Today, studies show that mental health is a key component to addiction recovery. At least half of people living with addiction also have co-occurring disorders. Some of these may be untreated and undiagnosed. For many, depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and other co-occurring disorders actually lead to drug and alcohol use as a form of self-medicating. Behavioral therapy, like dialectical behavioral therapy, can help people cope with addiction triggers and heal underlying causes of addiction.

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy. The word “dialectical” means “an integration of opposites.” This integration of opposites gives DBT its focus, helping clients balance extreme emotions and comfortably integrate their full range of emotions into daily life. Like other behavioral therapies, DBT focuses on talk therapy sessions between a therapist and client to assess challenges, set goals, and practice behavioral exercises.

If you or someone in your life needs addiction support, Atlanta Detox Center can help. Our Atlanta Detox Center team is standing by to explain how DBT can help with addiction. Reach us now at 470-450-2355 to learn more about the benefits of dialectical behavior therapy.

3 Benefits of Dialectical Behavior Therapy

1. Mindfulness

As one of the foundational skills in DBT, clients become more attuned with the present moment to prevent anxiety and rumination on the past or future. One of the main benefits of dialectical behavior therapy is that clients learn to fully experience their emotions, allowing them to pass rather than prevent feeling pain with drugs or alcohol.

2. Interpersonal Efficacy

This foundational skill helps clients develop new healthy boundaries and relationships that help keep sobriety a priority. DBT teaches people about asking for what they want and the power of being able to say “no.”

3. Emotional Regulation

DBT works with clients to help them practice their tolerance of emotions and realize they have the power to shift their emotional states. Without drugs or alcohol, it can become easier to shift emotional states and let emotions naturally pass through the body.

Clients can also use tools from individual DBT sessions in group and family therapy sessions. Therapists address clients’ behaviors that work against the four core skills in their personal lives and relationships. This can shift home dynamics and improve communication. Through analyzing a client’s behavior, mood, and life history, therapists offer tools to help clients shift emotional states for more resilience and self-confidence.

Additional benefits of DBT for addiction recovery include:

  • Building stronger boundaries
  • Recognizing and shifting toxic relationships
  • Lower levels of anger, anxiety, and depression
  • Better communication and stronger families
  • Voicing personal needs

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Addiction at Atlanta Detox Center

If you or someone in your life is looking for evidence-based therapy, consider DBT at Atlanta Detox Center. Our team believes that dialectical behavior therapy can be a key factor in genuine, long-lasting recovery. For many, DBT helps them shift from a mindset of life “happening to them” to being an active participant in their day-to-day life. This can be a crucial shift in perception during addiction recovery.

Explore Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Addiction at Atlanta Detox Center

At Atlanta Detox Center, our team knows that behavioral therapy is a key component to addiction recovery. That’s why our clients receive both DBT and CBT therapy in a group, family, and individual sessions. Our Atlanta-based residential detox center helps clients understand addiction triggers, overcome stressful situations, and health from past trauma. We understand the importance of mental health in addiction recovery and love helping our clients every step of the way. To learn more about our programs, call us now at 470-450-2355 to speak with an intake specialist or connect with us online.

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