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Did you know that about 78% of adults with BPD also develop a substance-related disorder or addiction? Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the important uses of DBT therapy.
What is DBT?
You may be asking, what is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, known for short as DBT? This type of therapy evolved from a treatment for suicidal women with multiple problems. Marsha Lineham was the therapist that combined effective solutions for this issue of behavior into one type of therapy that focused on these patients who felt misunderstood, invalidated, criticized, and would no longer continue therapy.
Instead, a type of therapy was combined; it would convey acceptance of the patient and help the patient accept herself, her emotions, thoughts, and the world, as well as accepting others.
Ultimately, this DBT was used for Borderline Personality Disorder, with weekly sessions, group sessions, and a therapist consultation team meeting.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder was effective before it was used for addiction issues and was recognized as an evidence-based type of behavioral therapy. It contains the following four basic concepts:
Sessions include individual sessions and groups, where DBT skills are practiced. A trained therapist conducts the individual sessions in a one-on-one setting, ensuring that the patient stays motivated as well as that individual needs are met. Groups usually meet once a week and offer mutual support as experiences are shared.
Providing the ability to see both sides at once, DBT offers a world that is not just black or white. Avoiding the “either-or” experience, it considers the “both-and” way of seeing things. This idea is behind the goal of acceptance and change. Balancing opposites is at the heart of this type of therapy.
What Are the Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder?
Interpersonal conflicts and a pattern of unstable relationships are some of the symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It is often partnered with substance abuse, as those with this disorder look to drugs and alcohol for relief from the emotional pain that is being experienced. Some of the symptoms of this disorder include:
These people are extremely sensitive, as small things can trigger immense emotions. They may have trouble calming down after being emotional. Saying hurtful things and acting out dangerously may also be symptoms of this disorder.
Instability of moods and difficulty with interpersonal relationships may be noticeable signs. Their self-image is affected, and many people with BPD have disruptions in their family like as well as work-life; long-term planning is also affected. A person’s sense of identity suffers and can be disruptive to those around him.
Their relationship with others is usually stormy; they can quickly shift from idealizing a person with great admiration and love to depreciating that person with intense anger and dislike. The switch from one feeling to another may be intense and brought on by only a slight conflict.
BPD and Addiction Can Be Partners
BPD often occurs with substance abuse as well as eating disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders. Addiction to drugs and alcohol are common, as those in the throws of pain want to numb it, usually with the abuse of a substance.
You may have become addicted without realizing the emotional pain and feelings of emptiness behind it. Knowing that such action as substance abuse can be dangerous, you continue using drugs and exhibiting harmful behaviors. These negative behaviors have become the norm, as life’s drama overwhelms you, and this is how you cope.
There is hope, however, as new skills can be learned for healing; it includes the breaking down of feelings that are dysfunctional as well as learning new ways of coping with life’s challenges. One of these methods is the utilization of DBT for addiction and Borderline Personality Disorder.
Using DBT for Borderline Personality Disorder and Addiction
DBT for BPD has worked in helping people recover from addiction. Based on cognitive behavioral principles, some of the skills learned in this type of therapy include the needed coping skills of mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.
Several studies have shown the benefits of DBT for substance abuse. Tests have shown that relapses and were reduced, and cravings were impacted. One of the strategies used were to help the substance abuser anticipate cues coming in that might derail their sobriety. The therapist encourages the patient to leave the past behind, by “burning their bridges”; this might mean getting a new phone number, telling old friends goodbye and more.
Knowing and understanding what is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy can put you or a loved one on the path to healing from an addiction, whether drugs or alcohol. Outpatient rehab can make use of this effective therapy as you learn acceptance of yourself and others.
Don’t let mental health issues rule your life. If you or a loved one are experiencing the symptoms of BPD, know that Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder works. DBT for BPD is effective and is an evidenced-based type of therapy for those who also struggle with addiction. CBT is also one of our effective therapies.
We are a dual-diagnosis treatment center at Mission Harbor; we can help with mental health issues as well as addiction. Give us a call at (805) 209-4446 and begin your path to wellness and recovery from addiction. From Partial Hospitalization to Intensive Outpatient, we provide options. We can also treat adolescents from 12 to 18. Discover a new way of coping, with DBT, learning skills for a positive and more fulfilling life.
The facilities at Mission Harbor are staffed with trained experts to best assist patients with their mental health issues. We are capable of dealing with any and all cases with a licensed staff, equipment, and approved techniques. Our mission is to help those who want to help themselves, and we support your decision in seeking help.
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