Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) or dual diagnosis may struggle to manage severe symptoms, including suicidal ideation. Finding healthy ways to challenge unhelpful or harmful thoughts and beliefs inspires clients to make positive lifestyle changes during treatment and aftercare. Driftwood Recovery uses dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and other evidence-based therapeutic modalities to treat SUD and mental health disorders.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
DBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on teaching emotion regulation and other skills for managing mild to severe mental health symptoms. According to Addiction Science and Clinical Practice, “When DBT is successful, the patient learns to envision, articulate, pursue, and sustain goals that are independent of his or her history of out-of-control behavior, including substance abuse, and is better able to grapple with life’s ordinary problems.” DBT focuses on providing clients with the tools to create a fulfilling life.
The term “dialectical” refers to the concept of holding two opposing ideas simultaneously. In DBT sessions, clients learn to accept their current circumstances while taking steps to make healthy changes, creating a balanced approach to recovery that fosters healing and personal growth.
Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Its Role in Treating Mental Health and Addiction
DBT was designed to treat severe mental health symptoms, including suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors. Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders (EDs), and other complex mental health issues benefit from DBT.
Many individuals with persistent severe mental health symptoms, including suicidal ideation, struggle to find meaning and purpose during treatment for substance abuse. According to the previously mentioned article by Addiction Science and Clinical Practice, “DBT includes explicit strategies for overcoming some of the most [difficult] problems that complicate treatment of both conditions, including weak treatment engagement and retention.” DBT provides clients with skills for increasing motivation and tools for making behavior changes.
How DBT Helps Manage Addictive Behavior and Substance Abuse
Clinicians use dialectical behavior therapy to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other forms of SUD. Therapy sessions teach clients to manage cravings, intrusive thoughts, and other triggers using effective coping strategies. DBT is an excellent tool for addressing co-occurring disorders during rehabilitation and aftercare. Discovering new perspectives on recovery reduces stress, decreases the severity of symptoms, and inspires clients to remain committed to regaining control of their lives.
DBT in Different Treatment Settings: Residential and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
Dialectical behavior therapy provides a compassionate and holistic approach to healing that prepares clients for lasting sobriety. Driftwood Recovery offers DBT sessions in all treatment settings, including:
- Residential care
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Aftercare and alumni services
DBT teaches critical skills for improving mental health and coping with symptoms related to SUD or dual diagnosis. Every treatment program uses DBT when appropriate to help clients develop healthy patterns of behavior and thinking. Dialectical behavior therapy promotes mindfulness-based exercises and offers tools for increasing self-awareness. Clinicians guide clients through learning effective techniques for regulating emotions, reducing stress, anger management, and other essential skills.
The Role of Family Therapy in DBT for Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Family therapy plays a vital role in supporting recovery for individuals with substance abuse and mental health disorders. Often, individuals participating in DBT have a history of suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviors, or other severe mental health issues. Creating healthier family dynamics using a combination of DBT and family therapy reduces the risk of self-destructive thoughts and behaviors by providing clients with a safe and nurturing home environment.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “DBT teaches skills to help control harmful and impulsive behaviors such as self-harming, substance misuse, and binge eating; reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors; and improve symptoms of PTSD, depression, and borderline personality disorder.” Dialectical behavior therapy “can also help patients build and maintain healthy relationships and may be particularly well-suited for people who experience a lot of conflict in relationships with frequent ups and downs.”
Building Community Support Through Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Driftwood Recovery
Community support uplifts and empowers individuals in recovery. Having a community to lean on in times of need builds confidence and improves the effectiveness of therapy. Driftwood Recovery uses DBT to teach clients how to use community support and coping skills to overcome mental blocks and challenges in recovery.
How Dialectical Behavior Therapy Supports Relapse Prevention and Long-Term Recovery
DBT reduces the risk of relapse in early recovery by offering people a new way of processing and managing their condition. The skills clients learn in DBT sessions ensure they feel confident in their ability to maintain progress in recovery after completing treatment. Combining DBT with relapse prevention education protects clients from experiencing more severe symptoms and side effects of SUD during and after treatment.
The DBT Experience at Driftwood Recovery in Texas
Addiction recovery and mental health professionals at Driftwood Recovery use DBT alongside other evidence-based and complementary treatments to provide personalized care to clients experiencing SUD and mental health issues. DBT makes it easier for clients to identify areas of their lives that may benefit from change. Driftwood Recovery uses DBT in group and individual therapy sessions. Clients can use the skills they develop during sessions to navigate real-world situations and decrease the effect of everyday stressors. Therapy sessions provide actionable steps to help clients manage their condition and regain control of their physical and emotional health.
Many individuals with substance use disorder have co-occurring complex mental health issues requiring simultaneous treatment. Driftwood Recovery addresses dual diagnosis using a wide range of evidence-based and holistic therapies, including dialectical behavior therapy. To learn more about our programs and mental health services, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.
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