Loading. Please Wait....
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has emerged as a powerful instrument in mental health treatment, especially concerning substance abuse. Its amalgamation of cognitive-behavioral methods with mindfulness has shown efficacy in aiding individuals dealing with addiction to reclaim control over their lives.
DBT, developed by Dr. Marsha M. Linehan, was initially formulated to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). It operates on the dialectical principle of balancing acceptance and change. It aims to encourage abstinence and diminish both the duration and negative consequences of relapses.
The therapy comprises four key modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Each module targets specific skills essential for managing emotions, relationships, and behaviors.
In the pursuit of abstinence, the DBT dialectic operates by advocating for both immediate and enduring cessation of drug abuse (the pursuit of change), while simultaneously instilling the understanding that a relapse, if it happens, doesn't indicate failure for the patient or the therapy to attain the intended goal (embracing acceptance). This dialectical approach combines a steadfast push for complete abstinence with nonjudgmental, problem-solving reactions to relapse, incorporating techniques to mitigate the risks associated with overdose, infection, and other adverse consequences.
The DBT approach is multidimensional and all-encompassing, relying on skill acquisition to alter unproductive thoughts and behaviors.
By taking an addiction-focused approach to DBT, many individuals can benefit from treatment. Some of the benefits might include:
Incorporating DBT into substance abuse treatment programs can significantly contribute to achieving these goals by providing individuals with practical skills and strategies to navigate the challenges associated with addiction. The therapy's holistic approach addresses not only substance use behaviors but also the underlying emotional and interpersonal issues contributing to addiction.
DBT for addiction is most effective when used in conjunction with other addiction treatments, such as 12-step programme, individual therapy, and group therapy. DBT complements these other treatments by teaching you the necessary skills to effectively cope with your emotions and manage stress without turning to drugs or alcohol.
This is very important because the recovery journey can be a stressful and emotional time, and it is during these times that you are most likely to relapse. DBT provides you with the tools you need to deal with these difficult emotions and situations in a healthy way.
Samarpan is a specialized international Substance Use Disorder (De-Addiction) and Process Addiction rehab in Pune, India that accepts a maximum of 26 clients. We only accept clients on a voluntary basis and have a highly structured program that encompasses the most effective approaches to Substance Use Disorder and addiction. The facility is set in the rolling hills Mulshi, with clients having either individual or shared rooms, in a modern resort like facility, staffed by Internationally Accredited Professionals. Samarpan is fully licensed under The MSMHA and is also an accredited GORSKI-CENAPS Centre of Excellence offering a program from 5 to 13 weeks.
If you or someone you care about is considering treatment for substance use disorder or process addictions, we can help. Contact us now on admissions@samarpan.in or phone/WhatsApp us on +91 81809 19090.
American Psychiatric Association. Gold Award: Integrating dialectical behavior therapy into a community mental health program. Psychiatric Services. 1998;49(10):1338–1340
Darke S, et al. Borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder and risk-taking among heroin users: Findings from the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS) Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2004;74(1):77–83.
Inman DJ, Bascue LD, Skoloda T: Identification of borderline personality disorder among substance abuse inpatients. J Subst Abuse Treat 1985
Linehan MM. Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. New York: Guilford Press; 1993a. [Google Scholar]
Linehan MM. Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder. New York: Guilford Press; 1993b. [Google Scholar]
Linehan MM. Skills Training Manual for Disordered Emotion Regulation. New York: Guilford Press; in press. [Google Scholar]
+91 81809 19090admissions@samarpan.in