Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of CBT developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s. Originally designed to treat BPD, it's since been adapted and found effective for a variety of mental health conditions, including addiction.

DBT combines traditional CBT techniques with elements of mindfulness, acceptance, and dialectical philosophy (in the Hegelian sense). It emphasizes the synthesis of opposites to create balance and harmony, fostering internal conditions conducive to sustainable recovery.

The fundamental dialectic of DBT, as realized by Dr. Linehan and her colleagues, is as follows: clients are guided into integrating change (thesis) and acceptance (antithesis) into a larger truth that incorporates both (synthesis).

The core components of DBT usually include four key modules. These are typically delivered through individual therapy sessions, group skills training, telephone coaching, and therapist consultation teams.

Mindfulness: Focuses on increasing awareness of thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, without judgment. By cultivating mindfulness, you can learn to observe your experiences objectively, enabling you to respond effectively to the triggers and cravings.

Distress Tolerance: Enhances your ability to tolerate and manage difficult emotions and situations without resorting to impulsive or maladaptive behaviors, such as substance abuse. Techniques include distraction, self-soothing, and radical acceptance of painful feelings.

Emotion Regulation: Enables you to understand, identify, and manage your emotions more effectively. By developing skills to regulate emotions, you can reduce vulnerability to negative emotional states that can lead to addictive behaviors.

Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improves your communication skills, assertiveness, and relationship-building abilities. By fostering healthier interpersonal relationships, you can create a supportive environment that aids in the recovery process.

When it comes to addiction treatment, there are myriad types available. Research shows that an integrated approach (one that incorporates peer support, mindfulness, psychotherapies, etc.) tends to have higher efficacy.

If you're suffering from an addiction, it may be worth exploring DBT. Not only do studies support its effectiveness, but its unique approach to the implementation of change separates it from other therapies and can give you the practical tools to rebuild your life.