Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based, structured form of psychotherapy that helps individuals develop skills to manage intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and build more stable, meaningful lives. Originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the 1980s to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT has since been adapted for various conditions, including substance use disorders (SUDs).

At Still Detox, we implement DBT as part of our comprehensive addiction treatment model. This approach is especially helpful for individuals whose substance use is driven by emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, or co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

How DBT Supports Recovery from Addiction

Many individuals turn to substances to numb emotional pain, manage overwhelming feelings, or avoid distressing situations. DBT addresses the root of this cycle by helping clients develop four key skill sets: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

According to a study published in the journal Substance Use & Misuse, DBT has shown significant reductions in substance use frequency and cravings, particularly in individuals with dual diagnoses or a history of emotional trauma1.

Core Functions of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in Our Program

Our DBT model follows the original framework outlined by Dr. Linehan and includes five core functions to ensure therapeutic fidelity and clinical impact:

  1. Enhancing Capabilities: We teach clients practical behavioral skills through structured sessions. These include managing triggers, tolerating distress, and navigating interpersonal conflict, all critical to sustained recovery.
  2. Improving Motivation: In one-on-one sessions, therapists help clients stay engaged in treatment, analyze setbacks, and build motivation to continue sobriety through behavioral reinforcement techniques.
  3. Generalizing Skills: Clients are coached to apply DBT skills in real-world situations, especially when faced with cravings or high-stress events—so the learning extends beyond the therapy room.
  4. Structuring the Environment: We support clients in changing their physical and social environments to reduce exposure to relapse cues and enhance recovery-friendly connections.
  5. Supporting Therapist Competency: Our clinical team meets regularly for peer consultation to uphold DBT fidelity, reduce therapist burnout, and deliver consistent, effective care.

Key DBT Skills Taught at Still Detox

Mindfulness: Clients learn to observe and describe thoughts and emotions without judgment. This improves awareness and reduces reactivity to stress.

Distress Tolerance: Techniques such as grounding, distraction, and radical acceptance help clients manage crises without resorting to substance use.

Emotional Regulation: Clients learn to identify emotional patterns, reduce vulnerability to mood swings, and increase positive emotional experiences.

Interpersonal Effectiveness: Skill-building in assertiveness, boundary-setting, and conflict resolution enhances the quality of relationships and supports sobriety.

Evidence Supporting DBT for Substance Use Disorders

A meta-analysis published in Clinical Psychology Review found that DBT was associated with moderate to large effect sizes in reducing substance use including; heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription opioids and improving emotion regulation2. Another randomized trial in Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment concluded that DBT significantly decreased dropout rates and increased days of abstinence among individuals with opioid and alcohol use disorders3.

DBT at Still Detox: What to Expect

Our DBT programming includes individual therapy, group skills training, and between-session support where applicable. Each client’s treatment is customized to their emotional needs, co-occurring conditions, and goals for recovery. DBT is often integrated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and trauma-informed care as part of a full continuum of care.

Get Support Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and emotional dysregulation, DBT may be a powerful tool for healing.

Contact Still Detox today at (561) 556-2677 to speak with a clinical specialist and begin your recovery journey.

References

  1. Linehan MM, et al. Dialectical behavior therapy for patients with borderline personality disorder and drug dependence. Substance Use & Misuse, 1999.
  2. Valentine SE & Bankoff SM. The effectiveness of DBT for reducing substance use. Clinical Psychology Review, 2013.
  3. Linehan MM et al. A randomized controlled trial of DBT for substance users. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2002.