Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was first developed to help people with severe mental health conditions. It is beneficial for those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), who often have suicidal ideations. 

DBT is still effective for treating BPD. It has also been used for other challenges, including substance use disorders (SUDs). SUDs include problems related to drug and alcohol abuse.

What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, is a type of therapy that helps people manage their emotions better. It uses a cognitive-behavioral approach to help individuals stay present, improve their relationships, and handle difficult situations.

DBT offers a framework that strengthens coping abilities, promoting positive development and reducing harmful behaviors. 

This therapy focuses on emotions. It is based on the idea that acceptance and change can work together in treatment.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is primarily employed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD) and ongoing suicidal tendencies. 

The benefits of dialectical behavior therapy have also proven helpful with eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders (SUDs). Generally, the treatment process lasts a minimum of six months.

DBT Treatment Models

Many different models of DBT have been developed, including:

The DBT Focus

In Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), individuals are guided to accept their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without passing judgment. They learn to concentrate on one aspect at a time while remaining aware of their thoughts and senses. 

Participants develop the ability to recognize, express, and comprehend their emotions while fully observing, describing, and experiencing them. 

Distress tolerance skills help people accept and deal with distress. These skills teach them not to act on impulse. This can prevent their situation from getting worse in the long run.

Additionally, emotional regulation skills enable people to understand, identify, and manage their emotional reactions. Interpersonal effectiveness skills assist individuals in communicating assertively and managing conflicts that arise in their relationships.

The Four Skills of DBT

DBT skills are organized into four models to assist clients in discovering healthier methods of engaging with their surroundings. Weekly group sessions focus on teaching and practicing how to use these skills in daily situations.

Below are the four skills taught in DBT:

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in Addiction Treatment

The main goal of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is to help you create a better quality of life. It can be very effective for those struggling with substance abuse, especially if other therapies have not worked. DBT teaches you to set and pursue goals, even if you have a history of challenging behaviors.

DBT focuses on two goals: change and acceptance. With this approach, you can learn to handle daily problems. This helps reduce the strong emotions that often lead to using substances.

The Emotions Behind Substance Use Disorder

A person often turns to alcohol or other substances to soothe strong emotions. When feelings become intense, they may seek ways to calm themselves. This search for relief can lead to addictive behavior.

DBT provides skills training to help manage strong emotions. With DBT, people can replace substance use and addictive behaviors with healthy coping skills. This therapy helps individuals gain control over their feelings. 

It is a structured and intense form of treatment. DBT may be effective for those who have not found success with other recovery methods for substance use disorders (SUDs).

Goals of DBT for Substance Use Disorders

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on behaviors linked to substance dependence that harm a person’s quality of life.

Therapy objectives will include:

• Reducing the use of substances that affect the mind. This includes alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription medications not taken as directed.
• Easing physical pain and withdrawal discomfort.
• Minimizing urges and desires to use substances.
• Knowing your triggers and avoiding situations where you might use drugs. This could include getting rid of drug paraphernalia and deleting contact information for drug dealers.

Social support plays a crucial role in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to promote abstaining from Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). You will feel motivated to join fun activities that support sobriety. You can build new friendships and find places that help you stay away from drugs and alcohol.

Does Insurance Cover DBT for Substance Use Disorder?

Many insurance providers recognize Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as an effective treatment for substance use disorders. Because of this, they often cover these therapy services. 

However, the level of coverage can vary widely between different insurance plans. It is essential to check your specific policy. You can also contact your insurance provider. This will help you understand your coverage for DBT related to substance abuse.

Some insurance companies may require pre-authorization before they cover DBT services. It is important to know your insurance policy and its requirements before starting treatment is important.

DBT as an Effective Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help reduce substance use. It also addresses self-harming or suicidal thoughts. These issues often occur with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and can be found in Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).

The skills acquired through DBT enable individuals to manage challenging circumstances, control their emotions, and enhance their relationships. These abilities are crucial for achieving long term sobriety and living a fulfilled life.

Is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Right for Me?

At Blue Star Recovery, we are committed to providing our clients with the most effective and innovative treatments for substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders. That’s why we offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) at many of our centers. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with SUD and would like to learn more about how DBT can support recovery, please reach out to a representative at Blue Star Recovery today.

References:

1. National Library of Medicine: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Substance Abusers
2. Psychiatry Online: The Course and Evolution of Dialectical Behavior Therapy