The effects of avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) can interfere with one’s ability to form healthy relationships. Although many individuals with AVPD prefer to be alone, the effects of the condition can still feel isolating. AVPD is commonly linked with co-occurring mental health conditions that can often worsen the condition. Therefore, social support is a critical part of the healing process. Fortunately, moving forward with an alumni program at Avalon Malibu can help a person better cope with this condition and live a more socially connected lifestyle.
What Is Avoidant Personality Disorder?
Research indicates that AVPD involves a pervasive pattern of extreme sensitivity to rejection, social anxiety, and intense feelings of inadequacy. Although this pattern can be off-putting, many individuals diagnosed with AVPD still yearn for deep companionship with others. There is no direct cause of AVPD, but various factors play a role in the development of the psychiatric disorder.
Clinicians have considered many factors, including an individual’s childhood upbringing, genetic predisposition, and history of environmental exposure. Additionally, certain medical conditions are known to damage neurons and change an individual’s nervous system responses. These are a few of the conditions that are often linked with personality disorders:
- Cerebrovascular diseases
- Head trauma
- Epilepsy
- Cerebral tumors
- Huntington’s disease
- Endocrine disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Neurosyphilis
- Heavy metal poisoning
- Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
The Effects of Avoidant Personality Disorder
It is common for those with AVPD to feel timid around others in social settings. AVPD symptoms may not be the same for everyone. However, those with AVPD commonly focus intensely on their shortcomings.
A person with AVPD may attempt to develop new connections with others only if they foresee long-term benefits from the relationship. Then, a failed relationship and rejection may feel so intense that some individuals with AVPD may choose to be alone rather than risk another bad relationship outcome. Additional AVPD symptoms include:
- Being easily hurt when others disapprove of them
- Putting up a guard in intimate relationships
- Avoiding engagement with other individuals
- Feeling self-conscious in social settings out of fear of doing or saying the wrong thing
- Avoiding onsite work or certain activities that involve social connection
- Assuming life events are often worse than they are in reality
- Having challenges with cognitive distortions
The Likelihood of Co-Occurring Conditions
According to Psychology Research and Behavior Management, AVPD is commonly linked with substance use disorder (SUD). For example, some individuals with AVPD attempt to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol to mask their symptoms.
Even though this is quite common, prolonged addiction often leads to co-occurring SUD. A dual diagnosis left unaddressed puts a person at risk of enduring serious complications such as falling into a coma, disability, overdose, and even death.
Those with AVPD also have an increased likelihood of developing chronic depression and having suicidal ideation or attempts. The psychiatric disorder has been reported to increase an individual’s risk for developing postpartum depression and anxiety as well. AVPD is also commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), binge eating disorder, and anorexia nervosa.
The Importance of Social Support for Avoidant Personality Disorder
According to the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, it is imperative for someone who is experiencing the effects of AVPD, depression, or anxiety to recognize the importance of social support for coping. Avoidance is a risk factor for worsened anxiety or depression.
Social support can help a person with AVPD to feel respected, valued, loved, and cared about by loved ones. Tangible assistance and social support can come in many different forms. Friends, teachers, social groups, family, and community support are all connected with the healing process from AVPD.
The Benefits of Engaging With Alumni at Avalon Malibu
It can be tough to move forward and overcome what may seem like a major setback that stems from unwanted triggers, cravings, and unforeseen life events. Even though some individuals with AVPD may prefer to independently transition into recovery, no one deserves to face the healing process alone. Family and friends can provide support throughout one’s recovery. However, these support people might not fully understand the severity of their loved one’s condition despite being committed to their well-being.
Knowing that social support is a critical element of recovery from AVPD and co-occurring psychiatric disorders, seeking individualized treatment through an alumni program at Avalon Malibu can help. Clients can take comfort in knowing that fellow alumni are on a similar path of renewed health and sobriety.
The alumni support group at Avalon Malibu is here to provide caring, understanding, and compassion when participants need it most. They understand the frustrations behind addiction and disabling mental health conditions. People at Avalon Malibu can empathize with other clients’ adversities more than anyone else. This connection and sense of being understood leads to improved self-esteem and confidence moving forward.
When you join the alumni support group at Avalon Malibu, you are in a safe space where you can exist free from judgment. During these weekly Zoom meetings, you’re met with listening ears that can give you advice applicable to your challenges, such as recovery after discharge, mindfulness, current events, involvement in therapy, and more. Alumni support begins during your recovery in residential treatment, when you will be contacted by our alumni coordinator, Ronnie Powers, to arrange to meet with members who identify with your struggles. Ronnie is a certified addiction treatment counselor (CATC) with more than 14 years in the recovery industry. Call Avalon Malibu at (844) 857-5992 to gain alumni support for a more effective recovery.Â
