DBT for Addiction in Colorado

There are a plethora of options for addiction treatment available for those suffering from substance use disorder. These might include traditional treatment methods like inpatient residential rehab, outpatient treatment, or medically assisted detox. If we get even more granular, there are particular methods of therapy that work well for some and even better for others. One of these therapy methods includes dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) for addiction.

At Spero Recovery Center in Colorado, we treat addiction and dual diagnosis in our men’s residential rehab program. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse contact us–we can find them the best program to help whether it’s our program or another.

What Is DBT?

DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, is a type of psychotherapy that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies. It is particularly effective for individuals struggling with self-harm behaviors, suicidal ideation, or personality disorders, such as Borderline Personality Disorder. The therapy focuses on teaching patients skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. It’s called “dialectical” because it involves the blending of opposites, specifically acceptance and change; this is necessary to bring about positive outcomes.

What are the Key Components of DBT?

DBT encompasses several key components that work together to create a comprehensive treatment strategy. These include:

Individual Therapy: This component provides one-on-one counseling that addresses personal struggles and harmful behaviors, helping individuals to apply DBT skills to these problems.
Group Skills Training: This involves learning behavioral strategies in a group setting. The four primary domains are mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.
Phone Coaching: This offers immediate guidance on how to use DBT skills to manage difficult situations that occur between sessions.
Therapist Consultation Team: This is a support system for therapists that helps them stay motivated and competent so they can provide the best treatment possible.

Each of these components is essential to addressing the wide range of issues individuals may face; combined, they form a powerful therapeutic approach. With the right guidance, individuals are able to gain the skills they need to lead a healthier and more productive life.

To be more specific, DBT is used in other areas such as addiction treatment, PTSD recovery, eating disorder therapy, and more. It has been shown to help people with various mental health issues become better equipped to handle stressful situations and develop positive coping mechanisms. Additionally, it can be used as a preventative intervention, offering individuals the insight and skills required to manage problems before they become too extreme.

How is DBT Used in Addiction Treatment?

DBT has emerged as an effective approach in the treatment of addictions. The core premise of DBT revolves around equipping individuals with coping mechanisms to deal with their addiction. These coping skills help manage distress, deal with volatile emotions, and improve relationships, which are often underlying issues in addiction.

This form of therapy involves a combination of individual and group sessions; skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness are taught. These skills are designed to replace harmful addictive behaviors with healthier coping strategies, thus aiding the recovery process.

Is DBT Effective for Substance Abuse Treatment?

DBT has demonstrated effectiveness in treating substance abuse disorders in Colorado. DBT, originally designed to manage borderline personality disorder, has proven to be adaptable and effective for various other disorders including substance abuse. It uses a combination of individual therapy, skills training, and telephone coaching to teach coping skills and promote behavioral change.

Therapeutic studies suggest that DBT reduces substance abuse in individuals who are frequently resistant to other treatment modalities. However, it’s important to note that treatment outcomes can vary; an individual’s success may depend on a variety of factors. These could include the severity of the addiction, the presence of concurrent mental health disorders, and the individual’s level of commitment.

What Does DBT Help Treat?

DBT was originally developed to help treat individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). However, it has since been adapted and is now also used to treat a range of other mental health disorders. These include eating disorders, Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder). DBT can be particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors or suicidal thoughts and actions.

How Does DBT Treat Eating Disorders?

DBT for eating disorders consists of several stages, each focusing on a different aspect of the disorder. Initially, the therapy aims to stabilize harmful behaviors and establish safety measures. This involves identifying triggers, developing coping strategies, and implementing a balanced eating plan. DBT for eating disorders also focuses on exploring deep-seated emotional issues and challenging negative self-perceptions, often associated with the eating disorder.

The final stage encourages the development of self-compassion and acceptance, fostering a healthier relationship with food and body image. Throughout the process, DBT employs techniques such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation to facilitate recovery.

