Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that has shown effectiveness in treating various mental health disorders, including addiction. At The Canyon, an outpatient addiction treatment center located in Santa Monica, California, we incorporate DBT into our comprehensive, intensive outpatient program (IOP). The benefits of DBT cannot be understated.
To learn about the benefits of DBT, contact The Canyon at 424.465.5182. Our dialectical behavior therapy program is designed to help those with substance misuse issues find their own path to recovery.
What Is DBT?
Dialectical behavior therapy helps clients become aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This can help them gain greater control over them. It is based on the idea that our behaviors are a result of how we perceive a particular situation. DBT encourages individuals to become mindful of their own reactions and learn new ways of coping with difficult emotions.
DBT can help people struggling with addiction to establish a healthier relationship with themselves and build new behaviors that will help them move forward in their recovery journey. At The Canyon, we help people with addictions to alcohol, cocaine, meth, heroin, fentanyl, and other substances. We also treat individuals with co-occurring disorders, such as bipolar disorder and depression.
What Are the Benefits of DBT for Addiction?
The following are the benefits of dialectical behavior therapy:
1. Enhanced Emotional Regulation
One of the core benefits of DBT is its focus on emotional regulation. Individuals struggling with addiction often grapple with overpowering emotions and may resort to substance use as a coping mechanism. DBT equips clients with skills to manage these intense feelings, reducing their reliance on substances for emotional relief.
2. Improved Interpersonal Relationships
Addiction can take a toll on relationships, leading to isolation and strained connections. DBT helps clients:
- Improve their interpersonal skills
- Foster healthier relationships
- Learn effective communication strategies
- Discover conflict resolution skills
- Learn strategies for maintaining healthy boundaries
- Become equipped with essential tools for rebuilding relationships affected by addiction
DBT focuses heavily on self-awareness, helping individuals improve their relationships with others. Connection is one of the key elements in recovery, and DBT can help equip clients with the tools they need.
3. Reduction of Self-Destructive Behaviors
Self-destructive behaviors such as substance use are common among those who’ve experienced trauma. DBT helps clients identify and understand these behaviors, providing them with strategies to replace harmful actions with positive ones. This shift is crucial in the journey toward recovery.
4. Increased Mindfulness
DBT emphasizes mindfulness, helping clients stay present and focused rather than ruminating on past mistakes. It also helps them stop worrying about the future. This practice can be incredibly beneficial for those in recovery, as it promotes self-awareness and helps in recognizing triggers and cravings early on.
5. Real-World Application
At The Canyon, we believe in the importance of applying what you learn in therapy to real-world situations. This belief aligns perfectly with the principles of DBT, which provides practical tools and techniques that can be used in everyday life. Clients learn to apply DBT skills outside the therapy room, promoting sustainable recovery.
Call The Canyon Today To Learn the Benefits of DBT
DBT is just one of the many therapies offered as part of our IOP at The Canyon. By integrating DBT into our program, we aim to provide our clients with a well-rounded approach to addiction treatment. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, reach out to us at 424.465.5182 today. We can help you understand more about DBT and how it can support your journey to recovery. Remember, seeking help is the first step toward recovery.