DBT for the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders

Course overview

DBT is intended to help people who experience pervasive emotion dysregulation, which means frequent, intense emotional responses that the individual finds difficult to change. In DBT, most problem behaviors are viewed as attempts to change intense emotions or as outcomes of emotion dysregulation. For example, drugs and alcohol are often used to reduce painful emotions, whereas difficulty controlling intense emotions may lead to impulsive behaviors including substance use. DBT-SUD works by helping clients learn effective strategies for regulating emotions and coping with urges and cravings without using substances. In this presentation, the presenter will educate the attendee on the basic principles of DBT and addiction with the use and review of current literature on both topics. Participants will also learn basic skills for utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy in addiction treatment.