Living with addiction can pull you into intense emotions, conflict, stress, and impulsive actions. Many people feel stuck between wanting to change and feeling overwhelmed by everything that comes with recovery. These emotions are real, and they can make daily life feel harder than it should be.
Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, can help you find balance again. DBT teaches practical skills that make it easier to stay calm, think clearly, and respond to stressful moments without turning to substances. It is a structured, evidence-based therapy used to support people who struggle with strong emotions, addiction, and co-occurring mental health conditions.
At The Carter Treatment Center, we use a variety of therapies to help you understand your emotions, strengthen your coping tools, and build healthier patterns that support long-term recovery.
You deserve support that helps you feel steady and in control. Reach out if you are noticing the early signs of struggle or want to begin a healthier path.
Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on two main ideas: accepting your experiences and learning new skills to change what is not working. The word dialectical means two things can be true at the same time. You can accept where you are today and still work toward something better.
DBT teaches skills in four main areas:
DBT is action-oriented and focused on real life. It helps you understand your emotions, respond to stress with healthier tools, and move through recovery with more confidence.
People who struggle with addiction often face strong emotions that feel hard to manage. Stress, fear, anger, shame, and sadness can all lead to substance use as a way to cope. DBT teaches you how to tolerate uncomfortable feelings and respond in healthier ways.
DBT is especially helpful for individuals who:
DBT helps you slow down, think clearly, and make choices that support your healing. Over time, these new habits can strengthen your confidence and reduce the urge to use substances.
DBT offers practical tools that you can use right away in daily life. These skills help you navigate recovery, relationships, and stressful situations with more clarity and control.
Some DBT skills you may learn include:
These skills help you build a stronger emotional foundation and reduce the chances of relapse.
Your therapist will work with you to understand your goals, your strengths, and the challenges you face. DBT is flexible, which means it can be used in different levels of outpatient care. You may receive DBT as part of partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment, or standard outpatient therapy.
DBT can be used alongside other therapies such as CBT, EMDR, individual therapy, or group therapy. Your treatment plan may include a combination of approaches depending on what supports your healing the most.
Your needs may change during treatment, and your plan can change with you. DBT is designed to be adaptable so you can continue building skills that fit your recovery at each stage.
Many people who seek addiction treatment also live with mental health concerns. Anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, and mood swings can make recovery more challenging. DBT helps you regulate emotions so you can face these challenges with greater strength and stability.
Because DBT teaches acceptance, mindfulness, and emotional awareness, it is especially helpful for people who feel overwhelmed by their emotions or who have difficulty expressing their needs. DBT gives you tools to create a healthier emotional life that supports long-term stability.
You do not need to have a specific diagnosis for DBT to help you. If you want better control of your emotions and reactions, DBT can support you.
Here are a few numbers and statistics that highlight the importance of therapies like DBT:
According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health by SAMHSA:
These numbers and statistics highlight the need for professional behavioral health treatment and evidence-based approaches like DBT to address mental health and substance use disorders.
If you are searching for DBT near you, The Carter Treatment Center offers evidence-based DBT as part of our outpatient addiction treatment programs. We provide structured, supportive care that helps you strengthen your emotional skills, build healthier habits, and create steady progress toward recovery.
We serve metro Atlanta residents from two convenient locations:
Our team will help you understand what DBT looks like, how often sessions are held, and how these skills can help you feel more grounded and in control.
DBT teaches you how to manage emotions, stay grounded during cravings, and respond to stress without turning to substances.
Yes. DBT is often used to help people who struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, or strong emotional reactions.
Many people notice helpful changes within a few weeks, but DBT builds over time. The pace depends on your treatment plan.
Yes. DBT works well with CBT, EMDR, individual counseling, and group therapy.
No. You can move at a pace that feels safe. Your therapist will support you step by step.
Reaching out for help takes courage, but you do not have to do it alone. There is no perfect moment to begin treatment. The right time is the moment you decide you want to feel better. When you contact us, our team will listen, answer questions, and help you understand how DBT can support your recovery.
We will walk you through what to expect, how DBT works, and how it fits into your schedule. You will have a chance to talk about your goals and the changes you want to make. You deserve care that helps you feel understood and supported.
If you have questions about cost, insurance verification, or admissions, we are here to help. Our team helps you understand your options before you begin.
Healing starts with one brave choice. When you are ready, we are here.
Call (470) 616 7274 or reach out online to start your confidential consultation today.
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