What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) & How Does It Aid in Recovery?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a psychotherapy developed to treat severe psychosocial disorders, including borderline personality disorder, and has expanded to help with anxiety, PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders. It enables individuals to regulate intense emotions and manage self-destructive behaviors by striking a balance between self-criticism and the motivation for change. DBT achieves this through skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, promoting lasting behavioral changes and long-term healing in recovery.

What is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)  used for? DBT was initially developed to treat those with severe psychosocial disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, and those who are chronically suicidal. It has adapted to include other mental health issues like anxiety, PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders. This type of psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, aims to help people with emotional regulation and distress tolerance. However, DBT and addiction treatment often go hand-in-hand as well.

How can DBT aid in substance abuse recovery? DBT helps individuals manage the divide between self-criticism and the motivation to change, a struggle that those battling substance use can face daily. How does DBT differ from other therapies for mental health? The term “dialectical” refers to the concept of balancing opposing forces, enabling a person to achieve self-acceptance while also acknowledging the need for growth.

Can DBT help with borderline personality disorder recovery? Yes, and it is also used for conditions such as PTSD or DBT in addiction treatment. Who benefits most from dialectical behavior therapy? DBT is most effective for those who experience intense emotions and self-destructive behaviors and have difficulty regulating their emotions. It is also a helpful option for those who have not found success with other types of treatment. How does DBT promote lasting change in mental health? Patients of DBT learn skills to use in their daily lives that help them avoid harmful behaviors, which is an effective tool in substance abuse.

The benefits of dialectical behavioral therapy in recovery are many. The effectiveness of DBT has been demonstrated in reducing symptoms of various mental health conditions, decreasing risky behavior, and improving emotional regulation. Developed by American psychologist Marsha Linehan, DBT has evolved from a treatment focused on learning problem-solving skills to one that utilizes strategies to promote overall life changes.

DBT and Addiction

DBT and addiction treatment work well together, as DBT therapy for co-occurring mental health disorders is widely used. By integrating cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices, DBT emphasizes the development of skills that improve interpersonal effectiveness and promote emotional regulation. This approach is beneficial to someone struggling with substance use because it addresses the psychological factors of addiction and the behaviors associated with it. Mindfulness and distress tolerance in DBT recovery are imperative. At its core, DBT helps you gain a deeper understanding of emotional dysregulation – emotional response that doesn’t fall into the traditionally accepted range of emotional reaction – and how that leads to negative coping mechanisms such as substance abuse.

Learning skills to enhance self-awareness and improve relationships is a way DBT empowers you to make healthier choices and sustain recovery with the proper mental health treatment.

Finding Balance with DBT

What are the core components of DBT? One of the major struggles faced during DBT is balancing the desire to change with self-acceptance. Understanding the underlying causes of addiction helps a person with acceptance. Learning the skills to deal with emotions and triggers helps a person to change. DBT helps holistically address these challenges through various approaches. There is a structured approach of dialectical behavior therapy for healing:

• Mindfulness. This practice of being fully present in the moment makes you aware of your thoughts and feelings. You should consider these without judgment to develop greater self-awareness and manage emotional distress.
• Distress tolerance. DBT offers skills for managing intense emotions. These skills enable you to navigate challenging situations and manage intense emotions without resorting to harmful behaviors. Techniques include self-soothing, distractions, or finding ways to accept pain temporarily rather than escaping it.
• Emotion regulation. DBT helps people identify and manage emotions in healthier ways. These strategies include understanding and labeling emotions, increasing positive emotional experiences, and reducing vulnerability to negative emotions.
• Interpersonal effectiveness. This focuses on communicating with others as well as maintaining relationships. These skills help a person learn how to express their needs, set boundaries, and navigate interactions with others.

How Dialectical Behavioral Therapy  Works

What skills are taught in dialectical behavior therapy, and how does it work? With DBT, a person will meet one-on-one with a trained therapist to discuss the underlying issues leading to substance use. They will learn new skills to deal with and regulate their emotions. You may also participate in group therapy, where you learn and practice coping tools with others.

Dialectical behavior therapy techniques for addiction differ from other types. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses more on changing negative thinking patterns, while DBT aims to regulate emotions. DBT participants are expected to focus on learning new skills, and it is essential to be consistent with treatment.

DBT in Recovery

DBT and addiction treatment work well together. Is DBT effective for addiction recovery? Absolutely. When successfully participating in DBT, a person can learn better ways to manage stress, reduce cravings, and avoid the situations that lead to substance abuse.

• Increased emotional control. How does DBT help with emotional regulation? DBT provides tools for managing emotional responses and aims to reduce the likelihood of engaging in self-destructive behaviors. People who benefit from DBT generally struggle with impulse control, intense emotions, and emotional dysregulation.
• Self-acceptance and change. Balancing growth and self-acceptance is fundamental to DBT. By learning to accept yourself as you are, you are less likely to fall into a cycle of self-criticism. At the same time, DBT provides essential tools to make meaningful life changes, fostering a sense of hope and positive outcomes.
• Improved coping skills. DBT teaches coping strategies to help individuals manage stress, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and cope with difficult emotions. This will help face the triggers that lead to substance abuse, self-harm, or other negative behaviors.
• Behavioral changes. This type of therapy is highly structured and can provide both short-term relief and long-term behavioral change. By reinforcing positive behavior while reducing harmful behaviors, DBT and recovery can make a lasting mark on your mental health.
• Improved relationships. Improving interpersonal relationships with DBT in recovery is always a primary goal. Emphasizing communication and setting boundaries helps those who struggle with relationships due to misunderstandings, impulsive behaviors, or emotional intensity.
• Long-term healing. DBT therapy is about more than dealing with an immediate issue. It focuses on strategies that help build a life worth living well. This can include developing healthier relationships, improving your emotional resilience, and pursuing meaningful goals.

DBT in addiction treatment as a therapeutic approach has proven to be an integral part of substance abuse treatment and is a desirable option for many. If you are interested in learning more about DBT and how it can help your recovery journey, or are struggling with substance abuse and need help, speak with an admissions specialist today.