How Does DBT Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

In treating PTSD with DBT, the focus is on helping the client develop coping mechanisms to manage distressing emotions and reduce self-destructive behavior. This process typically involves four stages: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Mindfulness encompasses awareness and acceptance of present feelings and thoughts. Distress tolerance teaches strategies to withstand painful situations instead of avoiding them. Emotional regulation involves identifying and managing emotionally triggering situations, while interpersonal effectiveness focuses on assertive communication and relationship-building. Thus, DBT offers a structured approach to address the complex emotional and behavioral challenges associated with PTSD.

How Does DBT Treat Depression?

DBT is an efficacious treatment option for individuals battling depression. This therapy’s essence lies in its two key components: acceptance and change. DBT emphasizes accepting one’s feelings and thoughts while concurrently advocating for positive behavioral changes. A primary goal is to replace harmful behaviors with healthy ones. In practice, this might involve teaching the person to recognize negative thought patterns and develop coping mechanisms to manage these thoughts. DBT sessions also promote mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, equipping individuals with a comprehensive toolkit to deal with depression.

How Does DBT Treat Bipolar Disorder?

DBT is an effective treatment method for bipolar disorder, a mental condition characterized by mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. The therapy employs a multi-faceted approach, focusing on group skills training, individual psychotherapy, and phone coaching. DBT skills training focuses on developing mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Individual psychotherapy sessions help patients apply these skills to specific challenges and events in their lives. Phone coaching provides additional support, allowing patients to reach out to their therapist between sessions to deal with immediate crises. Regular application of DBT techniques equips patients with the necessary tools to manage their mood swings and reduce the severity of bipolar symptoms.

How Does DBT Prevent Relapse?

DBT utilizes a multifaceted approach in preventing the relapse of mental health conditions. It emphasizes the development of four key skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Mindfulness encourages an increased awareness of oneself and one’s environment; distress tolerance equips individuals with tools to tolerate painful emotions without resorting to harmful coping mechanisms.

Emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness skills help to manage and express emotions in a healthier way and build fulfilling relationships. These skills collectively contribute to resilience and the ability to cope with life’s challenges. As a result, it reduces the risk of relapse.

What are Other Types of Addiction Therapies?

Apart from DBT, there are several other therapeutic approaches utilized in addiction treatment. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps individuals identify and alter negative thought patterns leading to addictive behaviors. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is another approach used to enhance an individual’s motivation to change. Additionally, Contingency Management (CM) offers tangible rewards to those who demonstrate clean drug tests, promoting sobriety. Family Therapy is also effective, addressing the family dynamics that may contribute to addiction and fostering a supportive environment for recovery.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Addiction Treatment?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps individuals understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors. For addiction treatment, CBT is often used to help addicted individuals recognize negative thought patterns; this gives them the ability to respond to challenging situations more effectively. Understanding the triggers for substance use makes it possible to create coping strategies that do not involve drugs or alcohol. DBT is a powerful tool in addiction treatment as it empowers individuals to take control over their addictive behaviors and helps them regain control of their lives.

What is Contingency Management for Addiction Treatment?

Contingency management is a therapeutic approach used in addiction treatment that leverages the principles of behavioral psychology. This treatment strategy involves reinforcing positive behaviors – such as abstinence from drug use – with tangible rewards. The aim is to motivate patients to adopt healthier habits and maintain sobriety. Evidence from numerous research studies suggests that contingency management can be highly effective in promoting long-term recovery from various forms of substance addiction.

Spero Recovery Center is Here to Help

DBT presents a highly effective approach in addressing addiction. It equips individuals with the necessary skills to cope with stress, manage emotions, and improve relationships. As a result, it reduces the reliance on substances as a coping mechanism. As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, DBT has the potential to significantly improve the prognosis for individuals struggling with addiction, supporting them on their path to recovery and a healthier, more balanced life. If you’d like to find out more, you can contact us here.

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Marty Ferrero, M.A., LADC, CADC, CCS (Medical Reviewer)

With over two decades of experience since beginning his career in 1996, Marty has worked extensively across the United States, contributing significantly to clinical leadership teams at multiple reputable organizations including The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and the Caron Foundation. Marty’s commitment to patient care has established him as a pillar within the national behavioral health treatment community. He frequently collaborates with industry leaders to discuss and advance treatment strategies. Throughout his career, Marty has successfully managed, developed, and implemented specialized services in behavioral health, mental health, and addiction treatment.