In 2021, more than 296 million people across the globe used drugs. But while addiction remains a global public health issue, experts use various addiction treatment approaches to curb this statistic. One powerful method is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

DBT is an evidence-based treatment approach that offers transformation — and hope — for people struggling with addiction. And if you want to learn more about how it can help a loved one, this read is for you. This blog aims to give you a comprehensive understanding of DBT, its effectiveness, its applicability to substance abuse, and how it differs from other therapies. 

What is DBT Therapy?

American psychologist Marsha Linehan developed dialectical behavior therapy in the 1980s. Its goal is to help people struggling with addiction understand and accept their feelings — and acquire skills to manage those so they can change for the better.

It primarily deals with two principles: acceptance and change. Usually, a DBT program requires a one-year commitment. During this period, substance abusers will undergo various activities.

• Pre-Treatment. In this phase, therapists evaluate individuals, identifying whether DBT is the right treatment approach. It’s also an opportunity for them to discuss what the DBT model is all about to help set their expectations. 

• Individual Therapy. This involves one-to-one sessions with a therapist. The therapist’s objective is to reduce any self-harming behaviors you exhibit, enhance your motivation, help you identify goals, and teach you ways how to achieve those.

• Skills Training (Group). People undergoing DBT will attend sessions as a group. More like an educational environment than a therapy one, it involves teaching the four core DBT skills:some text
  • Mindfulness or how one can focus better and be in the present
  • Distress tolerance or how one can cope during stressful situations
  • Interpersonal effectiveness or how one can interact with others, knowing when to ask for help and when to say no
  • Emotion regulation or how one can understand and be more in control of your emotions

• In-the-moment Coaching. Often done over the phone, it’s a way to offer real-time support, especially during an immediate crisis. 

Various research findings support the effectiveness of DBT in addressing mental illnesses. 

For instance, this study shows that after one year of treatment, 77% of patients who have undergone DBT no longer met the criteria for their borderline personality disorder (BPD), and they have significantly reduced their suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviors.

In another research that involves people with a binge-eating disorder, 56% of participants have stopped binging even after six months since their treatment ended.

For DBT sessions to be more effective, therapists also consult with fellow therapists (collectively called a DBT consultation team) who can support and provide objective assistance. 

Note that DBT is a type of talking therapy or psychotherapy based on cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT delves into a patient’s thinking, helping them understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors impact one another. DBT focuses on emotional aspects and how to validate — and cope with — them. 

Now, the difference between CBT and behavioral therapy is that the latter zeroes in on a person's observable behavior and how various environmental factors affect them. Therapists employ techniques such as positive reinforcement and exposure therapy. They treat specific behavioral concerns like phobias and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Integrating DBT Therapy Into Addiction Treatment

How does DBT fit into addiction treatment?

Many inpatient drug rehab centers integrate DBT into their programs as it has been proven to be effective in treating people with substance abuse disorders, especially those who have not responded well to other treatment approaches. 

Therapists and case managers work together to use this model to help patients regulate their emotions, boost interpersonal skills, and improve how they handle crises or stressful situations. Ultimately, the goal is to improve their will to abstain from addictive substances. 

They facilitate individual psychotherapy and group sessions to impart the aforementioned DBT skills during addiction treatment. DBT also involves using diary cards to monitor emotions and urges. Therapists can use these to identify patterns and improve coping strategies. 

DBT is also helpful in preventing or addressing relapse. Improved distress tolerance can help patients avoid giving in to their cravings. Meanwhile, in-the-moment coaching offers real-time support should they be in a high-risk situation. 

DBT, however, isn’t yet considered a stand-alone treatment for addiction. Experts use it to supplement other intervention techniques and maximize their effectiveness. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Key Benefits

Can DBT be used for substance abuse? As you have learned, DBT is a powerful component in addiction treatment. According to the American Addiction Centers, the benefits of DBT include:

• Reduction in substance abuse
• Reduction in physical discomfort associated with withdrawal
• Reduction in substance-related impulsivity, temptations, and cravings
• Avoidance of triggers and precipitating events that can prompt substance use
• Addressing problematic behaviors that cause substance dependency
• Improved interpersonal relationships, thereby establishing better support systems

People with substance addiction struggle with unique challenges, including having overwhelming urges to use drugs or drink alcohol. And once they attempt to abstain, they may also experience withdrawal symptoms that cause both physical discomfort and mental distress. As they grapple with their disorder, they also strain their relationships with others with their negative and risky behaviors.

DBT offers hope by incorporating techniques that improve core skills necessary to usher in sustainable, transformative change. 

Mindfulness practices make them more aware of their triggers and help them understand how their experiences are valid. Emotional regulation allows them to manage their emotions better, preventing intense negative feelings from driving them to substance use. Meanwhile, distress tolerance skills increase their ability to abstain from drugs or alcohol, allowing them to overcome high-risk situations with healthy coping mechanisms.

Since its development in the ‘80s, DBT has shown promise in addressing various mental health conditions, including substance abuse disorder. This therapy model uses various components like individual therapy, skills training in group settings, and in-the-moment coaching.

In addiction treatment, therapists use it in conjunction with other approaches to reduce substance abuse, their impulsivity, and the physical discomfort that comes with abstaining from drugs or alcohol. 

If someone you know suffers from substance dependency, exploring DBT as a viable treatment option is important. You must get help from professionals to determine if your loved one is suitable for such a treatment. 

Looking for a reputable addiction treatment facility in Idaho? Freedom Recovery offers the expertise and compassion of skilled therapists to help people break free from addiction. Reach out today and talk to them about dialectical behavior therapy and more.