over six months to a year to ensure that skill acquisition is thorough and durable in everyday life.
Does insurance cover personality disorder treatment?
Most PPO insurance plans cover dual diagnosis treatment for personality disorders under mental health parity laws. Coverage details depend on your specific plan. Our admissions team offers a no-cost benefits verification to confirm what your plan covers before you make any decisions. Call 818-351-1193.
What is the difference between personality disorder treatment and general mental health treatment?
Personality disorders require specialized, evidence-based approaches like DBT rather than standard supportive therapy alone. A therapist with general mental health training may not have DBT certification or the specific competencies needed to work with the emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and relational patterns that personality disorders involve. At iRely Recovery, our team is specifically trained for this clinical work.
Can someone with antisocial personality disorder benefit from treatment?
Yes. ASPD responds to treatment, particularly approaches that focus on impulse regulation, accountability structures, and identifying prosocial reinforcement. Residential dual diagnosis treatment provides the structured environment and clinical intensity that outpatient work alone often cannot match. Progress may be slower and requires sustained engagement, but meaningful change is documented in the research and in clinical practice.
How do I get my loved one into personality disorder treatment?
You cannot force an adult into treatment, but you can have a direct, compassionate conversation about what you are seeing and make the next step as easy as possible. Our admissions team can walk you through how to approach this conversation and what options exist, including support for families navigating this situation. Call 818-351-1193.
Start Personality Disorder Treatment in Los Angeles Today
For Individuals and Families
If you or someone you love is struggling with a personality disorder and substance use, the combination of symptoms you are dealing with deserves specialized, integrated treatment. Our admissions team is available to answer questions, verify your insurance benefits, and walk you through what care at iRely Recovery looks like. Call 818-351-1193 or submit our online contact form to take the first step.
For Healthcare Providers
iRely Recovery welcomes referrals for patients with complex dual diagnosis presentations including personality disorders. We work collaboratively with referring providers and offer progress updates throughout the episode of care. To refer a patient or discuss a clinical case, call 818-351-1193 or contact our clinical team directly.
