Shelle
Do you think what you are describing could be comorbidity or self medication for underlying issues related to uBPD? It is not uncommon for people to self medicate with alcohol or for people with BPD to have substance abuse problems. If you look at the BPD criteria, issues with substance abuse are part of the illness.
My uBPDsil self medicates with alcohol and street drugs. It is a vicious cycle as the addiction fuels the illness and vice versa.
There are now dual diagnosis programs because the self medication and addiction needs to be dealt with before the mental illness can be. It's very hard.