Treating the wide-ranging symptoms of mental health disorders involves different types of therapy techniques that depend heavily on the severity of the symptoms. Those individuals with symptoms that cause self-harming behaviors typically participate in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) as part of a well-rounded treatment program. The benefits of dialectical behavior therapy become clear as clients improve their ability to cope with their feelings and learn to accept themselves for who they are.
At Crestview Recovery, we support individuals who are struggling with addiction or other mental health disorders using DBT and other types of behavioral therapy. Our team will welcome you into our facility and run a full assessment of your health to place you in an appropriate treatment program. As clients progress through treatment, our teams meet weekly to update their program to ensure progress and make any necessary changes for the client’s benefit. To learn more about dialectical behavior therapy and other programs we use, call 866.262.0531 or send us a message online today, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on teaching people how to process difficult emotions and feelings. It’s an offshoot of cognitive-behavioral therapy and was originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder and those with suicidal tendencies. It focuses on teaching clients to accept themselves for who they are and begin to change how they think about themselves and the world around them. Over time, it became clear that DBT can treat people with other types of mental health disorders, such as:
- Substance use disorder
- Suicidal behaviors
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
At Crestview Recovery, we understand the benefits of DBT for addiction treatment and combine it with other types of behavioral and holistic therapy. Clients will participate in group and private therapy sessions in a comfortable and discreet environment.
5 Benefits of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
There are several benefits of DBT when used to treat addiction to alcohol, cocaine, or other dangerous substances. It can show those with addiction the harm they are causing themselves and their loved ones and helps them process the emotions and feelings that led to the abuse. Dialectical behavior therapy can save the life of a loved one before they further harm themselves or cause irreparable damage. The benefits of DBT become clear as clients progress through the program and begin to see themselves in a positive light. They no longer feel the urge to harm themselves and can start making the most out of their life.
Here are five benefits of dialectical behavior therapy for treating addiction and other mental health disorders:
1. Develop healthy coping skills
Behavioral therapists work closely with each client to get to know the reasons behind the addiction and help them process their emotions calmly and without any harmful behavior. They learn that it’s OK to talk about their feelings and how their addiction is actually making things worse.
2. Reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings
Medical staff will administer medications to minimize any withdrawals and cravings while in therapy. Medication can also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety that may be fueling the addiction so clients can focus on their recovery instead of their symptoms. By the end of the program, most clients will no longer need the medication to manage their symptoms.
3. Teaches acceptance and change
One critical component of DBT is how it teaches clients to be OK with how they think and who they are and how they can replace any negative thoughts or behaviors with positive ones. These skills will benefit them today and long into the future.
4. Teaches mindfulness
Another benefit of dialectical behavior therapy is teaching clients mindfulness techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises. These skills can be useful for calming down in stressful situations and preventing them from causing any negative behaviors and cravings for more drugs or alcohol.
5. Supportive relationships
The friendships that form during therapy will become a strong support system that will encourage healthy choices and sober living long after completing the recovery program.
Discover the Benefits of DBT for Addiction at Crestview Recovery
At Crestview Recovery, we are a full-service and fully accredited addiction treatment center that helps men and women over the age of 18 who are struggling with addiction. We use the top treatment modalities for treating addiction, along with holistic therapy and medication for an all-encompassing recovery experience. To discover the benefits of DBT for addiction and how it can aid in your recovery, call 866.262.0531 today to speak with our compassionate staff about enrolling in our treatment facility in Portland.
