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DBT For
Addiction Recovery:
Restore Peace of Mind

Sustainable Recovery From Addiction and Mental Health Challenges Is Possible With Ikon DBT Treatment in North Jersey.

Heal With DBT For Addiction At Ikon

Often, the solution to our struggles lies within. But when your instincts and desires compete with your habits, the light at the end of the tunnel seems faint. You don’t know how to resolve it on your own, and you’re weary of the constant tension in your mind.

We’re passionate about empowering you to reach new heights, and our innovative programming and multiple levels of care were designed to make your journey as enjoyable as it is effective, and all with the kind of long-lasting support you need to ensure your success in the long term.

This intervention is a holistic, effective, and integrative treatment for lasting recovery. Ikon Recovery Center provides the very best evidence-based treatment and a restorative experience like no other.

What is DBT for Addiction?

Dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, is an evidence-based, structured type of treatment modality that focuses on developing new skills to manage your emotions and develop your resilience.[1] Initially developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the 1970s for the treatment of borderline personality disorder, DBT has since been adapted to treat a range of mental health and addiction concerns.[2]

Based in part on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), DBT posits that we can learn to accept the reality of our struggles while also working to change our unhelpful behaviors.[3]

DBT for addiction (as well as DBT for mental health and eating disorders) can typically be utilized in any treatment environment or level of care in both individual and group settings. Most DBT applications last for around six months,[4] though it is also highly adaptable in many different applications, depending on your needs. DBT for addiction can be provided by a licensed counselor, social worker, or psychologist and has been shown to be effective at treating a wide array of substance use disorders and addiction concerns.[5]

Ikon Recovery provides DBT for addiction across each of our three levels of care, along with many additional treatment modalities to help you realize your potential and discover your best self. With therapeutic programming and support that elevates the mind, body, and soul—and all in a scenic, tranquil setting in the heart of New Jersey – we’re reimagining the standards of modern addiction recovery through passionate care and empathetic love for each person we encounter.

How (and Why) DBT For Addiction Works

DBT is an effective treatment for addiction and other mental health disorders that helps you build new skills and concepts.

Ikon Recovery employs DBT alongside several other evidence-based treatments and therapies. Customized treatment plans designed by our providers are tailored to meet your unique needs, inside and out.

Emotional Regulation: 

DBT for addiction and substance abuse helps individuals develop healthier ways to cope with intense and uncomfortable emotions, both of which can be common triggers for addictive behaviors.

Interpersonal Effectiveness:

Addiction can strain your relationships and contribute to a cycle of isolation. DBT for addiction focuses on interpersonal effectiveness skills to help you set boundaries and build healthier connections with others. This restores your relationships and reduces the need to rely on substances as a coping mechanism.

Distress Tolerance:

Struggling with addiction and mental health challenges can be incredibly stressful, and DBT teaches you new ways to manage your stressors and build resilience, fostering a new path toward recovery and emotional well-being.

Dialectical Thinking:

DBT for addiction encourages making space for seemingly opposite thoughts and emotions simultaneously, allowing participants to consider their alternate feelings and ambivalence toward continued substance abuse while increasing their commitment to the recovery process.

Mindfulness:

Mindfulness, or the practice of bringing your awareness to the present moment, is an important part of DBT. It allows us to monitor our actions, our cravings, and our triggers without judgment or immediate action, providing a critical pause for more considered responses.

The Efficacy of DBT For Addiction

The clinical body of literature around DBT demonstrates its effectiveness as an evidence-based treatment for addiction and substance use disorders.[6, 7] DBT considers addiction to be an issue that can be improved rather than as evidence of failure or inadequacy, highlighting the empowering perspective that recovery is a journey of growth and change. With a foundation in self-compassion and skill-building, DBT provides individuals with the tools to navigate the complexities of addiction, fostering lasting and positive outcomes in the process of healing and transformation.

