DBT, or dialectical behavioral therapy, is a specific type of therapeutic treatment that combines behavioral therapies with cognitive treatments. It is an approach that many substance abuse treatment facilities will offer to clients seeking help with a substance dependency. The approach aims to help you understand how to handle the emotions that can contribute to a drug addiction. As part of rehab, you will learn how to handle difficult emotions, such as grief, without turning to destructive behaviors. Often a drug addict will also struggle with eating disorders, self-esteem problems, or mental health issues.
Originally developed by Marsha M. Linehan, DBT was an approach to treat individuals suffering from borderline personality disorders. Through her research at the University of Washington, Linehan found she could help patients learn distress tolerance and other techniques to help cope with major issues. Its effectiveness as a treatment led to the expansion of DBT into other fields of treatment.
Through DBT, you can discover tools to help you overcome your dependence on drugs or alcohol. You may learn how to be mindful of potential triggers, discover how to regulate your emotions without depending on a substance, or learn interpersonal effectiveness. The therapy can teach you how to use music or other things as healthy distractions. Techniques like conscious breathing can also help. The meditative techniques used in DBT incorporate elements of Buddhism, but DBT is not a spiritual therapy.
As you participate in DBT, you will learn how to share your feelings with others. You can identify and communicate the things you need. DBT will allow you to take others into consideration. You will discover how to balance your own interests with those of the people you love.
Overall, DBT is a positive recovery approach. It views drugs as temporary ways to relieve a problem rather than long-term solutions. Through DBT, you can adopt this belief. Once you begin to realize the buzz won’t last, you may find yourself craving a more permanent solution. Through DBT, you’ll find ways to cope with life, helping you recover from your addiction.