Borderline personality disorder is an incredibly challenging mental health condition. The emotional intensity, impulsivity and difficulty regulating relationships can take a toll – and alcohol becomes a coping mechanism for many. Unfortunately, drinking to self-soothe often backfires, especially when it leads to blackouts.
If you have BPD and frequently use alcohol to manage your symptoms, you must understand the health risks associated with doing so and why you need dual-diagnosis treatment for lasting recovery.
What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?
BPD is a complex mental health condition characterized by:
- Extreme emotional instability
- Intense fear of abandonment
- Impulsive behaviors
- Unstable relationships
- Chronic feelings of emptiness
- Episodes of intense anger or sadness
- Self-harming behaviors or suicidal ideation
People with BPD often experience overwhelming emotions that seem impossible to control. Many turn to substances like alcohol in an effort to escape these painful feelings.
Why People With BPD May Abuse Alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant that provides short-lived relief from the distress that comes with BPD. You may drink to ease social anxiety, escape unpleasant feelings or stop a cycle of obsessive thoughts.
While alcohol may seem like a quick fix, it often leads to worsened BPD symptoms, increased emotional volatility and dangerous consequences – including blackouts.
What Are Alcohol Blackouts?
A blackout is a form of alcohol-induced amnesia. It happens when your blood alcohol concentration rapidly increases, interfering with your brain’s ability to form new memories.
There are two primary types of blackouts.
- Brownouts: Fragmentary memory loss with some recall possible.
- Complete blackouts: No memory of events that happened while you were drinking, even when prompted.
Contrary to popular belief, blacking out is not the same as passing out. A person experiencing a blackout may appear outwardly functional, lucid and coherent – but they won’t remember any of the things they did or said during that time.
The Risks of Alcohol Blackouts With BPD
Drinking to the point of blacking out can be especially dangerous if you have BPD. The combination of impulsivity, intense emotions and poor memory can lead to:
- Risky or self-destructive behaviors like unsafe sex, reckless driving or compulsive shopping
- Violent or volatile interactions with others
- Relationship breakdowns
- Physical harm or self-injury
- Legal or financial trouble
- Increased suicidal ideation
Because BPD makes you more vulnerable to emotional dysregulation, the aftermath of a blackout – including confusion, guilt, shame or damaged relationships – can significantly worsen your mental health.
What Frequent Blackouts Could Mean for You
Regularly drinking to the point of memory loss can indicate alcohol use disorder. Additional warning signs include:
- Drinking more than you intended or being unable to stop
- Believing you need alcohol to function socially or emotionally
- Drinking alone or in secret
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Prioritizing alcohol over responsibilities
When BPD and alcohol misuse overlap, it is a dual diagnosis – and it requires integrated, professional treatment that addresses both conditions simultaneously.
Treating BPD and Alcohol Addiction Together
Hope by the Sea’s treatment professionals understand the unique challenges that come with co-occurring disorders like BPD and alcohol use disorder. Our dual-diagnosis program offers a personalized, evidence-based approach that includes:
- Individual and group therapy using evidence-based methods
- Psychiatric care and medication management
- Relapse prevention and life skills training
- 12-step principles that help you maintain a sober lifestyle
Recovery requires you to address the root causes of your self-destructive behavior as you learn healthy emotional regulation skills and build a network of supportive friends and family members.
Get Help at Hope by the Sea
Self-medicating BPD with alcohol will ultimately compound your problems, undermine your relationships and make it harder for you to heal. Hope by the Sea offers compassionate, effective treatment for people living with co-occurring mental and behavioral disorders.
Don’t let alcohol continue to take control. Reach out to us today to request help and learn more about our family-owned California rehab.