Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is part of a comprehensive treatment program that blends cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness (and other features) to help people manage emotions, improve relationships, and change harmful behaviors. For those struggling with addiction, DBT offers practical tools to cope with cravings, handle stress in healthier ways, and build a more stable foundation for long-term recovery. By focusing on both acceptance and change, DBT gives individuals the skills they need to break free from substance use and create a life that feels worth living.
At Northern Illinois Recovery Center in Crystal Lake, Illinois, we provide dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) as part of our comprehensive addiction treatment programs. DBT is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals struggling with substance use disorders develop healthier ways to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and manage triggers that can lead to relapse.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It was initially developed for treating borderline personality disorder (BPD) and eating disorders, but it has since expanded to treat other mental health conditions. DBT treatment sessions are designed to teach skills to manage emotions, improve relationships, and reduce harmful behaviors. For individuals with substance use disorders, it helps them handle cravings, prevent relapse, and build healthier coping strategies.
The term “dialectical” expresses the idea of bringing opposite concepts together. In DBT, this pertains to terms like “change” and “acceptance.” During DBT therapy sessions, a major focus is on developing acceptance and the appropriate skills for problem-solving. In conjunction with other methods of treatment, this type of therapy can be extremely useful for addiction recovery and beyond.
Goals and Principles of DBT
Dialectical behavior therapy for substance use disorders helps individuals identify thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are holding them back from reaching their full potential. In addition, the processes of DBT encourage clients to accept their current circumstances while moving forward.
Dialectical behavior therapy covers different facets of addiction treatment and aims to do the following:
- Identify and control disorders and behaviors
- Learn to express emotions and talk about past/current struggles
- Learn how to resolve issues smoothly and maintain a stable life
- Repair relationships to improve personal behavior and communication skills
DBT encourages individuals to live in the present moment. During sessions, individuals will learn how to break down their emotions, stress, and grief in a healthy manner. Many people who are enrolled in DBT have heightened emotional responses. Proper treatment can help with emotional regulation and not engaging in addictive behaviors.
The Goals of DBT include:
- Reduce harmful behaviors: Decrease substance use and other behaviors that put the individual at risk.
- Increase emotional regulation: Teach skills to manage intense emotions without turning to drugs or alcohol.
- Improve coping strategies: Build healthy ways to handle stress, cravings, and triggers.
- Enhance relationships: Develop communication and interpersonal skills to maintain supportive connections.
- Promote long-term recovery: Encourage a balanced, meaningful life rooted in stability and self-awareness.
Core Principles of DBT are as followed:
- Acceptance and change: Balance acceptance of current struggles while working to change harmful behaviors.
- Mindfulness: Stay present and aware of thoughts, feelings, and urges without reacting impulsively.
- Distress tolerance: Manage crises and emotional pain without using substances.
- Emotion regulation: Recognize, understand, and effectively adjust intense emotions.
- Interpersonal effectiveness: Communicate needs and set boundaries while maintaining healthy relationships.
DBT begins with “pre-treatment” sessions with the therapist. They will ask about the individual’s background and their goals for therapy. Both parties will collaborate in developing a treatment plan.
What to Expect During DBT for Substance Abuse
DBT often uses acronyms to make skills easier to remember and apply. Group sessions function like classes, teaching skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, and communication tools. For example, “DEAR MAN” teaches effective communication by guiding individuals to Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, stay Mindful, Appear confident, and Negotiate. Another tool, “STOP,” supports distress tolerance by reminding individuals to Stop, Take a step back, Observe, and Proceed mindfully. These are just two of many DBT skills designed to help people manage emotions and improve daily life, paving the way for successful recovery.
Patients practice skills through homework and real-life application, sometimes with phone coaching available for support in stressful moments. DBT programs often last six months or more, and therapists work in consultation teams to ensure effective, compassionate care.
The Stages of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Like other therapeutic approaches, DBT has stages and goals. At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, our goal is to address our clients’ concerns most effectively and productively as possible. Thus, each stage of the process is designed to work on a range of emotional issues.
