A dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) program is a therapy that gives you the specific support you need. DBT was first used with people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. It has been found useful in addiction therapy.
DBT’s goal is to teach skills for regulating one’s emotions, thought processes, and behaviors in a healthy manner. The main types of treatment in DBT are:
- Individual therapy
- Group skills training classes
- Telephone coaching sessions with a therapist
- Videotaping key moments for a better understanding of our behaviors
At the Addiction Recovery Institute of America, we use a variety of therapy techniques to help you learn to regulate emotions, deal with stress, and build stronger relationships with your loved ones. This includes DBT for addiction. If you are struggling with an addiction and need mental health treatment, it’s time to find a dialectical behavior therapy program right for you.
TREATMENT IN A DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY PROGRAM
Treatment in a dialectical behavior therapy program will involve working closely with a therapist. It will also include participating in group sessions to learn new ways to interact with other people. Some of the goals of this type of treatment are to teach you that everything is connected in your life and that you can change thoughts in your life that are not productive or helpful.
In a dialectical behavior therapy program, you may learn:
- New ways to accept your circumstances and take blame for any of your mistakes
- How to recognize your own skills and strengths in order to move forward
- To improve relationships with other people through role-playing behavior
- To uncover destructive patterns or thoughts and replace these with healthier ones
DBT for addiction is a specific approach to changing your thoughts and behavior so that you are more skilled at handling stress and difficulties. In order to recover from addiction, your old habits need to change. When you focus on changing your mindset, you can better manage without turning to substances. You will discover what your skills are, and you will be able to strengthen your skills and improve your chances of long-term sobriety.
BENEFITS OF DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY
The goal of DBT is to teach patients skills that allow them to maintain a better emotional balance, which could lead to a better quality of life. DBT allows for more positive self-esteem, as well as a greater ability to identify and label negative emotions. The biggest benefit is the ability to gain control over impulses that interfere with one’s mental functioning. The strength of the cognitive and behavioral skills learned can lead to improvements in a patient’s overall mental health.
The skills learned in therapy can help a patient to lead a more productive and fulfilling life, which could lead to improved mental functioning. Another benefit of DBT is that patients learn self-awareness, which helps them understand their patterns of behavior and develop long-term solutions for their problems.
RELAPSE PREVENTION TECHNIQUES
In treatment, you will learn about relapse prevention techniques. These are activities designed to improve your thoughts and decrease your stress levels. In DBT, you learn about the importance of having supportive, helpful thoughts that allow you to make progress.
When you are focused on relapse prevention techniques, it’s easier to stay sober. Each day you are in recovery is a chance to improve your life and heal your past. You can recover from an addiction to substances, but you have to pay attention to your commitment to the process. Take the time to learn new strategies when you feel like your old ways to prevent a relapse are no longer working.
EXAMPLES OF RELAPSE PREVENTION TECHNIQUES
Relapse prevention techniques are designed to help you feel more in the present moment and focus on what really matters to you. Some relapse prevention techniques include:
- Mindfulness training to help you deal with negative thought patterns
- Yoga or other meditative exercise classes to improve your physical and emotional stamina
- Going to meetings in the community to meet others in recovery and strengthen your support network
- Maintaining a healthy diet with whole grains, fruits and vegetables
- Working with a therapist consistently to continue the work you have started
- Trying new activities or volunteering to give back to your community and meet new people
GET THE MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT YOU DESERVE AT ADDICTION RECOVERY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA
Learn more about the dialectical behavior therapy program for addiction therapy. Contact the Addiction Recovery Institute of America at 844.973.2611 and talk to our team about what program may be right for you. With the right help, you can recover from an addiction to drugs or alcohol while getting the support you need for your mental health. Give yourself the best chance at sobriety by calling for the help you deserve.