Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are extremely beneficial treatment therapies for Summit Malibu residents.
CBT and DBT are evidence-based approaches that have proven to be effective for treating substance use disorders and mental health issues related to addiction.
Both of these addiction treatment methods are used for one-on-one and group therapy sessions to help individuals understand, identify, and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with drug and alcohol use.
CBT and DBT share many similarities, and they become even more powerful when used together. They also complement other treatment modalities used at Summit Malibu.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors that lead to anxiety, depression, and substance dependence.
It is useful for addiction treatment because it helps patients understand the relationship between unhealthy thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to substance use.
CBT for addiction typically involves:
- Identifying the root causes and risk factors for substance use
- Teaching coping skills
- Achieving treatment goals and staying on track
How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps individuals understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors impact drug and alcohol use.
CBT helps individuals to:
- Identify and challenge negative thoughts
- Develop coping skills to manage stress and anxiety
- Learn problem solving techniques
- Address underlying emotional and psychological issues that contribute to addiction
- Use mindfulness techniques to stay in the present moment and regulate emotions
- Manage triggers to avoid relapse
- Promote lasting change for recovery
Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Addiction Treatment
Research has shown that CBT is effective for treating addiction and mental health disorders and works well for both individual and group therapy.
The benefits of CBT for addiction recovery include:
- Short-term therapy with long-term results
- Improves recovery outcomes
- Versatile approach that works well with medication and other therapies
- Customizable for the unique needs of each client
- Empowers individuals to improve emotions in a healthy way
- Addresses co-occurring disorders like anxiety, depression, and addiction
- Develops skills for managing triggers and cravings
- Enhances awareness of negative thoughts and behaviors that cause substance use
- Helps prevent relapse
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed by Marsha M. Linehan for treating borderline personality disorder, and has also proven to be effective for addiction treatment and many other mental health conditions.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that uses “acceptance and change” strategies to promote positive growth and balance emotions.
DBT focuses more on the present than the past and emphasizes healthy coping mechanisms and learning skills to successfully manage daily stressors.
DBT is designed to effectively change behavior, and is divided into four modules:
- Mindfulness
- Distress Tolerance
- Emotion Regulation
- Interpersonal Effectiveness
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is ideal for treating addiction and mental health issues by helping individuals develop positive coping skills, manage unhealthy emotions, and improve interpersonal relationships.
All of these skills are necessary for successful, long-term recovery.
How Does Dialectical Behavior Therapy Work?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy can be used during individual sessions with a therapist or in group therapy with other individuals.
DBT uses several strategies designed to promote sobriety and relapse prevention.
1. Dialectical Abstinence combines abstinence with problem solving responses to prevent relapse.
2. Clear Mind develops a state of awareness to identify and avoid substance use triggers.
3. Attachment Strategies keep individuals motivated and on track during treatment.
DBT helps individuals identify the root causes of their substance use and utilize healthy coping mechanisms for addressing stress and negative emotions.
It also teaches people to accept themselves as they are while encouraging positive change.
Benefits of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Addiction Treatment
DBT is successful for treating mental health disorders as well as drug and alcohol addiction.
The benefits of DBT for addiction recovery include:
- Improves emotional regulation
- Enhances distress tolerance for coping without using drugs or alcohol
- Heightens interpersonal relationships and communication skills
- Increases awareness of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors through mindfulness techniques
- Reduces self-destructive behaviors caused by substance use
- Boosts treatment outcomes for lasting recovery
- Effective for treating co-occurring disorders
- Strengthens relapse prevention skills
- Improves self-esteem, confidence, and quality of life
- Supports long-term recovery
- Complements other treatment therapies
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an excellent approach that focuses on acceptance and change for managing emotions, enhancing relationships, and building strong coping mechanisms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy identifies and changes negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that can trigger stress, anxiety, depression, and drug or alcohol use.
Summit Malibu’s dual diagnosis treatment program incorporates both of these therapies to effectively treat addiction and a wide range of mental health disorders.
To learn more about Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapies at Summit Malibu, contact us at (310) 742-1882.
