It can be difficult to admit you need drug addiction therapy. But once you’ve decided to seek help, there are many options to help you overcome chemical dependency and improve your life. One of the most effective, well-established addiction therapy options is dialectal behavioral therapy.
What is dialectical behavior therapy?
Dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT) is a psychotherapy method that has been successfully used to treat substance use disorder, addiction, and mental illnesses ranging from depression to borderline personality disorder. DBT focuses on helping patients build confidence and coping strategies so they can handle stressful situations effectively.
In most cases, dialectal behavioral therapy takes place through a combination of individual therapy, phone coaching, skills training, and team consultation. Weekly therapy sessions are tailored to the individual’s personality. Patients can call their therapists when difficult situations occur outside of scheduled therapy sessions, and the therapist will coach them to use techniques that can help them manage feelings effectively.
Some of the core tenants of DBT are improving coping skills, communication, and self-image. In recent years, drug and alcohol counselors have been utilizing DBT more and more because these skills are critical in helping people recover from chemical dependency.
DBT often includes strategies like:
- Helping a patient find peer groups and environments that discourage drug use and encourage positive choices.
- Encouraging addicts to remove triggers such as unhealthy relationships and drug paraphernalia from daily life.
- Giving patients healthy coping skills, including proven mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques.
- Improving patients’ self-esteem and confidence to enable them to stay sober throughout stressful time periods.
In drug addiction therapy, we often see a divide between abstinence-based approaches and harm reduction strategies. Dialectal behavioral therapy offers the benefits of both. The DBT-trained therapist helps the patient do everything possible to achieve abstinence, but also supports a harm-reduction approach in the event of a relapse.
Can DBT help with my addiction?
DBT can help with alcohol abuse and virtually any other type of chemical dependency. Many drug and alcohol counselors include DBT in their recovery plans.
Dialectal behavior therapy can be used to treat addiction on its own or in conjunction with other therapies. These might include cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, motivational enhancement therapy, and/or community reinforcement therapy.
Where can I get DBT or find a drug and alcohol counselor?
Sunrise Services provides DBT groups for mental health. We can help you access dialectal behavior therapy, counseling, and any other resources you may need to overcome chemical dependency.
We believe in integrating services to treat the whole person, so we provide a wide range of behavioral health services to address your needs. In Washington State, behavioral health includes services that were formerly referred to as mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) services.
Our chemical dependency and recovery services include not only DBT but also the following:
- Individualized treatment plans
- Individual and group therapy
- Alcohol and drug information school
- DUI and chemical dependency assessments
- Help with family and personal conflicts
- Outpatient services
- Intensive outpatient services
- Connection with legal, employment, and family services for you and your loved ones as needed
Behavioral health challenges are very common and can affect anyone. Don’t be ashamed to seek help!
We will take an open, honest, and positive approach to provide you with the tools and support you need for a full recovery. We understand that there is no “one size fits all” approach to addiction treatment, so we will find the best way to help you as an individual whether through DBT or something else. Our goal is to help you live a full and meaningful life.
Our drug and alcohol counselors will always respect your privacy. If you are looking for DBT or other behavioral health services in Everett, Mountlake Terrace, Mount Vernon, Stanwood, Bellingham, Concrete, Sedro-Wooley, or Island County, contact us today.