Integrated treatment for addiction and personality disorders: principles and method

Purpose Addiction and personality disorders often co-occur. Although integrated treatment is advised, it is rarely applied. The purpose of the current paper is to describe a day treatment program in which such an integrated treatment is deployed. The goal is to inform clinicians in the field. Design/methodology/approach The guiding principles in this treatment program as well as the methods (cognitive behavioural therapy, schema therapy, group psychotherapy) and procedures of the program are outlined. Findings When offered in a methodical way, integrated treatment for addiction and personality disorders appears to be a promising treatment option. Originality/value A day treatment program for addiction and personality disorders using schema therapy has not been described before.