Like CBT, DBT is talk therapy. In fact, DBT is based on the principles of CBT. The big difference is that DBT is specifically meant to treat people who experience overwhelming emotions or exert large amounts of control over negative emotions.

The purpose of DBT is to teach people acceptance and autonomy. It teaches acceptance of the reality of the world and their own behaviors. It teaches autonomy through understanding that these behaviors can change.

Today, the applications for DBT have expanded. We are talking about three of the most common uses of DBT today.

DBT can help people suffering from conditions affecting their moods and emotions. Conditions that impact mood and emotion include but are not limited to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

DBT can help people learn to accept their conditions. Then, dialectical behavior therapy can teach people coping mechanisms to better deal with their feelings and emotions.

The above conditions are mental health conditions. But DBT also has implications for other mental health disturbances like self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and even eating disorders.

Studies show that DBT is an excellent supplement to addiction treatment. Note that we said a supplement, not a replacement.

But you may wonder: why would a type of therapy used to treat emotional disorders work for addiction?

Addiction experts have theorized that substance use disorder is closely related to impulsivity. Emotions are impulses. And many scientists believe that all impulsive actions are based on emotions.

What is more, many addiction researchers think people start abusing substances to escape from difficult emotions.

Studies show that DBT is an excellent supplement to addiction treatment. Note that we said a supplement, not a replacement.

But you may wonder: why would a type of therapy used to treat emotional disorders work for addiction?

Addiction experts have theorized that substance use disorder is closely related to impulsivity. Emotions are impulses. And many scientists believe that all impulsive actions are based on emotions.

What is more, many addiction researchers think people start abusing substances to escape from difficult emotions.

We hope that the above information has increased your understanding of DBT and its uses. Now, we want to help you learn about the DBT tips, and skills individuals suffering from addiction can learn in dialectical behavior therapy.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the #1 skill DBT therapists teach. Mindfulness is a huge buzzword these days, but what does it mean in the scope of DBT for addiction treatment?

In DBT, mindfulness means slowing down and being aware of what is going on around you. It teaches you to harness your thoughts, emotions, and impulses to come up with coping skills even when you are at your worst.

Interpersonal Skills

Substance use disorder happens due to an unfortunate combination of genetic (i.e., inherited) and environmental (i.e., external) factors.

One of the environmental factors that impact the development of addiction is interpersonal relationships. In fact, people with healthier interpersonal relationships are less likely to start using substances in the first place.

DBT helps to reverse this factor in substance use disorder development. Therapists can help you learn how to establish healthy relationships, as well as repair any relationships you have lost due to your substance use.

Learning assertiveness and how to set boundaries are two specific interpersonal skills people with substance use disorders learn in DBT.

Emotional Coping

Learning how to cope with and then regulate your emotions is another skill you can learn from DBT. Your therapist will offer strategies to identify and even change negative emotional states.

This will result in an overall feeling of more positive experiences, especially when it comes to your emotions.

Tolerating Discomfort

Negative feelings and emotions are uncomfortable. And it is this discomfort that leads many people to suppress those emotions. Yet, healthy emotional regulation requires you to tolerate all feelings, including negative ones.

That is why another goal of DBT is to teach you how to tolerate it when you feel negative. This type of skill will be invaluable in the real world, where stress and intense emotions are more common.

To help do so, you will learn self-soothing tactics. Your therapist may also teach you how to distract yourself when your emotions feel too intense.

This skill alone will go miles in helping prevent relapse when individuals suffering from addiction leave rehab.

DBT advice is an excellent addition to traditional addiction treatment. It can help you feel better and learn how to deal with negative emotions when they arise. DBT can even help you stay drug- or alcohol-free in the real world.

Are you searching for PHP in MA or IOP in MA that incorporates DBT? You have come to the right place. We offer drug and alcohol rehab in MA. Call us today to learn more about our addiction recovery services.