Dealing with addiction is tough, whether you’re going through it yourself or watching a loved one struggle. Finding the right treatment can make a big difference in recovery. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has shown great promise in helping people overcome addiction.
Understanding what DBT is, what’s involved in DBT, how it’s used as part of addiction treatment, and its benefits can help those struggling with addiction.
What Is DBT?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that focuses on the psychosocial part of treatment. Psychologist Marsha Linehan created DBT in the 1970s originally to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). Since then, it has been adapted and implemented for other conditions including addiction.1
The “dialectical” part of DBT refers to the synthesis of opposites, particularly the concepts of acceptance and change. DBT helps individuals accept their current reality while simultaneously working towards change. This balance is crucial in treating addiction, where acceptance of one’s circumstances and commitment to change are both necessary for recovery.
DBT focuses on four main areas:1
- Mindfulness: This core skill teaches individuals to be fully present in the moment, increasing awareness and reducing impulsivity.
- Distress Tolerance: These skills help individuals tolerate and survive crises without resorting to self-destructive behaviors.
- Emotional Regulation: This component involves understanding and managing intense emotions that might lead to substance use.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: These skills help improve communication and relationship-building to foster supportive environments for recovery.
What’s Involved in DBT?
DBT involves a structured and multifaceted approach that integrates several key components to support individuals in their recovery journey. Here’s what is involved in DBT:
Individual Therapy
Clients participate in one-on-one sessions with a trained DBT therapist. These sessions are tailored to each individual’s needs and focus on specific problems related to addiction and emotional dysregulation. The therapist helps the client apply DBT skills to real-life situations, providing personalized guidance and support.
Group Skills Training
In addition to individual therapy, clients participate in group sessions to learn and practice DBT skills. These sessions are typically held weekly and cover the four main DBT skill areas. Group training allows clients to share experiences, offer mutual support, and learn from each other.
Phone Coaching
Between therapy sessions, clients have access to phone coaching for additional support. This service allows clients to reach out to their therapist during times of crisis or when they need help using their DBT skills in their day-to-day life. Phone coaching ensures that clients receive consistent support, helping them navigate challenging situations and reinforcing the skills they learn in therapy.
Therapist Consultation Team
Therapists practicing DBT are part of a consultation team that meets regularly to discuss their cases. These meetings help therapists stay motivated as well as ensuring that they deliver high-quality care to their clients. The consultation team approach fosters a collaborative and supportive environment for therapists, which, in turn, benefits clients.
Diary Cards and Homework
Clients use diary cards to track their emotions, urges, and behaviors daily. This practice helps clients and therapists identify patterns and triggers, making it easier to address underlying issues. Homework assignments are also a common part of DBT addiction recovery, allowing clients to practice skills between sessions and reinforce their learning.
How DBT Is Used in Addiction Treatment
DBT has been adapted to address the unique challenges of addiction. DBT for addiction focuses on helping individuals understand the underlying emotional issues that contribute to substance abuse. Here’s how DBT and addiction treatment work together:
Addressing triggers. DBT helps individuals identify and understand the triggers that lead to substance use. By recognizing these triggers, clients can develop strategies to manage them without turning to drugs or alcohol.
Building coping skills. DBT teaches practical skills for coping with stress, cravings, and negative emotions. These skills include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Reducing self-destructive behaviors. DBT aims to reduce self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse, by promoting healthier alternatives. Clients learn to replace harmful behaviors with positive ones that support their recovery.
Enhancing motivation. DBT treatment for addiction helps individuals stay motivated throughout their recovery journey. By setting achievable goals and celebrating progress, clients can maintain their commitment to sobriety.
10 Benefits of DBT for Addiction Recovery
DBT offers a range of benefits for those struggling with addiction. Here are some key advantages of using DBT therapy for addiction recovery:
- Long-Term Emotional Stability: DBT equips individuals with the skills needed to maintain emotional stability long-term. By continually practicing mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques, clients can achieve lasting emotional balance, which is crucial for sustained recovery.
- Improved Problem-Solving Skills: DBT enhances an individual’s ability to solve problems effectively. By learning to approach issues with a calm and rational mindset, clients can navigate challenges more successfully without substance use.
- Resilience Building: DBT fosters resilience by teaching individuals how to handle adversity and bounce back from setbacks. This resilience is vital in recovery, as it helps clients cope with the inevitable challenges and stressors that arise.
- Empowerment Through Self-Management: DBT encourages self-management and personal responsibility. Clients learn to take control of their recovery by actively applying DBT skills in their daily lives, leading to a greater sense of empowerment and autonomy.
- Enhanced Self-Esteem: Through DBT, individuals often experience an increase in self-esteem and self-worth. As they successfully manage their emotions and behaviors, they build confidence in their ability to maintain sobriety and improve their lives.
- Holistic Well-Being: DBT addresses various aspects of well-being, including emotional, mental, and social health. This holistic approach ensures that clients receive comprehensive care that supports their overall well-being and enhances their quality of life.
- Structured Framework: The structured nature of DBT provides clients with a clear framework for their recovery. This structure helps individuals stay focused and organized in their efforts to overcome addiction, providing a roadmap for their journey.
- Increased Adaptability: DBT helps individuals become more adaptable in the face of change. By learning to accept and navigate life’s uncertainties, clients can handle transitions and adjustments without reverting to substance use.
- Supportive Community: The group component of DBT fosters a sense of community and support among clients. Sharing experiences and learning from peers can be incredibly motivating and reassuring, reducing feelings of isolation.
- Focus on Acceptance and Change: DBT’s dual emphasis on acceptance and change helps clients find a balanced approach to recovery. By accepting their current state while working towards positive change, individuals can make meaningful progress without becoming overwhelmed.
Try DBT for Addiction Recovery Today With Lumina Recovery
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a powerful tool in the fight against addiction. By focusing on emotional regulation, stress management, and healthy relationships, DBT provides individuals with the skills they need to achieve and maintain sobriety.
At Lumina Recovery, we offer both dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to provide comprehensive support for addiction recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about integrating DBT into your personalized treatment plan.
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