.jpg)
How DBT Helps Heal the Emotional Roots of Substance Use Disorders
Substance addiction often starts with pain. When life feels overwhelming, many people turn to substances to numb difficult emotions or escape trauma. But what happens when the temporary relief becomes a bigger problem than the original pain?
This is where dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) comes in. DBT for addiction recovery offers real tools to manage intense emotions without substances. At Arista Recovery, we've seen how DBT helps people build the skills they need for lasting wellness and sobriety.
DBT for addiction doesn't just treat the symptoms of substance use. It addresses the root causes that drive people to drink or use drugs in the first place. Through structured skill-building and compassionate support, this therapy helps people create lives worth living without substances.
What is DBT?
DBT for addiction is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was first created in the 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan.
DBT was originally designed to help people with borderline personality disorder who had severe emotional struggles. Today, DBT for addiction is used widely to treat substance use disorders (SUD) and other mental health conditions.1
The word "dialectical" means finding balance between opposite ideas. With DBT, this means learning to accept yourself as you are while also working to change harmful behaviors. It's about holding two truths at once: you're doing your best, and you can do better.
More Than Traditional Talk Therapy
Instead of just discussing problems, DBT for addiction teaches specific skills you can use every day. These skills help you or your loved one develop the skills needed to:
- Handle stress
- Manage emotions
- Build better relationships without turning to substances
Dialectical behavioral therapy combines individual sessions with group classes. This mix gives you personal attention while also letting you learn from others who understand your struggles.
At Arista Recovery, we use DBT for addiction recovery in both our inpatient program in Paola, Kansas, and our outpatient program in Overland Park.
Why Dialectical Behavior Therapy Supports Addiction Recovery
DBT for addiction recovery supports lasting change because it targets the real reasons people use substances. Most people don't start using drugs or alcohol because they want to become addicted—they start because they're trying to cope with something difficult.
Common triggers that lead to substance use include:
- Intense emotions like anger, sadness, or fear
- Trauma from past experiences
- Relationship conflicts
- Stress from work, school, or family
- Feelings of emptiness or boredom
DBT for addiction teaches you how to handle these triggers without substances. Instead of avoiding difficult feelings, you learn to sit with them and work through them in healthy ways.
Learning to Manage Emotions Through DBT
Dialectical behavioral therapy helps you understand that emotions are temporary. Even the most intense feelings will pass if you don't make them worse by using substances. DBT gives you tools to ride out emotional storms without relapsing.
Research shows that DBT for addiction is especially effective for people who struggle with emotional regulation.2
If you find yourself using substances when you're upset, angry, or overwhelmed, this therapy can teach you better ways to cope—ultimately creating the foundation needed for sustainable growth.
Core Components of DBT in Addiction Treatment
DBT for addiction has four main parts that work together to support your recovery. Each component teaches different skills that help you stay sober and build a better life.
Individual Therapy Sessions
In individual DBT for addiction therapy, you work one-on-one with a trained therapist. These weekly sessions focus on your specific triggers and challenges. Your therapist helps you apply DBT skills to real situations in your life.
During these sessions, you might work on understanding what led to a recent craving or how to handle an upcoming stressful event. The therapist doesn't judge you for mistakes. Instead, they help you learn from setbacks and plan better responses for next time.
Skills Training Groups
Group sessions are where you learn the four core modules of DBT. These classes teach practical skills you can use every day to stay sober and manage life's challenges.
With DBT, expect to develop:
Mindfulness Skills
Mindfulness helps you stay present and aware. Instead of getting lost in regrets about the past or worries about the future, you learn to focus on what's happening right now. This skill is crucial for DBT for addiction because it helps you notice cravings and triggers before they become overwhelming.
Distress Tolerance Skills
Practicing distress tolerance teaches you how to survive crisis situations without using substances. You learn techniques like deep breathing, cold water on your face, or intense exercise to get through difficult moments. These skills help you "surf the urge" until cravings pass.
Emotion Regulation Skills
Developing emotional regulation skills helps you understand and manage your feelings. You learn to identify what you're feeling, understand what triggered the emotion, and choose healthy responses. In DBT for addiction, this means finding ways to feel better that don't involve substances.
Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills
Interpersonal effectiveness skills improve your relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. You learn how to ask for what you need, set boundaries, and handle conflicts without drama. Strong relationships are essential for recovery, and DBT for addiction helps you build them.
Who Benefits Most from DBT?
DBT for addiction helps many different people, but it's especially effective for those struggling with certain challenges.
You might be a good candidate for DBT for addiction if you struggle with:
- Co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or borderline personality disorder
- A history of trauma or abuse
- Difficulty controlling emotions or impulses
- Relationship problems that contribute to substance use
- Previous relapses related to emotional triggers
When Other Treatment Options Haven’t Worked
At Arista Recovery, we see excellent results with DBT for addiction for people who have tried other treatments without success. If you've been to rehab before but still struggle with emotional regulation, DBT might be the missing piece.
