Dialectical Behavior Therapy For Substance Abuse

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Written by Drew Redd. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.

Finding the right rehab can cause confusion. So many therapies and terms exist that you need a dictionary to figure out what they mean. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) provide two such examples. So, how do DBT and CBT help people with substance abuse and what other behavioral treatments do you need?

About Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy work well together as two of the types of treatment you receive in a Utah rehab treatment. Both treat your substance abuse, co-occurring mental conditions, and other behavioral issues. CBT helps you understand how your thoughts influence your actions in daily life. Your therapist uses this method to help you change negative feelings and behaviors into positive ones.
Dialectical behavior therapy for substance abuse (DBT) helps reinforce what you learn in CBT. It is one type of cognitive-behavioral therapy. However, dialectical behavior therapy for substance abuse enables you to see how you react when relating to others. Through DBT, you learn how to not respond with anger, intense emotion, and fear as quickly as you did in the past.

CBT takes place in individual therapy sessions, between you and your therapist. Also, for dialectical behavior therapy for substance abuse, you visit with a therapist in private, one-on-one sessions. However, you may also participate in group therapy to add to your DBT growth.

How Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Substance Abuse Work?

As mentioned, DBT is a derivative of cognitive-behavioral therapy. In addition to analyzing previous behaviors and thoughts, it encourages individuals to accept these responses and change them. Acceptance and change are two significant parts of dialectical behavior therapy.

Typically, traditional DBT has four primary parts: individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching in the event of a crisis, and patient care. Each of these steps teaches a client how to balance their feelings with what they learn in treatment. All of these parts also provide a support system for the client, ensuring that they never feel alone during the process.

DBT is also a goal-oriented form of treatment. The primary goal of treatment is for clients to see their lives as worth living. For people struggling with substance abuse, this may have been difficult to see before. However, with dialectical behavior therapy for substance abuse, therapists and clients work together to envision a life that they’d be excited to live and determine the steps they need to take to get there.

When used in tandem with other behavioral therapies and mindfulness techniques, DBT can help clients live fulfilling lives. Additionally, they will have the skills they need to prevent relapse and maintain sobriety.

Do I Need Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Other Therapies?

At the start of your rehab program, you and your therapist work together to figure out your individual needs. Based on your needs, you and your therapist will build a treatment plan that’s unique to you. Your treatment may require dialectical behavior therapy, or perhaps any other therapies offered by your Utah substance abuse treatment center.

Ardu Recovery Center in Provo offers the therapies and treatments you need for reliable recovery. These programs help you rise up against your addiction and to change your life path.

Programs of Ardu Recovery Center include:

For your fresh start in life with greater focus and motivation, contact Ardu Recovery Center today at 801-810-1234. Rise up from your rut of addiction and start building a better life.

Drew Redd is the executive director of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy For Substance Abuse

About Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavior Therapy

How Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Substance Abuse Work?

Do I Need Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Other Therapies?

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