Substance abuse significantly alters the brain chemicals and leads to behavioral changes that impact productivity. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration mentions that one in four adults with a mental health problem has substance use disorder. The severity of this condition demands that the right tools and strategies are employed to foster recovery. One of the most potent tools to navigate recovery is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). 

Dialectical behavior therapy in addiction recovery has become a popular treatment due to its unique approach. It’s a form of psychotherapy that deals with multiple mental health conditions and high-risk behaviors.

To learn more about how DBT can play a role in addiction recovery, contact our trusted drug rehab in New Jersey.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Explained

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is an evidence-based approach that combats multiple emotional and psychological issues. Dr. Marsha Linehan developed it in the 1980s to treat substance abuse disorders and their associated mental health problems, such as suicide and borderline personality disorder. This treatment strategy is so effective that it is commonly deployed in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and eating disorders.

DBT was developed based on CBT but differs from the latter in that DBT focuses on validation/acceptance and change. This is referred to as the synthesis of two opposites or dialectic, which aims to promote abstinence and reduce the severity of relapses. DBT’s dialectic approach balances the patient’s desire to overcome painful experiences with an effort to accept life’s inevitable pain. The aim is to find new meanings in the opposites and help patients uncover any connection. The ultimate objective of this therapy is to help patients live more purposely and fulfilling lives. When DBT is successful, patients can envision, chase, and sustain goals.

 DBT does the following:

• Helps individuals get motivated to change,
• Improves patient’s capabilities,
• It generalized new behaviors
• Creates a supportive structure or environment to facilitate recovery

DBT Approaches

DBT in addiction recovery is a multidimensional therapy that uses various techniques to change unhealthy behaviors. One of the approaches of DBT is teaching mindfulness skills, which teaches individuals to dwell in the present and acknowledge their thoughts, feelings, and the environment instead of meditating on the past. In addiction recovery, this technique helps patients have an increased consciousness of their cravings and triggers. By mastering the art of observation and awareness, individuals can slow their thoughts and focus on what’s happening inside and around them. This consciousness is powerful for managing the compulsive urge to use.

Another approach is emotional regulation. Most substance abuse stems from trying to cope with stressful or traumatic situations. Through DBT, patients can comprehend, accept, and regulate their emotions. By managing these feelings healthily, individuals can rely less on substances to cope with feelings.

Interpersonal effectiveness is the third approach. Many individuals in addiction recovery struggle with maintaining relationships. DBT can help address interpersonal relationships through interpersonal effectiveness. It allows patients to repair and build healthier relationships that will foster their recovery. In turn, it will help end destructive ones. DBT teaches individuals to communicate effectively, be assertive in setting boundaries, and resolve conflicts.

The last approach is distress tolerance. This technique teaches patients to accept negative emotions in distress or crisis and develop ways to cope with these intense feelings while maintaining a cheerful look.

DBT Treatment Modes

DBT is typically delivered in these four modes:

• Individual therapy: In this one-on-one therapy, individuals learn to utilize the skills they’ve learned in real-life circumstances or situations. 
• Group Skills Training: Group therapy helps reinforce positive behaviors. Individuals learn new coping skills and practice them actively within the environment. Outside the group training, the individual sets up an environment that will benefit their success.
• Phone Coaching: Patients can contact their therapist for support when a problematic situation arises while sessions are still ongoing.

Benefits of DBT in Addiction Recovery

DBT treatment has helped many individuals find peace and healing following a tumultuous period of addiction. The profound impact of this therapeutic approach has been applauded by many individuals and therapists alike. Here are other benefits of DBT:

• Reduced physical discomfort found when undergoing withdrawal
• Less cravings and reliance on substances
• Helping individuals set healthy boundaries
• Curb behaviors that contribute to substance abuse
• Foster interpersonal relationships through supportive environments

Finding DBT Treatment: Choose Excel Treatment Center Today!

Therapists who offer DBT in addiction recovery are specially trained to provide such services. At Excel Treatment Center, our therapists are certified and experienced. They help evaluate substance abuse symptoms and medical history to determine if DBT is appropriate. If you need clarification on whether it is DBT you want or more information about it, contact the helpline at (833) 883-9235. Let us help you get the treatment you deserve at our New Jersey addiction treatment center.

Substance abuse or addiction isn’t usually a problem that springs from nothing. It is merely a coping skill to obscure an enormous underlying issue, such as trauma. A statistic reveals that 75% of people with severe trauma became alcohol abusers. For most individuals in treatment, trauma is one issue that slows their recovery.

