The Freedom to Begin Again

Millions of people suffer from substance abuse and do not know there is a way out. When one does not have proper communication skills and drive to deal with difficult situations, it can lead to substance abuse. Once this continues to happen for a prolonged period, it can promote changes in the brain, which leads to addiction. In such cases, a mental health therapy program can help. Fresh Start Recovery Center’s dialectical behavior therapy program in Maryland inspires people to assess their thoughts and opinions. Many can benefit from this individualized treatment, including those with mental illness.

man on couch thinking in dialectical behavior therapy programWhat Is a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program?

Similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, psychologist Dr. Marsha M. Linehan pioneered dialectical behavior therapy as a dynamic treatment that aims to eliminate and overcome negative and damaging emotions and behaviors caused by substance abuse. Medical experts assist participants in creating a positive mindset that builds the foundation for their recovery journey.

Initially, DBT was developed to help people dealing with suicidal thoughts. In time, it was found to yield effective results in treating borderline personality disorder and severe personality disorder—all conditions that are notoriously difficult to treat. Since it targets those with a subpar ability to handle tough emotions, DBT has also been applied to those struggling with addiction. DBT’s capacity to help a large number of people makes it a top choice for treating those with a dual diagnosis.

The word dialectic means investigating the truth of opinions. Keeping this in mind, one can determine that the duty of the therapist is to look within the participant to understand the feelings, opinions, and thoughts that should be acted upon.

People who receive this type of mental health therapy may attend group classes, individual sessions, or a combination of both. Journaling is also encouraged to keep track of the participant’s new skills.

Encouraging Sober Living with DBT

There are four major areas emphasized in dialectical behavior therapy, including:

  • Acceptance and validation of current behaviors
  • Addiction treatment therapies
  • Importance of therapeutic and treatment relationships
  • Realistic dialogue

Perhaps the primary advantage of a dialectical behavior therapy program in Maryland is that it also teaches important skills meant to prevent relapse such as:

  • Mindfulness
  • Emotional regulation
  • Distress tolerance
  • Interpersonal effectiveness

All these skills play a factor in altering the participant’s behavior and moving them away from alcohol and drugs. A dialectical behavior therapy program also highlights the importance of changing the surroundings and behavior of participants to make achieving sobriety easier. This can be done by seeking out groups that discourage drug use, removing triggers, and improving self-esteem.

In many cases, a person undergoing treatment does not have important life skills they need to get out of the dangerous cycle of substance abuse, or if they do, these skills need improvement. A therapist’s duty is to assess the areas of a person’s life that need intervention. Once these aspects have been identified, they can finally work together to fight dysfunctional behaviors and develop important life skills.

When this is accomplished, a person, whether an adult, young adult, or child, can develop a clear mind and remain focused on their road to recovery. Also, they know the potential threats that can ruin their sobriety. Should complications arise, they can avoid these triggers and cope accordingly.

Help Is Waiting with DBT at Fresh Start Recovery Center

There is no shame in seeking help to fight addiction. Our substance abuse treatment programs can help you heal and recover. Although complicated, this rewarding process needs medical expertise. But what makes a dialectical behavior therapy program unique is helps individuals stay sober by imparting critical life skills. This treatment is the best way to achieve a healthy mind and body. So contact us today at 833.625.0398 to learn more.