DBT Vs CBT: What Are The Differences and Benefits of Each?

Understanding the similarities and differences between DBT vs CBT is important. However, understanding that both can be extremely beneficial to those who struggle with drugs and alcohol is also important. Targeted treatment for substance abuse and addiction is vital. With CBT and DBT the individual can learn how their thoughts and behaviors influence their substance use, and they can learn new and healthy coping skills.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a therapeutic approach often used in drug and alcohol addiction treatment. It helps individuals to understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected with their substance use. It is based on the belief that an individual’s thoughts and beliefs or perceptions can influence their behaviors.

Core Principles of CBT

As previously stated, CBT is based on the core belief that thoughts can influence emotions and behaviors. Another core belief of CBT is that these cognitive distortions can be identified and changed. Cognitive distortions such as catastrophizing and black-and-white thinking are common, and cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals to identify these thought patterns, and implement new ways of thinking to help change them. The belief that behaviors are learned and can be unlearned is another core belief of CBT, others include skill building and emphasizing remaining in the present.

How CBT Works in Addiction Recovery

In addiction recovery, this therapeutic approach is used to help those seeking recovery to identify how their thought patterns influence their substance use. Once they can identify how this occurs, they can learn opposing thought patterns that can prevent drug and alcohol use. This helps promote unlearning behaviors that are harmful to recovery, promoting long-term recovery.

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT, is another form of psychotherapy that aids in addiction recovery. It helps those who feel intense emotions to self-regulate them, alleviating the distress they often experience. It helps them learn new and healthy coping skills that can provide relief in their life.

Core Principles of DBT

DBT vs CBT differences begin in the core beliefs of each. The core beliefs of DBT differ from CBT in that they focus more on the emotional aspect. DBT believes in validating the individual’s experiences and emotions, however, it believes that mindfulness can help them prevent damaging impacts due to these intense emotions. DBT also emphasizes the individual’s ability to self-regulate their emotions to help prevent emotional distress.

How DBT Works in Addiction Recovery

In addiction recovery, DBT is used as a form of psychotherapy that implements healthy coping skills, much like CBT. It is used to help those who feel intense emotions learn how to allow the feelings to occur, but also implement new and healthy skills that can prevent drug and alcohol use. By implementing mindfulness and learning distress tolerance, the individual can use the skills learned during DBT to prevent relapse.

Key Differences Between DBT and CBT

There are a few differences when it comes to DBT vs CBT. While both forms of therapy focus on changing negative and detrimental thought patterns, the approach of each differs from the other. To understand what is the difference between CBT and DBT, it’s important to note that CBT primarily targets identifying and restructuring harmful thoughts, while DBT incorporates mindfulness and emotion regulation strategies, making it especially effective for individuals dealing with intense emotional reactions.

Focus on Emotions vs. Thoughts

DBT is used to help those who feel intense emotions. These feelings and emotions often lead to drug and alcohol use, and learning how to cope with them helps prevent this. Conversely, CBT works on thoughts and behaviors that lead to substance use.

Structured Approach vs. Flexible Techniques

When it comes to thoughts, behaviors, and intense emotions, it is crucial to tread lightly as it can trigger distress and relapse. However, DBT vs CBT can provide flexibility in their approaches. A more structured approach gives someone the knowledge on how they can cope with stressors, while more flexible techniques can mold how someone struggling with substances handles these stressors. Either way, both CBT and DBT can be beneficial in overcoming addiction.

Crisis Management in DBT vs. Cognitive Restructuring in CBT

Because of the intense emotions felt by those undergoing DBT, they can catastrophize and feel as though they are in crisis. Crisis management is crucial for these individuals, as the emotional response can be devastating. In CBT, these individuals can learn how to restructure, or rewire, their brain and thought process to a healthier path.

Benefits of CBT for Addiction Treatment

In addiction treatment, CBT is commonly used to help teach and implement healthy coping skills. The benefits are immense. These are crucial skills for coping that can help someone prevent relapse and maintain long-term recovery.

Breaking Negative Thought Patterns

Those who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction often live in a state of negative thoughts and detrimental behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change this. By identifying these negative thoughts and how they can influence the individual’s behaviors, new and healthy coping skills can be taught and implemented. This can help them to cope with the everyday stressors that contribute to drug and alcohol use. 

Practical Problem-Solving Skills

Learning how to get through day-to-day life without turning to substances is the cornerstone of addiction recovery. Learning problem-solving skills, through CBT, helps these individuals to live a long and healthy lifestyle, free of addiction.

Short-Term, Goal-Oriented Approach

Goal-setting is a crucial part of addiction recovery. Setting small, attainable goals can help build confidence and dedication. The short-term goals that are set during CBT can help someone gain the self–confidence that is needed to continue on a road to recovery, maintaining it long-term.

Benefits of DBT for Addiction Treatment

The benefits of DBT vs CBT are vast. Feeling intense emotions can be an extremely distressing experience. Learning how to deal with and cope with these emotions is vital. Struggling emotionally can be a catalyst for drug and alcohol use, resulting in restarting the cycle of addiction.

Regulating Intense Emotions

Emotional regulation is crucial for preventing relapse when seeking recovery. DBT provides a space for individuals who struggle with intense emotions to learn positive coping skills. Instead of turning to drugs and alcohol to cope, they can learn to self-regulate and alleviate the impacts.

Mindfulness and Stress Management

Implementing mindfulness techniques can help with stress management. Learning how to get through these stressful moments is crucial. It helps promote healing and growth, as well as preventing relapse. 

Focus on Self-Acceptance and Growth

Self-acceptance is one of the keys to growth. Feeling intense emotional upheaval can be distressing. However, learning to accept these emotions for what they are can help someone to learn how to cope with them, in turn promoting personal growth. 

Which Therapy is Right for You? Choosing Between DBT and CBT

It is vital to understand that not everyone heals the same way and recovery is not linear. Some people may feel intense emotional responses, yet they may also benefit more from CBT than DBT. It is crucial to speak with a professional who can help guide the individual to what would be best suited for their specific needs. 

Combining DBT and CBT in Addiction Recovery

Addiction is a complex condition that often requires complex approaches. Combining these two psychotherapies, CBT vs DBT, for addiction recovery provides a comprehensive approach to targeted treatment. It can help treat both cognitive (thinking) and emotional aspects when it comes to addiction.

Use CBT and DBT Today for a Healthier Tomorrow

CBT and DBT can be extremely beneficial for those struggling with substance abuse. They can help these individuals learn how to cope with daily stressors by identifying how their thoughts and behaviors contribute to their substance use. When considering DBT vs CBT, it’s important to recognize that both therapies offer unique approaches to treatment. If you or a loved one are struggling with substances, there is help available. At FlatIrons Recovery we provide a safe and healing environment in which overcoming addiction is a priority. Call us today and begin your recovery journey.