Originally Posted by
NYCDoglvr 
I don't know about the statistics, but I've read that the majority of alcoholics also suffer from a mental illness (depression and bipolar are most common). Frequently drinking/using is a way of self-medicating. Remember, alcoholism itself is a mental illness.
The problem is that we pick someone like this, we're attracted to them. I learned I was responsible because I pick someone who has major problems and stay with him. If I let someone -- anyone -- abuse me then it's really my fault.
I would be more likely to believe mental illness is a causal factor than personality disorders. Except I'm pretty sure the research has shown that the relationship between the two is that people with mental illnesses are simply more vulnerable to abuse alcohol. But then that puts us right back to the question of whether or not alcoholism is a disease.