CBT vs. DBT

For treating addiction and other mental health disorders, there are several treatment options available. The two top therapeutic methods include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Knowing the difference between CBT vs. DBT can help you understand how these therapies can help support your substance use disorder recovery.

At Arkview Recovery, we support people from all walks of life who are struggling with an addiction to alcohol, heroin, prescription opioids, or other addictive substances. We customize each of our programs to the individual’s unique symptoms and causes. The severity of those symptoms will determine the types of therapies used to treat all aspects of the disorder.

To see if our addiction therapy program is right for you or a loved one, call 717.744.0756 today to book a consultation and tour of our discreet treatment center in Mechanicsburg, PA.

Enrolling in Mental Health Therapy to Treat Addiction

Addiction is a treatable mental health disorder that requires significant effort to discover what triggers your cravings and develop new coping skills to stop the abuse once and for all. The safest and most effective way to prevent drug and alcohol abuse is by enrolling in a treatment program that uses a wide range of therapies to address all aspects of the illness.

To treat the psychological aspects of addiction, CBT and DBT are used to help patients recognize their triggers and stop their cravings from consuming them. The severity of the disorder will determine which therapy is best for the individual.

In addition to CBT and DBT, other types of beneficial therapies that support the recovery process include:

• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Mindfulness and meditation
• Group discussions
• Family therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment

A residential treatment program provides a safe home and 24/7 support for people with a severe addiction that they are unable to control. Outpatient programs are for those who can abstain from drugs or alcohol with minimal support and live at home while participating in therapy sessions a few hours a day. Outpatient programs typically follow residential programs but can also be a starting point in the recovery process.

At Arkview Recovery, we are here to help you break your addiction safely and with fewer risks of relapse. We will go over our treatment options with you, including understanding the difference between CBT and DBT. We will also answer any other questions you have about our programs so you can better prepare for your recovery experience.

CBT vs. DBT

Understanding the difference between CBT and DBT is just one step in learning how working with a therapist can greatly improve your mental health.

What Is CBT?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the best options for treating all types of mental health disorders, including addiction. It focuses on the idea that your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence your actions. CBT works to change triggered behaviors by accepting and identifying those feelings and learning new ways of processing them.

For instance, if a person’s triggers include social anxiety, therapists work with them to find healthier alternatives to coping with those feelings, like reciting a personal mantra that promotes a healthier self-image.

What Is DBT?

Dialectical behavior therapy is an offshoot of CBT that was specifically designed to treat patients with suicidal tendencies and borderline personality disorders. It is a more focused approach than CBT and works to improve the person’s view of themselves and the world around them. DBT teaches patients how to live in the present moment through meditative and mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing exercises, body scanning, mindfulness observation, and other beneficial exercises.

When combined with other types of behavioral and holistic therapies, along with medical support, it creates a better recovery experience that promotes long-lasting sobriety, better mental health, and healthy living.

Arkview Recovery: Join Our Addiction Therapy Program Today

Arkview Recovery is a fully accredited addiction treatment center that welcomes residents in Pennsylvania and surrounding areas who are struggling with a substance use disorder. When you first arrive at our spacious and beautiful location, we will run a full health assessment to determine the best treatment program and therapies for your recovery. You will work with a professional therapist in group and private therapy sessions for a set amount of time that is based on the severity of your symptoms and individual progress.

If you would like to learn more about using behavioral therapies to treat addiction, call 717.744.0756 today or use our online contact form to schedule a tour and learn more about our treatment options.