Understand how dialectical behavior therapy for substance use disorders (DBT-SUD) works for New York City teenagers, adults, and families. DBT is a highly-recognized, well-established treatment option for individuals experiencing severe mental health challenges. Originally developed for BPD & self-harm behaviors, authors Marsha Linehan & Linda Dimeff adapted these modalities and developed Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Substance Abusers. These concepts focus on dialectical abstinence support, relapse prevention, and attachment strategies.
If you or a loved one is managing SUDs or co-occurring disorders, these evidence-based therapies can be incredibly helpful & empowering. Brooklyn Heights Behavioral Associates is led by Dr. Belinda Bellet, a DBT-LBC certified clinical psychologist that studied under the original creator of DBT – Dr. Marsha Linehan. She is 1 of 565 board-certified DBT therapists worldwide, and proudly leading the forefront of today’s mental health care, advocacy, and crisis intervention. Read on for insights and resources on how DBT-SUD works in New York City.
Why Emotion Dysregulation Fuels Substance Use
Start by examining the impact of emotional dysregulation on substance abuse and addiction. Individuals dealing with addiction often show signs of compulsive behaviors, irregular actions, and overly-dramatic reactions – which are all difficult to alter. DBT-SUD focuses on targeted skill-building, stress regulation, and mindfulness development. Therapists explore negative influence and self-destructive behaviors that drive cravings. Licensed clinicians practice a range of behavioral & cognitive skills that encourage re-thinking and compulsory thought management. Learn to reinforce skills during ambivalent periods, relapse risk scenarios, or intense emotional episodes.
Reduce shame, strengthen resilience, and facilitate a healthy recovery process with BHBA. If you’re searching for the help you need, our board-certified specialists will work with you to identify programs, resources, and services that align with your needs. Discover evidence-based DBT-SUD options that help New Yorkers’ regain & maintain long-term sobriety.
The Four DBT Skill Modules Applied To Addiction
Explore how DBT-LBC certified clinical psychologists apply the four modules of dialectical behavior therapy to addiction and recovery. DBT therapy in New York City has four core areas that target different pieces of recovery & sober life. These modules serve as a personal toolkit that you can use throughout everyday life:
- Mindfulness: At the center of DBT, mindfulness skills can help you notice urges, cravings, and intense emotions in the present moment – without acting. Learn to observe, describe, evaluate, and respond effectively.
- Emotional Regulation: Reinforce stability & structure before cravings surge. Practice routine, self-care, and ABC-PLEASE skills throughout recovery.
- Distress Tolerance: Navigate crisis moments safely with exercises to calm & distract your body. Therapists may involve TIPP skills (temperature regulation, intense exercise, paced breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation. Additionally, you’ll learn ACCEPTS coping mechanisms (activities, contributing, comparisons, emotions, pushing away, thoughts, and sensations.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Rebuild healthy relationships with boundaries, communication, clarity, and self-respect. Practice the FAST skillset for being fair, rehearse apologies, reinforce values, and stay truthful.
Brooklyn Heights Behavioral Associates integrates DBT-informed techniques and skillsets into personalized addiction counseling sessions. Our team offers structure for addiction treatment, relapse prevention, and long-term co-occurring disorders support. When debilitating cravings & urges are pulling you off-course, regain your footing with our licensed team.
How DBT-SUD Differs From Standard DBT
Evaluate how DBT-SUD differs from traditional and standard dialectical behavior therapy methods. NYC DBT programs follow the four key modules of emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. Substance abuse methods at a fifth module specifically for dialectical abstinence. This additional component focuses on helping participants promote recovery & stay off harmful substances, including marijuana, alcohol, vaping, or illegal drugs. Licensed psychologists target the underlying causes that are fueling SUDs & compulsive behaviors. Then, providers offer education on training on DBT addiction skills that help you maintain sobriety:
- Dialectical Abstinence: Commit to full, life-long abstinence. Establish procedures and rules to confidently bounce-back from any future slips.
- Clear Mind: Stay sober, avoid cravings, and spot signs of possible relapses early-on.
- Community Reinforcement: Surround yourself with people that reward healthy behaviors and sobriety.
- Adaptive Denial: Deny urges & cravings in the current timeline. Reduce in the current moment to prevent unbearable slips and preventable relapses.
- Alternate Rebellion: Fuel your sense of rebellion with something safe & harmless. The purpose is to honor your urges, just utilizing a different outcome or behavior.
- Burn & Build Bridges: Cut ties to your old world and build new meaningful connections.
If you or a loved one is battling addiction, help is near your New York City home or office. The first step to recovery is one phone call, email, or 15-minute confidential assessment away. Consider trying DBT-SUD programs with Brooklyn Heights Behavioral Associates.
What A DBT Program for Substance Use Looks Like
Consider what a personalized, certified, and evidence-based DBT substance use disorder program looks like. These programs aim to help participants understand psychological & SUD conditions. Understand your current situation, evaluate the recovery process, and work toward long-term sobriety.
Your typical treatment schedule may include a combination of:
- Individual Counseling & Talk Therapy
- Group Programming & Sessions
- Recommended Peer-Recovery Meetings
- Ongoing Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
After completing DBT treatment in NYC, BHBA offers a 24-week Next Steps group. Our Accepting the Challenges of Employment And Self-Sufficiency (DBT-ACES) program provides support for healthy routines, procrastination, burnout, and school/workplace anxiety.
Here’s the group details:
- Length: 24 Weeks
- Time: 6:15 PM to 7:45 PM (90-Minutes)
- Location: 26 Court Street, Suite 1801, Brooklyn NY
- Facilitated By: Dr. Madeline Perry, PsyD & Alena O’Connor, LMSW
- Begins: Contact BHBA for availability, openings, & timelines.
If you’re interested in joining, contact our team to find out if DBT-SUD or DBT-ACES is the right fit for you or your loved ones.
Who DBT For Substance Use Disorders Is Designed For
Determine if DBT-SUD in New York City can help you, your child, or your loved one on their recovery journey. These programs are built for adolescents, individuals, and families seeking lasting recovery. Our team is experienced in working with teenagers abusing alcohol, marijuana, vaping, and other drugs. We additionally work with adults looking to practice moderation sobriety or long-term abstinence. Throughout treatment, participants receive the skills to tolerate stressful situations, improve emotional capacity, and build awareness/mindfulness. To determine if you’re the right fit, discuss your history of family SUDs, traumatic experiences, and mental/medical health issues with DBT certified therapists in NYC. Determine how dialectical behavior therapy options can support you & your family.