Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT, or dialectical behavioral therapy, is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that is particularly effective in treating addiction. DBT focuses on helping people change their behaviors by teaching them new skills and techniques for managing their emotions. It is thought to be particularly effective in treating addiction because it allows people to better understand and cope with their feelings, which can often trigger addictive behaviors.

Wish Recovery also uses DBT to help patients manage co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which can often be common in people who suffer from alcoholism and substance use disorders. Dialectical behavioral therapy usually consists of individual and group therapy sessions, exercises, and activities that are practiced throughout the week. It is important to note that DBT is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and each person who receives DBT treatment is unique.

How DBT Works

The DBT method is multifaceted and comprehensive and depends on developing skills to modify problematic ideas and actions.  To help with this, DBT employs a variety of practices and procedures that focuses on these four components:

Mindfulness. Meditation and other forms of mindfulness training are at the heart of DBT therapy. Mindfulness is a skill that can be learned and practiced by everyone. Individuals may efficiently slow down and concentrate on good coping strategies under distress by mastering the observation of internal phenomena (emotions, thoughts, sensations, and impulses) and tuning into their senses and the surrounding environment.

Interpersonal effectiveness. Relationship problems are a common complaint among those receiving dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal effectiveness focuses on repairing, maintaining, and establishing good relationship behaviors, including terminating harmful ones. Assertiveness training is part of this approach, which aims to help people develop boundaries with others and build strong relationships.

Emotional regulation. This strategy focuses on detecting, addressing, and modifying the negative repercussions of an emotional reaction. Psychotherapists help their patients have more feelings of control by helping them identify and cope with strong negative emotions and creating malicious activity.

Distress tolerance. In this phase of DBT, people learn to accept and sit with unpleasant emotions and the discomfort that comes with them. With self-help tactics such as diversion and self-soothing skills, people in distress or crisis may better deal with their overwhelming emotions in the long run.

Dialectical behavioral therapy may help treat people with co-occurring disorders and substance abuse problems. DBT aims to help people overcome addictions and reclaim their lives through its numerous activities and approaches. The objective is to heighten the individual's awareness of the negative repercussions of drug and alcohol usage.

I Am Not Defined By My Relapses,
But By My Decision To Remain In Recovery Despite Them.

Benefits of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Addiction is often accompanied by stress management and interpersonal connection issues. Dialectical behavior therapy may assist you with dealing with these behaviors and create coping skills you can use long after completing your treatment program. These are some of the other advantages of DBT:

Understanding and managing one's reaction to stress

One of the advantages of DBT is that therapy teaches you how to cope with stress better. Stress is a significant trigger for self-destructive behavior. Thus, DBT is especially helpful for people struggling with addiction. You will engage with a therapist in individual or group sessions to explore how to deal with stressful situations healthily rather than harming yourself.

Strengthening bonds among people

Positive relationships may be challenging for those who suffer from mental health conditions such as depression or borderline personality disorder. Social disengagement, mood fluctuations, and a lack of motivation are all possible symptoms of unmanaged psychiatric illnesses. In DBT, however, these habits and negative reaction strategies may be recognized and corrected so that you can have satisfying relationships with appropriate boundaries.

Enhancing one's relationship with oneself

DBT's self-esteem-building and self-love-building techniques may profoundly impact the lives of people with alcoholism, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions. Teaching mindfulness is one approach to doing this. You can't think about the past or future while practicing mindfulness. This exercise aids you in re-establishing a positive relationship with your sense of self-worth.

Controlling one's feelings

Mood swings, periods of mania, suicidal thoughts, and impulsivity are all possible side effects of substance abuse and mental health issues. Identifying the fundamental cause of your unpleasant feelings is one of the main advantages of DBT. Once you've figured it out, you can start working on improving your ability to manage your emotional reactions in the future. Naturally, not all emotions can be tamed, but learning to deal with emotional stress when it happens may be a huge asset.

Lead an Optimal and More Functional Life

Addiction may harm your mental and emotional well-being. Effective therapies like DBT may help you overcome substance and alcohol-related problems and reclaim the person you were before addiction.

Learning DBT skills at Wish Recovery will prepare you for long-term sobriety and an enhanced quality of life. Our qualified therapists will help you identify and challenge maladaptive thoughts and behaviors to improve your mental health and live a more active life.