DBT for addiction also works well for people in all different stages of recovery. Whether you're just starting detox or you've been sober for months, these skills can help you stay on track. DBT adapts to meet you where you are on your journey.
Young adults often respond particularly well to DBT. The skills taught help individuals navigate the emotional challenges of early adulthood while building healthy coping mechanisms for life.3
Integrating DBT with Other Therapies at Arista Recovery
DBT for addiction recovery doesn't work in isolation.
At Arista Recovery, we combine DBT for addiction with other evidence-based treatments to give you comprehensive care:
Detox
During medical detox, DBT skills help you cope with withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Instead of feeling helpless during this difficult time, you have tools to manage discomfort and stay motivated for recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
DBT for addiction works well with medication-assisted treatment (MAT). While medications help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, DBT skills help you handle the emotional and psychological aspects of recovery.
Trauma-Informed Care
Our trauma-informed care approach pairs naturally with DBT. Many people with substance use disorders have experienced trauma. DBT helps you process difficult emotions related to trauma without turning to substances.
Holistic Therapies
Arista Recovery also offers unique holistic therapies that complement DBT:
- Art therapy helps you express emotions that are hard to put into words
- Equine therapy teaches you to read non-verbal cues and build trust
- Horticulture therapy provides grounding and connection to nature
- Music therapy offers another outlet for emotional expression
These creative therapies work alongside DBT for addiction to help you discover new ways to cope with stress and find joy in recovery. The combination gives you multiple tools for building a fulfilling, sober life.
The Role of DBT in Relapse Prevention
DBT for addiction is particularly powerful for preventing relapse. The skills you learn don't just help you get sober—they help you stay sober for the long term.
Traditional addiction treatment often focuses on avoiding triggers. DBT for addiction takes a different approach. Instead of trying to avoid all difficult situations, you learn how to handle them skillfully when they arise.
DBT for addiction teaches you to see relapse as a problem to solve, not a personal failure. If you do have a setback, your therapist helps you analyze what happened and learn from it. This approach reduces shame and helps you get back on track quickly.
The Role of Mindfulness
The mindfulness skills from DBT for addiction help you notice early warning signs of relapse. You become aware of changes in your thinking, emotions, or behavior that might lead to substance use. With this awareness, you can take action before a full relapse occurs.
DBT for addiction also helps you build a life worth living without substances. As you develop better relationships, manage emotions effectively, and find healthy ways to cope with stress, the appeal of substances naturally decreases.
Long-term studies show that people who complete DBT for addiction programs have lower relapse rates than those who receive other types of treatment.4 The skills become part of your daily routine, providing ongoing protection against relapse.
DBT for Addiction in Kansas: Local Access at Arista Recovery
If you live in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, or Nebraska, you have convenient access to high-quality DBT for addiction treatment at Arista Recovery. We offer DBT for addiction in both inpatient and outpatient settings to meet your needs—and on your terms.
Inpatient Treatment
Our inpatient program in Paola, Kansas, provides intensive DBT for addiction treatment in a supportive residential setting. You'll participate in daily skills groups and individual therapy while focusing completely on your recovery. This immersive approach helps you master DBT skills quickly.
Outpatient Treatment
For people who need to maintain work or family responsibilities, our outpatient DBT for addiction program in Overland Park offers flexible scheduling. You can attend group sessions and individual therapy while living at home and continuing your daily routine.
Making Treatment Accessible
Arista Recovery accepts most major insurance plans, making DBT for addiction treatment accessible to more people. Our admissions team works with your insurance company to verify benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
We also offer payment plans and financial assistance for people who need help covering treatment costs. We believe that financial barriers shouldn't prevent anyone from getting the DBT for addiction treatment they need.
Family Support for Lasting Recovery
You don’t recover alone, and neither should your loved ones. Our family-centered approach gives your loved ones a role in the healing process by allowing them to participate in your DBT for addiction treatment.
We offer family therapy sessions and educational programs to help your support system understand addiction and recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery with DBT
DBT for addiction offers hope for people who have struggled with substance use and emotional challenges. The skills you learn in DBT for addiction don't just help you get sober; they help you build a life you actually want to live.
Recovery is possible, even if you've tried before without success. DBT for addiction gives you practical tools for handling life's challenges without substances. You'll learn to manage difficult emotions, build better relationships, and create meaning in your daily life.
Together, We Can Create a Life You Love
At Arista Recovery, we've seen countless people transform their lives through DBT for addiction. Our compassionate team understands the struggles you're facing, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
DBT isn't just about stopping substance use, it's about starting a new chapter in your life. We understand that healing is more than sobriety—it’s a lifestyle reset. You'll develop skills that serve you long after treatment ends, helping you navigate whatever challenges come your way.
Healing is Just a Phone Call Away
The journey of recovery starts with a single step. If you're ready to learn how DBT for addiction can help you build a better life, Arista Recovery is ready to guide you through the process. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you get started.
Connect with Arista Recovery today for a confidential assessment. Let us help you discover how DBT can be the foundation for your lasting recovery and a life filled with hope, connection, and purpose.
