Understanding and Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy Techniques in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders

Presenter: Romas Buivydas, PhD, LMHC

DBT is a modification of standard cognitive behavioral treatment and is one of several evidence-based treatments. Research has shown DBT techniques to be effective in reducing suicidal behavior, non-suicidal self-injury, psychiatric hospitalization, treatment dropout, substance use, anger, and improving social functioning. Clients who receive DBT typically have multiple problems that require treatment. This can mean that they have multiple diagnoses or they may have problem behaviors that fall under one diagnosis such as Substance Use Disorder. How does a therapist figure out where to start treatment? This training will also help clinicians learn how to determine the order in which problems whould be addressed based on priority such as: life threatening behaviors; treatment-interfering behaviors; quality of life behavior; and skills acquisition.

Learning Objectives

After participating in this program, attendees will be able to:

• Discuss that clients struggling with addicitons have poor self-regulation
• Recognize that trauma can be an underlying cause for addictions
• Help clinicians undestand how to accept clients as they are while also acknowledging that they need to change in order to reach their treatment goals
• Learn how to enhance client motiviation and helping client apply the skills to specific challenges and events in their lives
• Teach the skills and strategies used in DBT that are balanced in terms of acceptance and change.  The four skills modules include two sets of acceptance-oriented skills (mindfulness and distress tolerance) and two sets of change-oriented skills (emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness)
• Learn how to determine the order in which problems whould be addressed based on priority

Continuing Education Hours 6.0

NASW  - National Association of Social Workers - LICSW

NBCC - National Board of Certified Counselors - LMHC

LADC - Massachusett Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services

NAADAC - National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors - CAC/CADAC

 

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