59

The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions Study (NESARC) found higher rates of borderline personality disorder in subjects with substance dependencies as compared to the general population. In the NESARC study, 16% of subjects with alcohol dependency and 31% of subjects with drug dependency (DSM-IV criteria) presented borderline personality disorder during their lifetime. Some characteristics of borderline personality disorder, in particular impulsivity, alexithymia, attachment disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, and opiate dysregulation, are closely linked to substance abuse. It is advisable that borderline personality disorder and substance abuse should be treated simultaneously. The Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study and the McLean Study of Adult Development showed that integrated treatment reduced both substance use and borderline personality disorder symptoms. Motivational interviewing, mindfulness, art therapies, and mind-body therapies may be helpful for patients with borderline personality disorder and substance abuse comorbidity.