The major questions when considering substance abuse/dependence and personality are how these two constructs are related and how they interact. A review of the prevalence literature since 1986 documenting the co-occurrence of substance abuse disorders and personality disorders is presented in this study. Sampled are substance abuse and personality disorder treatment populations in the United States and Europe. The instruments used to assess the correlation between substance abuse/dependence and personality disorders include: (1) self reports; (2) clinical interviews; (3) the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory; and (4) the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory. Consistent with earlier findings, there exists a high correlation between substance abuse/dependence and personality disorders in both treatment and nontreatment samples. Diagnostic treatment implications for dual diagnosis patients are briefly considered. Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment need to consider both Axis I and Axis II disorders. The 12-step model of Alcoholics Anonymous is recommended because it addresses both types of disorders. Contains 45 references. (SR)