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.