Substance use and mental wellness have an inverse relationship in addiction recovery. While detoxing and getting clean rightfully have a key role in the road to recovery, without a healthy frame of mind, that hard work can easily come undone. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy are both valuable tools in the quest for better mental health—and at Apex Recovery, we rely on both. Read on to discover why.
What Is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a common type of pscyhotherapy—”talk therapy” in simple terms. It focuses on the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and actions, and replacing negative thought patterns with positive ones. CBT teaches people to identify the triggers that lead to cravings and equips them with the coping skills needed to deal with them without turning to substance use.
How Does CBT Help with Addiction?
Apex Recovery relies on holistic and evidence-based therapies to achieve successful outcomes, and decades of research have proven CBT an effective treatment for addiction. Why?
It teaches practical skills. More than simply talking about problems, CBT helps patients develop the tools needed to manage cravings, deal with stress, and more.
It addresses the root causes of addiction. Many people use substances to cope with difficult emotions or past traumas; CBT can be used to build a healthier relationship with them.
It prevents relapse. One of the biggest challenges in recovery is staying sober after treatment ends, and CBT can be a core component of an effective relapse prevention plan.
It works for many types of addiction. Studies have shown CBT to be a valuable part of successful addiction recovery programs, whether they’re tailored to alcohol, opioid, or other substance abuse.
What Is DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, combines elements of CBT with other holistic practices to help individuals strengthen four skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. It’s especially useful for people who struggle with self-destructive behaviors—like substance abuse.
How Does DBT Help with Addiction?
It encourages mindfulness. Being present, living from moment to moment, noticing thoughts without judgment—basic principles of mindfulness can help people withstand strong cravings and tough emotions.
It builds distress tolerance. By teaching folks healthy ways to cope, DBT shows that alcohol, drugs, and other substances aren’t necessary to get through tough times.
It improves emotional regulation. Rather than resorting to substance abuse to process anger, sadness, anxiety, or other strong feelings, DBT emphasizes the power of emotional regulation. It shows patients that they can experience those feelings and handle them in healthy ways.
It strengthens interpersonal skills. Addictions can damage relationships—with family, friends, coworkers, and others. DBT can help improve interpersonal communication and empower patients to take the first step toward rebuilding those bonds.
How Do CBT and DBT Work Together?
Despite their different approaches, CBT and DBT complement each other well: The former helps people change negative thought patterns and behaviors, while the latter gives them the tools to manage intense emotions. It’s why our San Diego outpatient mental health treatment center incorporates both into its comprehensive treatment plans.
When used together, these therapeutic modalities create a powerful framework for healing. CBT provides the cognitive restructuring needed to identify and challenge distorted thinking, while DBT offers practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. This dual approach ensures that clients not only understand the root causes of their struggles but also develop concrete strategies to navigate difficult situations in real-time.
The moment you arrive at Apex Recovery, our experienced therapists will work with you to develop a personalized rehab plan that addresses your particular needs—and there’s a good chance that CBT and DBT will play a vital role in your path to recovery. Our commitment to structured, evidence-based therapies will teach you the necessary skills to avoid drug and alcohol abuse, and ensure that each step you take gives you the greatest chance of long-term sobriety.