Marsha Linehan, a psychologist, developed dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in the late 1980s. She wanted a method to treat suicidal thoughts and borderline personality disorder by building the confidence of the patient and helping them develop effective coping strategies. Over the years, more mental health professionals have begun using her methods. Today, many rely on it when treating mental illnesses along with addiction. Improving a person’s self-image, coping skills, and communication benefit those with dual diagnoses.
Treating Addiction
Addicts benefit greatly from DBT because it teaches them valuable skills. Patients learn to find individuals who discourage drug use, so they won’t be tempted to use again. Therapists at an addiction treatment center in Orange County work with them to remove triggers from their daily lives that could lead to relapse. In addition, they help patients build self-esteem and confidence, so they can say no to drugs even when they are in stressful situations.
Components of DBT
Therapists making use of DBT use four core components. Skills training helps patients learn communication and coping skills. These skills might include distress tolerance and emotional regulation. Once learned, patients can use these skills in their daily lives. They can handle stressful situations as DBT reduces anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. The individual will have fewer suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviors.
Individual therapy makes up the second component of DBT. The therapist works with the patient to apply the techniques they learn in skills training in their everyday lives, tailoring the sessions to the patient’s needs. Patients will also be asked to complete homework as part of this process.
When patients return to their daily lives, therapists are never more than a phone call away. Phone coaching is a key component of this treatment. The therapist can walk the patient through emotional regulation and distress tolerance techniques so they are less inclined to turn to drugs or alcohol. With the therapist’s help, they will be able to manage their feelings and handle stressful situations.
Team consultation is also a critical component of DBT although it does not involve direct patient interaction. Therapists and healthcare providers come together to discuss their clients and learn how to provide a higher level of care for patients who are difficult to treat. Therapists find team consultation to be of great benefit.
Combining Treatments
Therapists often use DBT in conjunction with other therapies to provide better patient outcomes. They may use cognitive behavior therapy or motivational enhancement therapy. Some patients benefit from contingency management therapy while other men and women find community management therapy to be of great help. Each patient is unique so the therapist must find the right combination for the individual.
Patients might also take part in groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Doing so allows them to make new friends who are also committed to a substance-free life. These groups often assign mentors for new participants, and the mentor is typically available to provide when the person is tempted to use drugs or alcohol again.
People often think they can overcome an addiction on their own. While they might have short-term success, staying sober is a lifelong journey, one that may come with setbacks. They must learn coping skills and other techniques designed to help when they are facing temptation. With the help of DBT and other therapies, staying sober becomes easier.
