Dialectical Behavior Therapy
DBT treats addiction by changing negative thoughts and behaviors in therapy sessions.
The Role of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
There are a host of options when it comes to treating substance addiction. One of the common treatment options is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors that cause or aggravate drug use.
For years, DBT has shown great success in treating people with mental health disorders such as borderline personality or post-traumatic stress disorder. Over time, these methods have shown to be effective in the treatment of drug and alcohol abuse in our drug rehab in Florida. In this form of addiction therapy, you will have a one-on-one session with your therapist or counselor to talk through your addiction problem’s root causes and establish specific steps to change the behaviors.
How Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy Work in Addiction Treatment?
Dialectical behavior therapy treats addiction as a symptom of emotion dysregulation. In most cases, addiction is fueled by self-destructive behaviors and dysfunctional emotions. When people experience overwhelming emotions and cannot cope, they may resort to substances to help them cope. Prolonged use of drugs and alcohol aggravates the physical, mental, and emotional instability, which exacerbates drug addiction. As a result, this cycle can undermine a person’s health and destroy relationships and careers.
Dialectical behavior therapy is anchored on “dialectical,” a philosophical term that refers to two opposite things that can exist simultaneously. In the context of addiction, DBT takes “acceptance” and “change” as two contradictory things that are inherently essential in recovery. As such, one must accept that they have a problem controlling their drug cravings and balancing this acceptance with a willingness to change. Based on this concept, dialectical behavior therapy capitalizes on the power of behavioral change to help an individual achieve sobriety.
What Are the Benefits of Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Addiction Treatment?
DBT emphasizes a balance between change and acceptance. The addiction therapy program aims to empower individuals to lead drug-free lives by equipping them with the necessary skills for behavioral change. Throughout your therapy in Florida, you will learn skills such as:
Distress Tolerance
Everyone experiences distress at some point in life and it is in human nature to find an instant way of getting rid of it. Even for people in the recovery journeys, the desire is the same when faced with a crisis. But, their way of getting rid of the stress may be to resort to destructively using a substance. By going through DBT, you will learn how to tolerate and accept distress and pain as an inevitable part of life rather than seeking a way to run from it.
Emotional Regulation
Emotions will inevitably be present throughout the course of life. However, it is important to understand that you are not subject to them. DBT will help you learn how to manage difficult and unwanted feelings. You will learn how to understand your own emotions and get the tools to reduce your vulnerability to them.
Mindfulness
In DBT, you will be equipped with the tools to help you become aware and engaged in your current environment and situation. While struggling with addiction, you may find it difficult to stop thinking about your past or worrying about your future. However, through mindfulness, you will be able to immerse yourself in the present. By doing so, you’ll be able to take an impartial stance to your thoughts and feelings.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
DBT also aims at strengthening interpersonal skills such as conflict resolution and communication skills. By communicating effectively and positively with others, you are able to nurture relationships and live a more fulfilling life.
Learn More About Dialectical Behavioral Therapy at Recovery Bay Center
At Recovery Bay Center, we focus on a multifaceted approach to addiction, wherein you will receive customized treatment that you need to develop long-term sobriety. We offer a wide range of treatment programs and services, some of which include:
Are you are struggling with addiction? If so, don’t hesitate to seek help by enrolling in a men’s rehab and dialectical behavior therapy program in Panama City Beach, Florida.
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