DBT-S
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Substance Abusers (DBT-S) is a comprehensive psychosocial treatment for those clients who struggle to manage emotions, may be chronically suicidal and abuse substances. DBT -S is also recommended when the individual has not responded to traditional substance abuse treatment.
For substance-dependent individuals, substance abuse is the highest order DBT target within the category of behaviors that interfere with quality of life.
DBT’s substance-abuse–specific behavioral targets include:
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Decreasing abuse of substances, including illicit drugs and legally prescribed drugs taken in a manner not prescribed.
![](https://houstondbtcen1.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/houston-dbt-specialtiesICON.png)
Alleviating physical discomfort associated with abstinence and/or withdrawal.
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Diminishing urges, cravings, and temptations to abuse drugs to increase rates of success.
![](https://houstondbtcen1.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/houston-dbt-specialtiesICON.png)
Avoiding opportunities and cues to abuse, for example by burning bridges to persons, places, and things associated with drug abuse and by destroying the telephone numbers of drug contacts.
![](https://houstondbtcen1.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/houston-dbt-specialtiesICON.png)
Getting a new telephone number, and throwing away drug paraphernalia.
![](https://houstondbtcen1.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/houston-dbt-specialtiesICON.png)
Reducing behaviors conducive to drug abuse, such as momentarily giving up the goal to get off drugs and instead functioning as if the use of drugs cannot be avoided.
![](https://houstondbtcen1.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/houston-dbt-specialtiesICON.png)