Drug Use, Self-Efficacy, and Coping Skills Among People with Concurrent Substance Abuse and Personality Disorders: Implications for Relapse Prevention

ABSTRACT

This study investigated drug use antecedents, abstinence self-efficacy and coping skills among people with concurrent substance abuse and personality disorders. Fifty inpatients with recent polydrug abuse were divided into two groups based upon the presence (PD) or absence (NPD) of a personality disorder. The PD group reported more often using drugs when experiencing unpleasant emotions, physical discomfort, and conflict with others. They also reported lower self-efficacy for situations involving physical discomfort and interpersonal conflict, more use of a self-blaming coping style, and lower levels of interpersonal competence. Implications for treatment are discussed in light of these findings.

KEYWORDS:

• Dual disorders
• Axis II disorders
• coping
• drug use antecedents