While trauma impacts people differently, the origins of these experiences usually center on the traumatic event, the response to the event, and the effect the event and the response create. Trauma and addiction are intertwined. That’s where trauma-informed care becomes pivotal. This article explores the meaning of the trauma-informed approach in addiction treatment, its importance, and its core principles.

Excel Treatment Center is a trusted drug rehab in New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more about how our NJ inpatient rehab can offer trauma-informed care for treatment.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is any disturbing event the body and brain can’t cope with. It can be a one-time or a series of long-lasting events. Trauma impacts people differently, but functioning at optimal capacity is almost impossible. What you call traumatic may not be interpreted the same way by another.

When you witness a disturbing event, your brain reacts by secreting the stress hormone and activating the fight or flight response. This is so because it perceives the event as dangerous. However, when this stress response extends due to the belief that you are always in danger and helpless to do anything about it, it can create lifelong consequences on your memory and emotions. It confuses the brain to think you’re in danger while you aren’t. This leads to using alcohol or drugs to cope with the traumatic behavior.

Trauma triggers are:

• Childhood illness
• Witnessing a disturbing event, such as a natural disaster, robbery, or plane crash
• Lack of parental support or caregiver
• Victim of a child, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Bullying
• Seeing a family member abusing the other

These triggers can affect your ability to cope with daily stressors, affect relationships, cause concentration problems, and make you hypervigilant.

Trauma-Informed Care Explained

Trauma-informed care is a meticulous, holistic approach that acknowledges the impact of trauma on those wanting addiction treatment. This approach recognizes that many people with substance abuse problems are traumatized, and untreated trauma can affect their sobriety. Trauma-informed treatment is vital to overcoming trauma and living more fulfilling lives.

Trauma-informed treatment aims to help patients understand and recover from trauma and not get traumatized again. Healthcare providers believe that by addressing the traumatic experiences associated with the addiction, patients can stop feeling guilty or shameful and come to terms with reality.

Benefits of Trauma-Informed Approach

The benefits are immense. Firstly, it results in a better outcome, as individuals understand themselves better and will work with a better approach to attaining recovery.

Secondly, it increases engagement, as patients interact with staff daily, improving communication skills.

Lastly, it empowers individuals to break free from their traumatic experiences and live an addiction-free life.

The Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Care

There are fundamental principles that guide trauma-informed treatment for addiction. They include:

• Safety: This involves creating a safe space for clients to heal. In addiction treatment, it means establishing an environment where patients always feel mentally and physically safe. Security is essential, as it fosters trust and recovery.
• Empowerment and Choice: Healthcare professionals enlighten the patients about their responsibilities and rights, leaving them a platform to make their choices and enforce their decisions. This is helpful for those who have their control taken away from them.
• Trustworthiness: Providing trauma care entails creating a safe and secure environment. Healthcare providers must ensure staff members are trustworthy and consistent in patient interactions.
• Collaboration: It involves working together as a team with the patient and the family to create a tailored plan that suits the recovery objective. Collaboration respects the individual’s autonomy and puts them in charge of their lives.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Cultural sensitivity means acknowledging people’s diverse backgrounds and respecting their culture and beliefs. It means incorporating their beliefs into the treatment plan accordingly. 

Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment Approaches

Using multiple approaches in addiction treatment can guarantee a higher success. Excel Treatment blends all trauma-informed techniques to treat patients adequately to overcome addiction. Some of these approaches are;

Psychodrama: Excel Treatment specialists utilize guided drama techniques to help addicts manage their disorder. They help them develop tools to cope with stress and enhance their interpersonal communication.

 Experimental Therapy: ET entails activities and particular movements that keep patients actively engaged. Think of it as an outdoor exercise that involves spending time in nature. Activities like kayaking and role-playing can relieve symptoms of addiction and trauma.

 Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing: EMDR uses eye movement to help identify trauma and heal from it as you continue with addiction treatment.

Excel Treatment Center Uses Trauma-Informed Approach to Help with Addiction Recovery

Trauma treatment in addiction recovery is one of the crucial treatment programs offered at Excel Treatment Center. We have an experienced treatment team that understands the effect of trauma on patients and helps them realize that addiction came to be due to failure to cope with trauma. Our tailored approach is focused on transforming patients’ lives and responding to their needs. Our world-class addiction treatment center in New Jersey is equipped to guarantee your healing from addiction. Ready to take charge of your life? Call us today to get started. We are ready to help you recover your life and live happily ever after.