Are you suffering from drug and alcohol addiction or another common mental health disorder? Mental health experts concur that a dialectical behavior therapy program (DBT) effectively manages emotional and social challenges as part of an addiction treatment program. DBT is an evidence-based approach that focuses on addressing unstable emotions and harmful behaviors to improve your mental health.
Some people react extraordinarily to specific emotional situations, and their arousal levels increase quicker than the average person. Such people may find it difficult to return to the baseline level after symptoms of addiction. To cope with the sudden and intense surges of emotion, you will need an addiction treatment therapy program in Ohio.
Why Choose DBT?
The founder of DBT, Dr. Marsha Linehan, made certain assumptions when developing the subset of cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Linehan discovered that the approach had its basis in the foundations of philosophy and science, which both believe that truth and reality constantly evolve. The developer noted that everything in the universe is connected; therefore, integration is possible even when the odds appear to be opposing.
Therefore, the treatment approach aims to synthesize opposite points of view and change the behavior of people struggling with mental health disorders.
Dialectical behavior therapy programs combine acceptance and change, thus leading to better results. The therapy changes negative behaviors using four components: individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and consultation group (for healthcare providers to improve client care). Those who undergo DBT can expect to participate in one or more of the settings mentioned.
As such, DBT enhances life skills in different ways as it focuses on distress tolerance. This way, even when you experience intense emotions, you will not react impulsively. You will be better at emotion regulation, which entails recognizing, labeling, and adjusting feelings. It further enhances interpersonal effectiveness by enabling people to navigate conflict and interact assertively.
DBT also leads to mindfulness, whereby people become more aware of how they interact with others.
What Conditions Does DBT Treat?
In most cases, DBT techniques are used in treating high-risk clients or those who are challenging to treat. Such clients usually have multiple diagnoses. Although it initially addressed suicidal thoughts and borderline personality disorder (BPD), DBT effectively treats various other mental health challenges.
BPD leads to acute emotional distress, and the signs may include intense bursts of anger, aggression, and rapidly shifting moods. People who suffer from this condition sometimes have difficulty regulating emotions; they experience instability in moods, behavior, self-image, thinking, and relationships.
The dialectical behavior therapy program also treats the following:
- Substance use disorders
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Eating disorders such as bulimia
- Anxiety disorders
- Major depressive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
After undergoing this therapy program, participants report changes in various life areas, including:
- Improvement in social functioning
- Less anger
- Decrease in hospitalizations
- Reduced suicidal behavior
- Reduced chances of dropping out of treatment
What to Expect in the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program
In rehab, you’ll participate in several addiction treatment therapies and programs that will change your life for the better. DBT offers a multistage approach by treating the most self-destructive behavior, addressing quality-of-life skills, and focusing on improved relationships. This enhances self-esteem and promotes happiness.
At our rehab center, the DBT program offers several benefits, including:
- Fostering the use of positive strength
- Adopting healthy and productive behavior patterns
- Ability to focus on changing thoughts
- Helping to learn new skills
- Learning how to accept and change your life
- Improving communication
Find the Help You Need with DBT at Midwest Recovery Center Today
If you suffer from mental health issues in addition to addiction, do not hesitate to seek help by enrolling in a dialectical behavior therapy program. Begin your journey to recovery by contacting a certified rehab center for treatment.
The earlier you begin your journey to rehabilitate, the faster you can achieve sobriety. Contact Midwest Recovery Center today at 833.627.0039 to learn more.