Exploring DBT in Addiction Treatment

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of psychotherapy that teaches patients how to accept their thoughts and behaviors and learn techniques to change them to be more positive. When it comes to treating drug addiction, DBT can be a highly effective treatment to shift a patient’s mind and behaviors to seek out healthier coping strategies. Keep reading to learn more about DBT in addiction treatment and its many benefits. 

Terra Nova is a luxury drug rehab in Arizona that offers individualized care to support your road to recovery. We provide a comprehensive range of treatment services at our Prescott drug rehab so you can receive tailored support for your unique recovery needs. Contact us today to start your road to recovery. 

What is DBT?

Before diving into exploring DBT in addiction treatment, it’s first important to understand what DBT is. DBT, or dialectical behavioral therapy, is a type of evidence-based psychotherapy that is used to treat both mental health disorders as well as addiction. DBT focuses on changing negative or unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and turning them into positive thoughts and behaviors.

Typically, DBT in addiction treatment involves sitting with a therapist and learning various skills and strategies you can use to help change your thoughts and behaviors to be able to support your road to recovery. This may include learning mindfulness techniques to better manage your impulses, or learning how to identify and cope with negative emotions and experiences in a healthier manner.

5 Benefits of DBT in Addiction Treatment

1.  Healthy Coping Skills

Oftentimes, many addicts also struggle with a co-occurring mental health disorder. DBT helps individuals establish healthy coping skills and techniques they can use to manage mental health symptoms, as well as to handle triggers that may jeopardize their sobriety journey. Nearly 40-60% of patients who receive substance use disorder will relapse; therefore, it’s critical you develop healthy coping skills you can use to maintain your sobriety long-term. 

2. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is another benefit of DBT that helps patients become more aware of the present moment. Being more present allows individuals not just to feel more calm and grounded, but it reduces their risk of falling back into old habits or triggers that could put their recovery at risk of relapse.

3. Emotional Regulation

Following up on the last point, DBT helps reduce one’s risk of falling for impulsive thoughts or feelings. Rather than immediately turning to drugs or alcohol to relieve any feeling of sadness or pain, DBT teaches individuals how to control and regulate their emotions positively– not impulsively.

4. Tolerate Pain and Discomfort

Similar to the last point, being able to tolerate and sit in pain and discomfort is important. Life won’t always be easy and perfect. You will be faced with pain and uncomfortable circumstances that run the risk of jeopardizing your sobriety. However, it’s important that you learn how to tolerate and sit with discomfort, rather than turning to drugs when you are experiencing pain. 

Additionally, being able to tolerate challenging moments in life will teach you that pain and discomfort are temporary, and you can overcome hard things with patience and perseverance. 

5. Avoid Turning to Drugs for Relief

Oftentimes, many addicts start abusing drugs or alcohol in the first place to relieve feelings of pain in their lives. Whether this be stress caused by work, a toxic relationship, financial troubles, or pain caused by the death of a loved one, DBT teaches you how to navigate these stressful and painful life events, rather than turning to drugs or alcohol for relief. While it’s impossible to avoid pain and stress in your life, DBT gives you the skills and awareness to identify these negative thoughts and work proactively to cope with them in a healthy manner. 

Top-Rated Drug Rehab in Arizona 

Now you know more about DBT in addiction treatment and its many benefits. DBT can be a highly effective treatment for individuals struggling with drug addiction. Not only does it help people better understand their thoughts and behaviors, but it also helps patients learn healthy strategies to change their behavior for the better. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s important you seek professional treatment to break free of your addiction.
At Terra Nova, we are a top-rated drug rehab in Arizona that’s committed to helping as many patients as possible achieve long-lasting sobriety. We offer a comprehensive range of addiction treatment options, including inpatient and outpatient rehab in Prescott, so patients can receive individualized care to best support their recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your recovery.