Teenage years can be challenging. Many teens test boundaries and their own independence. For many, this results in behavioral changes. Some of these might be beneficial, like taking up a new sport or hobby. Other behaviors like drinking or excessive video game use may help teens cope with stress. Many addiction recovery programs now use behavioral therapy to help clients overcome dependency. We have designed our program to help clients change their thought patterns and actions. Behavioral therapy is especially effective for addiction recovery. Studies report that half the population dealing with addiction also has co-occurring disorders. This means the struggle with mental health disorders alongside addiction. Behavioral therapies, such as dialectical behavioral therapy, are especially effective for understanding and expressing emotions without drugs or alcohol.
If your teenager is struggling with addiction and mental health disorders, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today. Our programs for adolescent boys treat dual diagnoses with DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) and other approaches. Reach out today at 866.300.5275 to learn more about dialectical behavioral therapy for addiction.
What Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical behavior therapy, also called DBT, is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Dialectical means integration of opposites, which means DBT allows clients to balance extremes and integrate their full range of emotions into daily life. Individual DBT helps clients increase motivation and meet daily goals. Clients learn how to manage day-to-day stress and become empowered to control their lives. DBT teaches four fundamental skills:
- Mindfulness: Present moment awareness
- Tolerating distress: Living through painful situations
- Interpersonal efficacy: Asking for what you what and saying no when necessary
- Emotional regulation: Understanding and changing emotional states when necessary
DBT works with clients to help them practice their tolerance, interpersonal relationships, emotional regulation, and mindfulness. Therapists address the client’s behaviors that work against the four core skills, such as addiction, compulsive behavior, and self-harming behavior. Through analyzing behavior, therapists offer tools to help clients shift behavioral patterns.
Clients can also use tools from individual DBT sessions in group and family therapy sessions. Some programs also have alternative therapies like art, wilderness, or animal therapy that allow clients to practice DBT tools outside of one-on-one sessions.
Benefits of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Addiction
Many people struggling with addiction use video games, social media, drugs, or alcohol to manage emotions, relationships, and daily stress. Through DBT, clients learn natural ways to cope with stress and emotions without substance use. Benefits of DBT include:
- Creating stronger boundaries
- Recognizing toxic relationships
- Increasing attention to living in the moment
- Reducing anger and anxiety
- Improving communication skills
- Knowing how to voice personal needs
- Learning the ability to say no to addiction triggers
DBT is an evidence-based therapy that works. Given the time, clients can change their behavior and feel empowered in their ability to regulate emotions, communicate, and handle stress. Those using DBT may no longer feel like life is happening to them. Instead, they understand how their actions create change in their lives.
Start Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
DBT is especially effective for teens. It can be tough to withstand emotional pain, regulate emotions, and self-advocate during adolescence. Sometimes, these struggles may lead teens to use drugs and alcohol to fit in socially or self-soothe.
If your son or a teenage boy you know needs support, Foothills at Red Oak Recovery can help. Our North Carolina program uses DBT and other behavioral therapies alongside alternative modalities for addiction and dual diagnosis. Our clients love our equine and large animal therapy. We specialize in treating drug, alcohol, and process addictions like excessive video game and social media usage. We provide support for adolescent boys. Our programs foster communication, resilience, and recovery. Call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today to learn more about our dialectical behavioral therapy programs at 866.300.5275.
