Pathways Wellness
Center

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Addiction - Glendora

Updated on:
August 4, 2023
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At Pathways Wellness Center, DBT is a core part of our comprehensive care approach. It is tailored to meet the individual needs of those battling addiction, promoting mental and emotional growth as they journey towards a substance-free life. By employing evidence-based techniques, our highly-trained therapists guide patients through therapeutic stages that address addiction symptoms and underlying causes. 

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 16.5 percent of the population 2021 could be classified as having a substance use disorder. This statistic underscores the critical importance of specialized treatments like Pathways Wellness Center's DBT program. Our individualized approach offers a tangible path toward healing and well-being by focusing on self-awareness, emotional regulation, stress management, and ongoing support. Our commitment to long-term recovery sets our DBT program apart, providing hope for those affected by addiction.

What is DBT?

DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, is a cognitive-behavioral approach that emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of treatment. It integrates acceptance and change strategies to create a balance. Initially developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT has been found highly effective in treating addiction and other mental health issues.

The Four Key Components of DBT:

  • Mindfulness: Enhancing awareness of the present moment
  • Distress Tolerance: Managing and accepting painful emotions
  • Emotional Regulation: Learning to control and change intense emotions
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improving communication and relationship skills

How Does DBT Work?

DBT works through a combination of group therapy, individual therapy, and phone coaching to help patients identify negative thinking patterns and encourage the development of positive behavioral changes. In group therapy, participants learn behavioral skills through lessons, discussions, and exercises, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding. This collaborative approach helps set the stage for transformative growth.

Individual therapy builds upon these group lessons by focusing on personal challenges and applying learned skills. In one-on-one sessions, therapists can tailor the treatment to address specific needs and obstacles, ensuring that the principles of DBT are directly applied to each patient's unique experiences. Combined with group therapy, this personalized attention creates a multifaceted approach that can lead to profound and lasting change.

How Can DBT Help with Addiction?

DBT for addiction at Pathways Wellness Center is tailored to help those struggling by targeting the underlying emotional and psychological triggers. By using DBT, patients can learn to recognize and control triggers that might otherwise lead them back into addictive behavior. It also enables them to manage stress without turning to substances, providing alternative coping mechanisms that promote overall well-being.

These strategies are part of a larger framework that addresses addiction and help develop a healthy coping mechanism and improve interpersonal relationships. A supportive environment cultivated through DBT can profoundly impact an individual's ability to overcome addiction, making it a vital component of the recovery process at Pathways Wellness Center.

Benefits of DBT for Substance Abuse Addiction

Choosing DBT for addiction offers significant benefits. According to the National Institutes of Health, 75% of those with a substance use disorder report not receiving treatment. DBT, as an inclusive and well-rounded therapy, focuses on overall mental wellness. It provides a comprehensive framework to support individuals at various stages of recovery, filling a crucial gap in addiction treatment and offering a path toward healing and well-being.

Enhanced Self-awareness

DBT helps individuals understand the motivations behind their addiction, shedding light on underlying triggers and patterns. By recognizing these, individuals can work on proactive strategies to prevent recurrence, promoting a deeper and more meaningful recovery.

Improved Stress Management

Improved stress management is another essential aspect of DBT. Stress is often a significant factor in addiction, and learning practical strategies to deal with it can be life-changing. Through DBT, individuals are taught how to respond to stress healthily, replacing the need for substances with positive coping strategies.

Emotional Regulation

In addition, DBT's emphasis on emotional regulation helps individuals control emotional responses that can lead to relapse. Through mindfulness practices and cognitive techniques, patients learn to manage their emotions more effectively, equipping them with the tools to face challenges without returning to addictive behaviors.

Long-Term Support

Lastly, DBT offers long-term support. Recovery from addiction is not just a short-term goal; it's a lifelong process. The ongoing care provided through DBT promotes sustained recovery, ensuring the support and tools needed for continuous growth and stability are readily available. This long-term approach helps individuals maintain their progress, reinforcing the skills learned and cultivating a lasting change.

In summary, the benefits of DBT for substance abuse addiction are profound, providing a multifaceted approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of addiction. Through enhanced self-awareness, improved stress management, emotional regulation, and long-term support, DBT at Pathways Wellness Center offers a comprehensive path to recovery that empowers individuals to regain control of their lives.

DBT Treatment for Addiction at Pathways Wellness Center

Pathways Wellness Center in Glendora, CA, offers specialized DBT treatment for addiction that emphasizes personalized care, support, and growth.

  • Personalized Treatment Plans: Customized to meet individual needs and goals.
  • Experienced Therapists: Our skilled professionals have extensive experience utilizing DBT for addiction.
  • Supportive Community: We provide a nurturing environment that fosters recovery and self-improvement.
  • Comprehensive Programs: Our IOP and PHP allow a flexible yet intensive treatment experience.

Pathways Wellness Center is dedicated to your recovery and addiction-free life. Our commitment to utilizing proven methods like DBT ensures you receive the quality care you need. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please don't hesitate to contact us and learn more about how we treat substance use disorder.

Clinically reviewed by 

Raul Haro
Raul Haro is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with sixteen years of experience working in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. As an LMFT, He has trained in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR. Raul has furthered his training in the drug and alcohol field by obtaining a Masters in Drug and Alcohol Counseling through CCAPP. Raul has a background in nursing where he has been an LVN for over 25 years. Recently, he has returned to school to complete a degree in Registered Nursing. Future plans are for Raul are to eventually complete a degree as a Nurse Practitioner combining his therapy practice with his nursing skills.

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