- 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