Millions of people across the US suffer from some sort of substance use disorder, and these addictions have derailed countless lives. While the addiction epidemic has only grown more serious in recent decades, treatment methods have grown to meet the challenge. Far from outdated shame-oriented treatment programs, modern addiction care incorporates evidence-based therapies and techniques with a proven track record.
The Role of Therapy in Treating Substance Use Disorders
The importance of therapy in treating substance abuse becomes clear when you consider the backgrounds of those who suffer from addiction. Most people with addiction problems suffer from a serious comorbidity, such as untreated mental illness or repressed childhood trauma. Addiction often comes about as a result of desperate, misguided attempts at self-medicating for these issues by using drugs as a form of escapism. While cognitive behavioral therapy is the most well-known methodology for treating substance use disorder, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is also proving remarkably effective.
What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?
The first element of dialectical behavioral therapy that distinguishes it from other therapies is the underlying methodology. Other therapies emphasize treating past traumas and mental health issues as problems to solve, DBT revolves around mindfulness and emotional regulation. With the skills that DBT helps build, individuals will learn to manage their struggles and internal pain, ground themselves back in the moment, and cope with these negative feelings until they pass.
- Mindfulness: Developing an awareness of your own emotional state in the present moment, as well as what contributes to it.
- Relationship-Oriented: Repair relationships and build communication skills and emotional intelligence to maintain a healthy, loving support system and a better life.
- Emotional Coping Skills: Regulate your emotions and become more comfortable with being uncomfortable, so to speak.
The Four Components of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical behavioral therapy applies an innovative model that combines four distinct stages that help the patient and therapist alike. This is a uniquely holistic approach, as well as a major factor in the effectiveness of DBT.
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one therapy sessions that follow the DBT model and aim to build the emotional skills that are central to the therapy.
- DBT Skills Training: Group therapy sessions that seek to practice, reinforce, and reward healthy coping and communication skills.
- Over-the-Phone Coaching: You’re never alone within the DBT model. When you find yourself in a difficult situation in your day-to-day life, you can reach out to your therapist for emergency guidance and support.
- Therapist Consultation: A team of therapists communicate with each other to pool their knowledge and support each other in providing optimum care.
DBT for Addiction
At Hickory Treatment Centers, we consider ourselves one of the foremost providers when it comes to evidence-based addiction care. This starts with initial medical detox and continues into long-term support with outpatient care, therapy, and support to help you achieve a lasting recovery. We offer many treatment methods, and our DBT treatment is something we’re particularly proud of. If you want to try dialectical behavioral therapy for addiction or dual diagnosis, get in touch today to start moving toward a better life.
