Understanding Personality Problems and Addiction

Part of Hazelden’s Co-occurring Disorders Series
Revised Edition
Authors: Richard Fields, PhD, and Russell Vandenbelt, MD

This brief, easy-to-read pamphlet provides information on a variety of topics related to personality problems and addiction, treatment, and recovery.

Excerpt from the Introduction:
“The way you interact with others has a major influence on recovery from substance dependence.  However, personality problems are an often misunderstood and ignored aspect of recovery.  Personality problems influence both the potential for relapse, and the quality of recovery from substance dependence.

Just as breaking through the denial of problems with alcohol and/or drugs is a first step in recovery, identifying that you have personality traits that cause problems in relationships is a first step in recovery from personality problems and addiction.”