Find Healing in Denver, CO
Mile High Recovery Center (MHRC) is dedicated to offering comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment in Denver, Colorado. With a deep commitment to helping people overcome their struggles, our center provides a range of services designed to support lasting recovery.
One of the specialized treatment approaches at Mile High Recovery Center is dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Addiction Recovery
DBT is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy. It was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder. But, research has shown its effectiveness in treating a range of mental health conditions, including addiction.
- Mindfulness: Learning to be present in the moment and observe thoughts and emotions without judgment.
- Emotion regulation: Developing healthy ways to manage intense emotions and distress, preventing them from leading to substance misuse.
- Interpersonal effectiveness: Improving communication and relationship skills to build healthier connections with others.
- Distress tolerance: Learning to tolerate uncomfortable emotions and situations without resorting to substance use.
Benefits of DBT
Dialectical behavior therapy in addiction treatment addresses the underlying emotional dysregulation and interpersonal difficulties often associated with substance use.
Core Modules of DBT in Addiction Treatment
Mindfulness
Distress Tolerance
- Distraction techniques
- Self-soothing strategies
- Crisis management planning
Emotion Regulation
Interpersonal Effectiveness
- Ask for what they need assertively
- Set boundaries
- Navigate conflict effectively
Importance of Practicing DBT’s Core Skills
By including these core skills, dialectical behavior therapy in addiction treatment provides people with a comprehensive toolbox for managing emotions, navigating relationships, and preventing relapse.
- Self-awareness
- Emotional control
- Healthy coping mechanisms
Application of DBT in Addiction Treatment at Mile High Recovery Center
Individual Therapy Sessions
Skills Groups
- Mindfulness exercises
- Emotion regulation strategies
- Communication skills
- Healthy coping mechanisms
Phone Coaching
DBT Techniques
- Mindfulness exercises: Practicing meditation, mindful breathing, and other techniques to enhance present-moment awareness and emotional regulation.
- Emotion regulation strategies: Identifying emotional triggers, learning to name and validate emotions, and practicing healthy coping mechanisms to manage difficult emotions effectively.
- Role-playing scenarios: Simulating real-life situations that may lead to cravings or relapse to practice assertive communication, setting boundaries, and resisting urges in a safe and controlled environment.
Targeting Cravings and Impulse Control with DBT
- Recognizing cravings: Through mindfulness skills, clients learn to identify early warning signs of cravings, like physical sensations or emotional shifts. This awareness allows them to anticipate and respond proactively rather than reacting impulsively.
- Coping with urges: DBT teaches valuable skills for managing urges without resorting to substance use. Techniques like distress tolerance strategies, such as distraction or self-soothing activities, can help people ride out cravings until they pass naturally.
- Radical acceptance: This DBT concept encourages accepting the presence of cravings without judgment. By acknowledging cravings as a natural part of the recovery process, clients can detach from the urge to act on it.
- Pros and cons lists: DBT utilizes pros and cons lists to help people weigh the long-term consequences of giving in to cravings against the temporary relief it might offer. This rational approach can strengthen their resolve to stay sober.
Enhancing Interpersonal Relationships with DBT
Communication Skills
Setting Boundaries
Empathy
Conflict Resolution
- Approach disagreements calmly
- Listen actively
- Problem-solve collaboratively
Coping with Co-Occurring Disorders with DBT
Dual Diagnosis Treatment at MHRC
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) if needed
- Holistic approaches like yoga and meditation
Building a Life Worth Living with Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Develop healthy coping mechanisms: DBT equips people with tools to manage stress, emotions, and cravings in a healthy way, reducing their reliance on substances.
- Improve relationships: By fostering better communication and conflict resolution skills, DBT strengthens relationships with loved ones, providing a strong support system for recovery.
- Increase self-esteem: DBT helps people develop self-acceptance and a sense of self-worth, boosting their confidence and motivation to maintain sobriety.
Integrating Holistic Approaches with DBT
- Promoting a sense of calm
- Reducing stress
- Fostering self-care
Mindfulness and Meditation
Yoga and Exercise
- Improve flexibility
- Reduce stress
- Enhance emotional regulation
Equine Therapy
- Build trust
- Improve communication
- Develop empathy
Recreational Therapy
Outdoor Adventure Therapy
Outdoor adventure therapy engages clients in activities like rock climbing, kayaking, and camping. These adventures build:
- Resilience
- Teamwork
- Self-confidence
Importance of Integrating Holistic Approaches
Embracing Change Through DBT
Skills Learned Through DBT
- Mindfulness to stay present and manage cravings
- Distress tolerance to cope with difficult emotions without resorting to substances
- Emotion regulation to understand and manage your emotions effectively
- Interpersonal effectiveness to build healthy and supportive relationships
Contact Mile High Recovery Center Today
If you’re seeking evidence-based and holistic treatment for addiction recovery, explore the DBT-based programs offered at Mile High Recovery Center. Take the first step toward a brighter future – contact us today at 303-268-2144 or reach out online.
Resources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2797106/
- https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/01/04/samhsa-announces-national-survey-drug-use-health-results-detailing-mental-illness-substance-use-levels-2021.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5115639/
- https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3193654/
- https://www.priorygroup.com/our-services/types-of-therapy/equine-therapy
- https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits-mental-health/