Customized and science-based treatment is the modern standard for effective substance rehab programs. The single most common form of this treatment is psychotherapy. Multiple kinds of psychotherapy may play a role in your drug or alcohol recovery. One of the most effective options for many people is dialectical behavior therapy or DBT. Why is DBT so valuable as an addiction treatment? It teaches essential skills to help you get sober and remain substance-free.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Addiction Treatment?
DBT was not initially developed as an addiction treatment. Instead, it was designed to help people affected by borderline personality disorder. However, research showed that the therapy could provide benefits for a much broader segment of society. That includes people in recovery from substance use disorders.
The basics of DBT for addiction treatment are the same as those for treating other conditions. The same holds true for DBT for substance abuse. All dialectical behavior therapy programs aim to help you change your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in positive ways.
They achieve this goal by doing two main things. First, they help you accept the reality of life as someone affected by addiction. This acceptance is followed by active steps to change your situation for the better. The dialogue between acceptance and change is the unique hallmark of the DBT method.
DBT for Dual Diagnosis
DBT is not only valuable for addiction treatment. It can also help you recover from any mental illnesses that occur along with addiction. The combination of these mental health challenges is known as dual diagnosis.
DBT for Addiction Treatment – Learning Acceptance Skills
Two acceptance-based skills are emphasized in DBT programs. The first of these skills is mindfulness, or the ability to pay attention to what’s happening in the moment. Your therapist will help you cultivate mindfulness by doing things such as:
- Observing your current reality without judgment
- Describing your current reality as factually as possible
- Learning how to focus on one behavior or action at a time
The second acceptance-based skill you will learn is known as distress tolerance. This term describes your ability to tolerate unpleasant or painful thoughts and feelings without reacting negatively.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Addiction Treatment – Learning How to Change
Acceptance is not enough to recover from serious drug or alcohol problems. For this reason, change is crucial to effective DBT for substance abuse and addiction. This form of therapy emphasizes two specific change-based skills. The first of these skills is learning how to regulate your emotions. This process includes:
- Becoming aware of your various emotional states
- Understanding how these states affect your day-to-day behavior
- Developing the ability to shift from one emotional state to another
- Responding to specific situations in emotionally appropriate ways
The second change-based skill in DBT is known as interpersonal effectiveness. This skill increases your ability to interact with other people in healthy ways. It does so, in part, by helping you clearly state your wants and needs. In addition, interpersonal effectiveness allows you to say no to other people while still respecting them.
Get More Information on DBT for Addiction Treatment at Memphis Recovery Centers
Dialectical behavior therapy is known to support effective drug and alcohol rehab. Want to learn more about how you can benefit from DBT for addiction treatment? The specialists at Memphis Recovery Centers are standing by to assist you.
DBT is part of our full slate of treatment options for treating addiction and dual diagnosis. With our help, you can make real progress toward stable sobriety. You can also ease the symptoms of any additional mental health issues affecting you. Call us today at 901-272-7751 to start your recovery, or complete our online form.