Additionally, DBT has also been proven effective in the treatment of co-occurring disorders or the presence of two or more mental health or substance use conditions.[8] While DBT was initially developed to address borderline personality disorder, its principles and skills have been adapted and shown promising results for various mental health conditions as well, including eating disorders.[9]

DBT for Addiction at Ikon

The team at Ikon Recovery Center has seen and experienced a severe gap in the standard treatments for addiction. To overcome this gap, we’re dedicated to creating a treatment experience that combines innovative treatment with a personalized and holistic approach.

Across multiple levels of care, from Partial Care, Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Outpatient (OP), Aftercare, and beyond, recovery is about the process, not the destination. This is why we’re invested in providing you with a true community of caring professionals who are committed to your long-term success.

We’re redefining recovery and reimagining treatment.

We know that a quick fix isn’t enough to change your life. Ikon Recovery Center is with you every step of the way, working to partner with you in your journey toward a lasting and fulfilling recovery.

Treating Addiction

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Family Therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy
Art Therapy
Yoga Therapy
Music Therapy
Exercise Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Family Therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy
Art Therapy
Yoga Therapy
Music Therapy
Exercise Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions about DBT for Addiction

How Does DBT Differ From Other Treatment Approaches To Addiction?

DBT combines elements of CBT, skill-building, and mindfulness practices to offer a unique and comprehensive strategy for building and sustaining recovery. Holistic in nature, DBT allows you to address addiction from multiple angles. Unlike some traditional treatment approaches that focus solely on abstinence and symptom reduction, DBT recognizes the complexity of addiction by incorporating a more nuanced and adaptable framework for individuals navigating the recovery process.

Is DBT Effective For Treating Different Kinds Of Substance Use Disorders and Addictions?

Yes, DBT can be effective across several addiction concerns and substance use disorders. Its adaptable nature allows therapists and other clinicians to tailor unique interventions to address the challenges associated with many different substances, making it a versatile and well-researched approach to addiction treatment.

How Long Does DBT For Addiction Typically Take To Show Results?

While DBT is often presented in a structured fashion, the timeline for experiencing results will vary from person to person, depending on their needs. Many participants report positive changes within a few weeks to a few months, and DBT can also be combined with other treatment and supportive interventions to help achieve lasting success and transformational change in overcoming addiction, eating disorders, and co-occurring issues.

Sources

[1] Chapman, A. L. (2006). Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Current Indications and Unique Elements. Psychiatry (Edgmont), 3(9), 62–68. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2963469/ on November 9th, 2023

[2] Linehan, M. M., & Wilks, C. R. (2015). The Course and Evolution of Dialectical Behavior Therapy. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 69(2), 97–110. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2015.69.2.97 on November 10th, 2023

[3] Flynn, D., Kells, M., Joyce, M., Suarez, C., & Gillespie, C. (2018). Dialectical behaviour therapy for treating adults and adolescents with emotional and behavioural dysregulation: study protocol of a coordinated implementation in a publicly funded health service. BMC Psychiatry, 18(1). Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1627-9 on November 10th, 2023

[4] McMain, S. F., Chapman, A. L., Kuo, J. R., Guimond, T., Streiner, D. L., Dixon-Gordon, K. L., Isaranuwatchai, W., & Hoch, J. S. (2018). The effectiveness of 6 versus 12-months of dialectical programbehaviour therapy for borderline personality disorder: the feasibility of a shorter treatment and evaluating responses (FASTER) trial protocol. BMC Psychiatry, 18(1). Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1802-z on November 10th, 2023

[5] Haktanir, A., Karisse, C., & Callender, A. (n.d.). Meta-Analysis of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Treating Meta-Analysis of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Treating Substance Use Substance Use. Retrieved from https://epublications.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1601&context=edu_fac on November 10th, 2023

[6] Dimeff, L. A., & Linehan, M. M. (2008). Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Substance Abusers. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 4(2), 39–47. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2797106/ on November 10th, 2023