In recent years, many cases of substance abuse have been associated with personality disorders, although there is still a muddy grey area that researchers are trying to discern between. Of the more common instances of these dual diagnoses, there is a complicated connection between alcoholism and antisocial personality disorder, or ASPD (which is also known as dissocial personality disorder, or DPD).

ASPD

ASPD is a particular type of of personality disorder that is akin to sociopathy, in the sense that symptoms of such a disorder often involve a lack of regard for other individuals, as well as a stunted sense of common empathy. Because of this, many individuals with ASPD can often develop a troubled history with law enforcement, job history, and their own familial lives. The causes of ASPD can vary from from environmental effects of how an individual was raised, or can be more caustic, and stem from traumatic events or even brain injuries, although much research needs to be done.

Connection with Substance Abuse

As stated above, the real causes the can be associated to ASPD are often murky and indistinguishable. However, this picture becomes even more clouded when you add substance abuse into the picture, which happens at an alarmingly high rate. Research recently conducted at MArquette University has determined that roughly 90% of individuals with ASPD also abuse illicit substances, including hard drugs, but especially alcohol.

How Alcohol Hides ASPD Symptoms

Because so many people with ASPD also abuse alcohol, it is worth noting that there are many behavioral symptoms between the two that coincide, frequently. This means that it can be incredibly hard to diagnose somebody with ASPD when they are also suffering from alcoholism. However, it is incredibly important to achieve a dual diagnosis when necessary, so that an individual can seek treatment and begin to build a better life.