kathy ireland® Recovery Centers

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Multiple evidence-based therapies exist for treating substance use disorders (SUDs), including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a type of talk therapy that encourages emotion processing and behavioral changes. Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and co-occurring SUD benefit most from DBT sessions because it is especially effective for treating BPD. Dialectical behavior therapy enhances other treatments by doing the following: 

  • Decreases risk-taking and self-harming behaviors or thought patterns
  • Provides a safe space to learn behavioral skills and emotion processing
  • Teaches emotional reasoning and critical thinking skills
  • Decreases levels of emotional distress

Research published in the journal Addiction Science & Clinical Practice reported that “quantitative results indicated reductions in binge drinking and use of Class A, B and C drug use from pre-intervention to the 6-month follow-up” and “additionally, significant improvements were noted for mindfulness practice and DBT skills use.” Other noted benefits include “significant reductions in dysfunctional coping and emotional dysregulation.”

At our kathy ireland® Recovery Centers, we use a combination of effective evidence-based treatment and therapies to provide a holistic approach to care to ensure your emotional and physical well-being. As such, we often use DBT alongside other talk therapies. Our clinical team will collaborate with you to determine how best to approach your treatment.

What Sets Dialectical Behavior Therapy Apart?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) combines two different concepts that might, on the surface, appear contradictory: change and acceptance. On the one hand, it might seem unusual to insist on finding healthy ways to change while also pushing acceptance of your diagnosis and what it means for your life. However, they work well together to encourage healing and growth.

A therapist works with you to help you identify and process emotions to lower risks associated with substance use disorder. Your therapist also guides you through learning healthier thought patterns and building new behavioral routines meant to support your recovery. You can use change and acceptance to improve self-acceptance, self-confidence, and self-efficacy. All of our locations offer DBT if your clinicians believe it will ensure you get the most out of your treatment. In DBT, you use the following techniques:

  • Emotion regulation
  • Mindfulness
  • Meditation
  • Interpersonal communication and skill development
  • Distress tolerance skills

Combining Therapy Methods for SUD Treatment

The experienced staff at our facilities incorporate a variety of therapeutic tools to make sure you get the individual support you need to feel confident in your recovery. At kathy ireland® Recovery Centers , we use DBT and alternative talk therapies, sometimes in combination, to ensure the therapy connects with you and meets your needs during treatment. Your case manager and clinical team will check in with your progress and adjust your treatment plan as necessary to ensure that the therapies we use provide you with the best outcome. Alternative therapy options that may be used with DBT include: 

  • Meditation
  • Mindfulness-based exercises
  • Breathwork

You can learn more about the therapy methods available at our locations by visiting our Treatment Services page.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Substance Use Disorder

Research published in Addiction Science & Clinical Practice showed that when psychiatric services were compared in the year before and after treatment for individuals treated for substance use disorder using DBT, there was a significant decrease in the following:

  • Hospitalization (77% less)
  • Partial hospitalization (76% less)
  • Crisis intervention (56% less)
  • Emergency room contact (80% less)

How DBT Can Improve Your Treatment Outcome

You attend therapy and treatment to find a new way to look at the world and process what has happened to you in the past. While there are many ways to achieve those goals, it is important to match you with the psychiatric method that will help you the most. Before accepting you for treatment, we conduct a comprehensive admissions assessment to learn how to approach your therapy for optimal results. Often this is when our clinicians will determine if DBT is going to be something you would benefit from during rehabilitation. Dialectical behavioral therapy can successfully facilitate the following: 

  • Improving motivation for change
  • Increasing ability to cope with stressors
  • Developing new healthier behaviors
  • Creating a structured therapy environment

Acceptance and change give you a new perspective on recovery and can help you achieve your goals. DBT makes it easier to reach them by doing the following: 

  • Decreasing or eliminating symptoms related to withdrawal and co-occurring mental health disorders
  • Decreasing cravings and increasing the ability to cope with triggers or intrusive thoughts
  • Decreasing unwanted or maladaptive behaviors
  • Increased community support
Happy group of friends outside

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Aftercare Services

Aftercare services are available to our alumni and anyone who completes our treatment programs. The case managers at kathy ireland® Recovery Centers make sure your progress meets expectations and give you information about aftercare resources, including individual therapists and group support, to keep you moving forward in your recovery.

If you find that dialectical behavioral therapy has been useful for you and you would like to continue attending the same type of therapy when you leave our program, we can get information about professionals in your community who offer DBT. Many disorders that DBT is used to treat come with mild to severe side effects that may be chronic. We ensure you get the continuing care and support you need to keep healing.

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a valuable therapeutic tool for overcoming addiction.

We practice holistic care at kathy ireland® Recovery Centers which includes using a variety of psychotherapy approaches to help you learn new ways to cope and process your emotions. Learn more by calling us today:
(603) 619-1132.

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