Treatment programs for substance use disorder (SUD) use a range of therapy methods, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), to help people heal from the disease of addiction. DBT is an excellent tool for individuals in recovery. According to Addiction Science and Clinical Practice, “The simultaneous embrace of acceptance and change in DBT is consistent with the philosophical approach found in Twelve-Step programs.”
Many people in recovery come to rely on the 12-Step philosophy to maintain long-term sobriety. Lighthouse Recovery Texas uses aspects of DBT in all our rehabilitation programs to help clients heal and move forward in their recovery.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
DBT is a form of talk therapy that focuses on the ideas of acceptance and change. Clients are encouraged to accept the reality of their circumstances. At the same time, they are challenged to make positive changes that will improve their outlook on life. Although these two goals may seem opposing, DBT uses them to help individuals recovering from SUD establish new routines, thought patterns, and behaviors.
DBT is especially useful for individuals who struggle with the following issues:
- Frequently feeling overwhelmed by emotions
- Suicidal ideations or self-harming behaviors
- Anxiety or trauma disorders
- Impulsive behaviors
- Relationship issues and interpersonal conflicts
Addiction treatment centers often use DBT to help clients learn emotion regulation, effective communication, and mindfulness. The skills developed during individual therapy sessions can help some people overcome ambivalence and embrace positive change.
Mindfulness and Self-Acceptance
Before someone can truly heal from SUD, they must accept the realities of their situation. DBT encourages self-acceptance through mindfulness and increased self-awareness. Recognizing the need for change motivates some people to make necessary lifestyle changes they may have previously avoided.
DBT increases mindfulness by helping clients do the following:
- Focus on specific thoughts, ideas, or beliefs
- Analyze internal and external conflicts
- Use relaxation techniques to strengthen the mind-body connection
- Link thoughts and beliefs to behaviors
- Learn to recognize maladaptive or unproductive thoughts and behaviors
Peer interactions are an essential source of support, encouragement, and accountability for many people in recovery. Establishing and maintaining healthy relationships is vital to long-term recovery from SUD. DBT guides clients through learning interpersonal conflict resolution and other skills that will help them build social bonds.
How Does Dialectal Behavior Therapy Treat Addiction?
Addiction symptoms involve compulsive, risk-taking behaviors as well as compulsive, intrusive thoughts. Therapy methods like DBT reduce those symptoms and decrease a person’s risk of developing co-occurring mental health issues. A research study published in Psychiatry (Edgmont) reported that when DBT was used to treat SUD, the results “showed greater reductions in drug use during the 12-month treatment and . . . lower drop out rates during treatment.” The therapy effectively helps clients cope with stressors and regulate emotions during treatment and long-term recovery.
What Are the Advantages of Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
One of the primary advantages of DBT is how effectively it can address seemingly opposing issues. The goal of this therapy is to help clients feel productive and fulfilled. Many people accomplish this by focusing on the following during DBT sessions:
- Eliminating maladaptive behaviors
- Creating a healthy environment that supports positive mental health
- Identifying and replacing unproductive thought patterns
DBT at Lighthouse Recovery Texas benefits clients and their families by making it easier for them to do the following:
- Collaborate with the care team
- Practice self-acceptance and make positive changes
- Develop essential skills
- Receive and provide empathetic support
- Encourage behavioral and cognitive changes
The adaptability and relevance of DBT in SUD treatment make it an excellent tool for addiction rehab facilities.
Who Benefits Most From DBT?
The care team at Lighthouse Recovery Texas uses comprehensive assessments to determine what approach to treatment will provide the best outcome for each client. We personalized our programs to ensure that individuals with co-occurring disorders have the mental health support they need to recover.
Many clients benefit from attending regular DBT sessions to overcome issues related to SUD. In addition, DBT is an excellent option for treating dual diagnoses, including:
- Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Depression and other mood disorders
How Does Lighthouse Recovery Texas Use Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
We use DBT to help clients cope with and manage the symptoms of SUD and dual diagnosis. Every client has access to DBT and other forms of therapy while participating in any of our programs. The mental health experts at our facility use aspects of DBT in individual and group therapy during our weekly sessions.
Our care team can help individuals in treatment learn to regulate their emotions, process past trauma, and feel more confident about their long-term recovery. We combine DBT with other therapeutic methods to accommodate the needs and preferences of our clients. Individuals actively participating in DBT may have a lower risk of relapse during early recovery.
Individuals in treatment for substance misuse can benefit from evidence-based treatments like dialectical behavior therapy. DBT focuses on helping clients accept their current circumstances while encouraging changes that will improve their quality of life. During DBT sessions, clients learn how to develop essential skills that help them resolve social conflicts and regulate their emotions. Lighthouse Recovery Texas uses DBT to treat substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorders. We can help you learn coping skills to decrease your risk of relapse during early recovery. Our facility provides recovery treatment and support for individuals living in and around Dallas, TX. To find out more about our services and programs, call us today at (214) 396-0259.
