Dialectical Behavior Therapy For Substance Abuse In Illinois

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program

dbt for substance abuseIf you are suffering from depression, anxiety, or drug and alcohol addiction, then you may want to explore dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). We utilize dialectical behavior therapy at Northern Illinois Recovery Center due to its evidence-based results with our clients.

Therefore, if you are suffering from addiction or a mental health issue, feel free to ask us about the benefits of dialectical behavior therapy in treating your condition.

Our individual and group therapy programs offer a safe environment where you can get professional support and care as you rediscover your true self once again. Tackling your mental health issues alone can make you feel overwhelmed, so addiction treatment can be a refuge.

With a professional staff from Northern Illinois Recovery Center, however, you can finally feel a sense of hope and optimism about your addiction and your mental condition. We are here to help you get on the road to recovery and lead a happier and fuller life. Drug or alcohol addiction treatment is becoming widely available.

What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It was initially developed to help people with a borderline personality disorder or eating disorders, but it has since expanded its scope beyond this limited population into mental health issues in general. DBT sessions help people push for positive changes in their lives, even for people with especially challenging substance use disorders to treat.

The term “dialectical” expresses the idea of bringing opposite concepts together. In DBT, this pertains to terms like “change” and “acceptance.” In dialectical behavioral therapy for substance use disorders, a major focus is developing our client’s acceptance and problem-solving skills. In conjunction with other methods of treatment, dialectical behavior therapy can be extremely useful in addiction treatment.

How Does DBT for Substance Abuse Work?

dbt for substance abuseDBT for addiction encourages individuals to live in the present moment. During DBT therapy sessions, the patient learns how to break down their emotions, stress, and grief in a healthier manner. Many people who are enrolled in DBT have heightened emotional responses. Proper treatment can help the patient deal with high emotional levels in a productive way and avoid addictive behaviors.

Dialectical behavior therapy is a process that covers different factors of your recovery, all leading to a successful recovery. These include:

  • Identify and control your disorders and behaviors
  • Learn to express your emotions and talk about your past/current struggles
  • Learn how to resolve issues smoothly and maintain a stable life
  • Reconnect with others by improving your communication skills

Throughout your treatment, you will develop valuable skills that teach you how to manage your stress levels, accept what is around you, and enter into mindfulness more fully. You will also discover how this step-by-step process can help you take the necessary small steps to make significant changes and challenge negative consequences.

You can participate in DBT in both individual therapy and group settings. We also offer therapy over the phone with your Northern Illinois Recovery Center therapist or coach. We can help you track your progress so you can see a direct connection between the therapy and your growth.

Basic Components of DBT for Substance Abuse

Besides focusing on change and acceptance, DBT helps people maintain and create new, healthy relationships outside of substance addiction. At Northern Illinois Recovery, we provide a support-oriented approach when it comes to therapy. This allows our patients to increase self-esteem while subsequently developing healthier mindsets.

Dialectical behavior therapy for substance use disorders helps clients 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.

The Stages of DBT

Like other therapeutic approaches, DBT has stages and goals. At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, our goal is to address our client’s concerns in the most effective and productive way possible. Thus, each stage of the process is designed to work on a range of emotional issues.

  • Stage 1: This stage mainly focuses on stabilizing the patient at an inpatient treatment facility. 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 more safe mental state.
  • Stage 2: Once we ensure the client 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.
  • Stage 3: To maintain stability, in stage three, we help clients set goals. Goal setting helps people stay on track while being a confidence booster upon reaching their goals.
  • Stage 4: Stage four represents a period in which our clients are advancing their lives to complete recovery. During this stage, the client actively finds fulfillment within their life. They are aware of the difficulties they have faced but continue to work on and develop their 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 genetic mental illness, trauma, or other forms of mental health issues.

Emotional Regulation

Staying in control of emotions can be difficult during challenging times. The emotional regulation aspect of DBT for addiction helps clients learn how powerful emotions can be. Emotions can lead to positive or negative effects. DBT is important for people who have trouble controlling mood swings or urges since it is an outlet that promotes regulation and healthy problem-solving.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

A large portion of individuals in addiction treatment have relationships that impact them negatively. Healthy relationships set the foundation for healthy lifestyles. Learning about interpersonal effectiveness helps our clients understand the importance of positive relationships.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is similar to acceptance. Being mindful means that you are willing and able to accept how things are within the present moment. Once you are able to accept yourself, your past decisions, and your ability to make healthy decisions, it will be easier to avoid relapse.

Distress Tolerance

If mindfulness were easy, mental health issues would not be so prevalent. 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. DBT for addiction provides our clients with the tools they need to have long-term recovery.

How Can I Get DBT Treatment?

Therapists that assist DBT groups have special training in the provision of a safe environment. When deciding whether Dialectical Behaviour Therapy can be helpful, it should begin with a conversation with an experienced mental health care professional who can determine what your symptoms are. The AAC offers DBT at selected rehabilitation sites. When you are unsure about whether you should take DBT, then talk to the doctor for help and get an appointment.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy at Northern Illinois Recovery Center

dbt for substance abuseWe offer a dialectical behavior therapy program as a part of our evidence-based addiction treatment center outside of Chicago. In addition, we provide the following services:

  • Aftercare program
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Experiential therapy program
  • A cognitive-behavioral therapy program
  • Numerous addiction therapy services
  • Anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD treatment

When combined with other forms of therapy, DBT offers an effective solution for treating your mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Through dialectical behavior therapy, you can also face problems like suicidal thoughts or tendencies, emotional imbalance, impulse behavior, and self-destruction issues that lead to further mental disorders.

Evidence-Based Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy is an evidence-based approach. The evidence has shown how effective this type of therapy is in treating mental health conditions. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) both endorse DBT as a form of therapy that reduces hospitalization and helps individuals rejoin society with greater peace and confidence.

DBT has also helped individuals in the following ways:

  • Reduces mental anguish in several 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
  • Decreases drug and alcohol use for those dealing with substance abuse issues
  • Helps you develop greater abilities for coping with your problems

How to Get the Most Out of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Substance Use Disorder

dbt for substance abuseTo get the most from dialectical behavior therapy, patients should show up to treatment ready to participate both physically and mentally. Skipping sessions can have a negative impact on the overall outcome of treatment.

Progress in treatment depends on the treatment center, as well as the patient. Practicing and working on skills outside of treatment can be extremely beneficial for the client. Time spent within therapy is important.

However, what is taught in therapy is meant to be applied to real life. The lessons learned within therapy and other programs can be immediately transferred to day-to-day life. Participation in group sessions and individual sessions can almost immediately help the client make positive shifts in their life.

Is CBT or DBT Better for an Addiction Treatment Plan?

Dialectical behavioral therapy may not work well for treating other mental disorders, though. There is a significant difference in how CBT assists clients in addressing their problems.

Distress tolerance can help a recovering person develop healthy coping skills. Mental health conditions can often lead people to intense negative emotions, such as borderline personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder.

Learn More at Northern Illinois Recovery Center

If you would like to find out more about dialectical behavior therapy at Northern Illinois Recovery Center, contact us today. No one should have to deal with addiction alone. We provide DBT for substance abuse.

In addition to other forms of psychological treatment and therapy, to help you overcome your addiction. We can get you on the road to recovery at our comprehensive treatment center. If you have any questions or want more information, please don’t hesitate to call us today.

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