The inability to control or regulate one’s emotions is often one of the primary drivers of substance abuse and addiction. A Dialectical Behavioral Therapy program, or DBT, gives those recovering from substance abuse a set of reliable practices to help them manage their emotions, end their dependency and minimize the risk of relapse. DBT is an evidence-based practice that helps individuals create meaningful connections which can substantially improve the quality of their lives and, most importantly, help them achieve their goals of sobriety.

Therapists use DBT with patients to help them control and respond to negative emotions, behaviors and social interactions — such as destructiveness, impulsiveness and disconnection — before they lead to continuing substance use or relapse. Often, individuals may respond to these negative impulses by self-medicating, which only creates additional problems for the user to overcome. However, once an individual learns how to control their emotions by practicing these techniques, they are much less likely to require drugs and alcohol to self-regulate themselves and feel good.

The Primary Features of a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Program

Different variations of DBT exist. However, most versions of the therapy include the following three components, as will your DBT treatment at Bayview Recovery. Also, DBT treatments, like most recovery modalities, can be tailored to the individual needs of the client. The three primary components of DBT are:

• Individual Therapy – This aspect focuses on improving your motivation, building skills and applying practices learned to specific situations. Sessions take place about once a week.
• Skills Training – These sessions teach skills and provide opportunities for practice, enhancing your potential, competency, and confidence. Skill-building classes also occur about once a week.
• Therapist Consultation – The therapists providing treatment will also meet once per week to confer with one another confidentially and to strengthen and enhance the course of treatment offered to their clients.

The Value of a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Program

A Dialectical Behavioral Therapy program teaches clients how to manage acceptance and change, two crucial factors in the recovery process. DBT also teaches practitioners two additional, critical skills. First, DBT helps clients increase their tolerance to pain and stress, which often triggers substance abuse or relapse. Second, it helps build mindfulness, an awareness of the current moment, which helps clients identify all of their internal resources. Both of these practices promote acceptance which is the first step towards healing.

DBT also provides clients with additional strategies to combat substance abuse. For example, emotional regulation gives clients tools to change negative emotions or emotions they do not wish to feel. With interpersonal effectiveness, another DBT skill, clients learn how to say no. They also learn to ask for what they want and maintain their self-respect in healthy ways. They do so in ways which do not deteriorate their existing relationships. When an individual uses these practices to control their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, they can decrease their risk of returning to drug use and better sustain their long-term recovery.

The Benefits of the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Program at Bayview Recovery

If you or a loved one has a problem with addiction, then Dialectical Behavioral Therapy can be a powerful tool to help you and them control one of the primary drivers of this deadly illness. You can have a dialectical behavioral therapy program as well as a host of other leading and proven treatments for drug and alcohol abuse at Bayview Recovery. Our treatment modalities include:

All our programs are led by highly-qualified counselors who have direct experience treating addiction, and you can have your treatment in a facility designed for maximum comfort so you can focus on healing. Call Bayview Recovery today at 855.478.3650 to learn more and start getting well.