Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy and teenage addiction: Are you sending the wrong message?

For a very long time now we have indicated openly that with addiction there are no boundaries. Everyone is at a risk of being addicted to any drug depending on several factors which we have repeatedly discussed in our previous postings. Nonetheless with the rampant increase of the number of people being addicted to drugs every passing day, it has become necessary for us to marry facts and discuss them as they are for our timely consumption and taking appropriate action plan. In view of that, we want to focus this discussion on the understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy and teenage addiction as components addiction and how they complement one another in the fight against substance abuse. The use for chemical dependency is another element that requires Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for solutions says doctor Dalal Akoury who is an addiction expert, MD, Founder and President of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center.

From her over two decades of working experience in this discipline, doctor Akoury defines Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as a modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for those with severe psychosocial disorders. According to the recent work at the University of Washington suggests its effectiveness with chemical dependency, in particular, and some addiction specialists are incorporating DBT into rehab treatment plans. It is however important to appreciate that this form of therapy concentrates on skill development, coping strategies, and the individual’s strengths. Through a focus on positive reinforcement, Dialectical Behavior Therapy can decrease the number of self-destructive episodes an individual might experience, as well as their severity. The basic assumption of DBT is that people are doing the best they can but are lacking the skills necessary to function appropriately in any given environment.

Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy and teenage addiction: How does DBT works

When you choose this mode of addiction treatment for your specific condition, it will be very important to be informed of how DBT works. Doctor Akoury registers that basically there are about four components of DBT and they may include the following:

Individual therapy
Group therapy
Therapist Consultation Team
Phone Coaching

Now for better understanding, let us seek the expert’s opinion from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center which is the home of solution founded by doctor Dalal Akoury, MD and President of the facility (AWAREmed Health and Wellness) as follows:

Individual therapy

Professionally, this is where the client records issues that come up during the week on diary cards and discusses them with a therapist. During these sessions, the therapy focuses on developing or improving skills that will diminish self-destructive behaviors, sabotage to therapy, and improve overall quality of life. This is actually very important especially to the teenagers who are struggling with the various forms of addiction. With the administration of DBT there will be both physical and psychological empowerment which is very instrumental in the fight against addiction.

Group therapy

Doctor Akoury reiterates that when group therapy is done at least once week and sessions that will last for up to two and a half hours, focusing on the use of four specific skills: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance, the result will be overwhelmingly productive to everyone whether you are the direct victim or indirect victim. Many people often feel intimidated when they are alone with the specialist but with the group therapy some ray of comfort and confidence is possible since one will be able to ride on the experiences of other people who have been there. Moral support is one of the strengths realized in such an arrangement. Therefore if you or any one you know is struggling with an addiction of any kind, then you may want to be the bridge through which they will get the much needed help they need by scheduling for an appointment with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. On receipt of your appointment, doctor Dalal Akoury and her team of experts will attend to you humanly and with a lot of confidence. Patient doctor trust and confidentiality is one virtue we uphold in this facility to perfection.

Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy and teenage addiction: Therapist Consultation Team

This includes therapists who are using Dialectical Behavior Therapy and provides weekly support for the therapist.

Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy and teenage addiction: Phone Coaching

This is designed to help incorporate skills into an individual’s daily life. The coaching sessions are generally brief, informative and to the point. It is however very important to take note that mindfulness is the foundation for the other skills taught in DBT, because it helps individuals accept the powerful emotions they may feel when exposed to difficult situations. Buddhist practice for instance informs the mindfulness exercises used in DBT, though the version used does not contain religious concepts. DBT helps develop the capacity to be present, to pay attention without judgment, and helps individuals develop perspective on their emotional states. Doctor Akoury is further registering that since the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy in substance abuse is comparatively new, it is yet to be considered as an evidence-based therapy. However, the increased use of DBT in the treatment of chemical dependency will likely yield statistical evidence to prove or discount its effectiveness.

Finally understanding dialectical behavior therapy and teenage addiction is just but one out of the many options available for the treatment of drug addiction and not just in the teens, but also with other different age groups. It is therefore very necessary that when considering any method of application, expert opinion would be very important. And for that reason, we want to advice that you consult with your physician for further professional advice and if you are within reach, then you may want to consider scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for a one on one discussion with her and you will not regret having done so.