This stage mainly focuses on stabilizing the person at an inpatient treatmentcenter. Mental health issues are challenging and complicated to deal with. During the first stage, we focus on topics ranging from suicidal thoughts to other dangerous behaviors. Our therapists help guide their patients to a healthier and safer mental state.
Once we ensure the person is stable, we begin working through traumatic experiences. This stage is essential because it helps people learn to deal with certain emotions instead of burying them. Our addiction and mental health counselors are experienced in dealing with this behavior and can have overwhelmingly positive impacts on their patients.
To maintain stability, in stage three, we help the person set goals. Goal setting helps people stay on track while being a confidence booster upon reaching their goals.
Stage four represents a period in which the person in treatment is advancing their lives to complete recovery. During this stage, they can actively find fulfillment within their life. They are aware of the difficulties they have faced, but continue to work on and develop their DBT skills with guidance.
Modules of DBT for Substance Abuse
Four aspects make up the modules of DBT for addiction. These aspects reflect different areas of people’s lives where they may struggle due to mental health conditions, trauma, or other struggles.
Staying in control of emotions can be difficult during challenging times. The emotional regulation aspect of DBT helps clients learn how powerful emotions can be. Emotions can lead to positive or negative effects.
Healthy relationships set the foundation for healthy lifestyles. Learning about interpersonal effectiveness can help people understand the importance of positive relationships, resulting in positive emotional experiences.
Mindfulness is similar to acceptance. Being mindful means that a person is willing and able to accept how things are within the present moment, an area where DBT focuses heavily. Once a person can accept themselves, their past decisions, and their ability to make healthy decisions, it can be much easier to avoid relapse.
Since most people join treatment at a distressing time, it can be especially difficult to practice mindfulness. DBT for substance abuse can help individuals accept their stress, as opposed to committing habitual, unhealthy behaviors, and can be complemented by medication-assisted treatment (MAT). DBT techniques provide individuals with the tools they need to have long-term recovery.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Northern Illinois Recovery Center
DBT has also helped individuals in the following ways:
- Reduces mental anguish for several different disorders
- Reduces self-harming practices (such as cutting)
- Retains individuals, who seek the treatment time and again
- Reduces symptoms of personality disorders and psychological disorders
- Helps to treat drug addiction and alcohol addiction
- Helps in developing greater abilities for coping with your problems
To get the most from dialectical behavior therapy, individuals should show up to treatment ready to participate both physically and mentally. Skipping sessions can hurt the overall outcome of treatment.
DBT teaches individuals to prevent negative thought patterns, recognize triggers, and develop strong interpersonal skills. However, what is taught in therapy will need to be applied in real-world situations. The lessons learned within DBT therapy can make a significant difference in day-to-day life.
DBT for Addiction FAQs
Many DBT programs last at least six months, though some individuals continue longer based on their needs. Recovery is a continuous process, and DBT offers tools for both immediate stability and long-term development.
DBT usually involves weekly individual therapy and weekly group skills sessions. This is in addition to homework and phone coaching.
Yes. DBT can be integrated with medical care, medication-assisted treatment, 12-step programs, or other therapy approaches.
DBT can help individuals struggling with substance use, especially those who also experience intense emotions, stress, or co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or borderline personality disorder.
Unlike some therapies that focus only on stopping substance use, DBT emphasizes both acceptance and change. It can help individuals understand why they use substances while teaching them healthier ways to cope.
individuals use tools like diary cards to monitor behaviors, emotions, and treatment goals. This can help therapists prioritize session time and track improvements.
Yes. Many insurance plans cover DBT as part of addiction and mental health treatment, but coverage depends on provider and policy. It’s best to check with the insurance company or the treatment center to confirm what’s included.
Learn More at Northern Illinois Recovery Center
If you would like to find out more about dialectical behavior therapy for addiction, reach out to us at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. We can help get you on the road to recovery at our comprehensive treatment center. If you have any questions or want more information on our comprehensive treatment plans, please don’t hesitate to call us today.
