I would like to share something on my experience with BDP and a 12 step program. As someone who has been diagnosed with BPD it's not surprising I've struggled with substance abuse. It got to the point recently where I decided to join Narcotics Anonymous, I knew I needed help. I knew NA was the right path to address my substance misuse as it works for most addicts out there. What's interesting is how working the 12 steps has significantly helped with my BPD symptoms, and I wanted to share because so much BPD treatment like DBT is expensive and often accompanied by long waiting lists... NA or AA, or any other 12 step program (they also have ones for eating disorders, co-dependency and sex/love addiction) is free and widely available. So much of what I've picked up in NA resonates with my experience with DBT and other forms of therapy. Ultimately NA has helped more with BDP than with any therapy. Here are a few observations summed up.

1. The group works by creating connections to overcome addiction. A lot of BPD revolves around an inability to form meaningful connections. The simple act of meeting with a group of people a couple of times a week who are actively trying to form healthier connections really rubs off on you, I've found myself feeling less lonely.
2. On the same topic of relationships, many of us suffer from issues around co-dependency or the dreaded FP (basically being addicted to someone...) When I joined I had recently lost my FP and was struggling. I came to realise that I had been addicted to this person and was able to apply the really simple program to how I viewed my relationship with this person. I feel I am much more aware now of how I form connections with people and how to avoid feeling emotionally dependent on someone. The whole FP thing was so unhealthy for me, for my emotions to be completely dependent on someone else's attitude towards me became exhausting, as I'm sure you guys know.
3. That feeling of chronic emptiness and feeling like a piece of shit...gone (almost). This is a program that works on building up your self-worth through really simple acts, much of the program's success depends on addicts helping one another. It's so simple, people help you and you help them and slowly you start to feel like less of a piece of shit. The feeling of community is a great way to cope with feeling empty in my experience. Once you get more involved you get involved in service whether thats just helping out at your local meeting, helping out at institutions or eventually sponsoring someone in their recovery. Don't underestimate what simple service can do for your self-esteem.
4. Those pesky volatile emotions...much easier. 12 step programs also centre around meditation and the concept of sitting with emotions and letting them pass. I am by no means Buddha yet but sometimes just the act of going to sit in a room of people and listening to a reading acts as a form of meditation. I have noticed that since cutting out all substances entirely and starting to be more mindful, a key element of DBT I am less volatile, I still feel crazy ups and downs but I am much more able to sit through them.
5. It's almost like free group therapy. During every meeting, there is a sharing portion, where you are free to speak about what's on your mind and it doesn't necessarily have to be substance-related. When you are surrounded by addicts you realise how much of an overlap there is between BPD and addiction. You will hear people share about their toxic relationships, impulsiveness, depression and isolation and you can share about yours too. This is an incredibly healing process and takes place in a completely non-judgemental zone. I have rarely shared about my BPD symptoms and not been met by many people who relate afterwards.

Finally, if you do decide to go do not be put off by the God/Higher Power concept. The program can be worked without any belief in God or spirituality... there's much written on the subject and even special meetings for Atheists.