Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Addiction Treatment
Table of Contents
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Our team is standing by to discuss your situation and options. Your call is fully confidential, and no obligation is required.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is largely based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It is a complex treatment approach used to treat borderline personality disorder, severe mental health conditions, and high-risk psychiatric disorders. DBT has proven to be successful in helping patients manage their emotions, regulate suicidal thoughts, and turn destructive behaviors into positive outcomes.1
Learn More About Ripple Ranch Recovery Center
Our team is standing by to discuss your situation and options. Your call is fully confidential, and no obligation is required.
Call Us 24/7
Learn More About Ripple Ranch Recovery Center
Our team is standing by to discuss your situation and options. Your call is fully confidential, and no obligation is required.
Focus of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

What Does Dialectical Mean?
Marsha Linehan and the Creation of DBT
Difference between CBT and DBT
- CBT focuses on changing dysfunctional ways of feeling, thoughts, and actions through the learning of skills. DBT focuses on how to accept these dysfunctional feelings and thoughts while teaching skills on how to change them.
- CBT teaches only individual skills, whereas DBT teaches individual skills and interpersonal effectiveness skills.
Inside-Out
Outside-In
The Principles of DBT
- Improving patient’s motivation to change and reduce dysfunctional behaviors
- Generalizing new behaviors and skills to new environments
- Enhancing patient’s capabilities
- Enhancing and maintaining the therapist’s capabilities and motivation.
- Structuring the environment
Behavioral Components of DBT
Core Mindfulness
Distress Tolerance
Emotional Regulation
This skill is particularly important for people in addiction treatment who are prone to be tempted by their emotions or other occurrences. Emotional regulation teaches patients how to be aware of and accept their emotions, rather than allowing them to take over their actions.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
DBT Treatment Components
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy involves a one-on-one meeting with a therapist. The session is tailored to the patient’s personality, and they are taught how to apply the DBT skills they’ve learned to real-life situations. These sessions are held weekly and go alongside the group training.
Group Skills Training
Phone Coaching
Consultation Team for Therapists
The team consultation is held weekly to help therapists solve problems and implement DBT techniques that will be effective in treating challenging situations. These meetings also help prevent burnout, stress, or vicarious trauma.
What Can DBT Help Treat?
- PTSD
- Disruptive behaviors
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Mood swings
- Suicidal behaviors
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger issues
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Self-harm

How is DBT Helpful for Addiction Treatment?
DBT for Drug Rehab
Medical expertise is needed to overcome drug addiction, and stress management skills are generally also required to help people stay sober. Treating drug addiction with DBT is an effective treatment technique.
DBT for Alcohol Rehab
Sometimes, a lot of guilt and shame accompany alcohol addiction, and in alcohol rehab, Ripple Ranch Recovery Center therapists use DBT to help patients accept themselves, work through potential dangers, curb maladaptive and self-destructive behaviors, and move forward in a positive manner. Ripple Ranch Recovery Center therapists also use DBT to help patients learn how to cope with their emotions and ways to manage them.
DBT to Build Sober Living Skills
Reach Out to Ripple Ranch and Begin Recovery
If you or a loved one could benefit from emotional healing, Ripple Ranch Recovery is here to help. We can equip you with the tools and techniques to establish and maintain long-term, sustainable wellness and sobriety. Our team of qualified, compassionate, and dedicated therapists will help you to accomplish the wellness and fulfillment you deserve.